Hope in RAK
Dubai's City of Hope women's shelter has long struggled for official recognition and support. Now comes the very welcome news that Shaikha Hessa bint Saqr Al Qasimi donating a villa for a similar shelter in Ras Al Khaimah. Royal recognition is hugely important in the fight to change local culture to expose and reject violence against women.
"[Sharla Musabih] stated that since opening of the [Dubai] shelter, the villa had been home to hundreds of women and children irrespective of colour or creed. Sharla said that, at present, there were more than 30 women from different nationalities including UAE nationals, Pakistanis and Indians.
"She explained that the shelter was also home to women who had been brought to the country by traffickers. “The women stay in the shelter home till their cases are sorted out with the authorities,” explained Sharla. She added that the number of such women had dropped while the number of women physically abused by their husbands had increased."
It will take time for society to fully adapt. It will take patience and continued effort to educate judges and change laws so women are protected by default, not by a difficult, lengthy court process. It will be difficult for some elements of society to accept that women should not be forced to stay with abusive husbands, and some never will accept it. But Sheikha Hessa's generous gesture is a clear sign that the general tide is turning.
"[Sharla Musabih] stated that since opening of the [Dubai] shelter, the villa had been home to hundreds of women and children irrespective of colour or creed. Sharla said that, at present, there were more than 30 women from different nationalities including UAE nationals, Pakistanis and Indians.
"She explained that the shelter was also home to women who had been brought to the country by traffickers. “The women stay in the shelter home till their cases are sorted out with the authorities,” explained Sharla. She added that the number of such women had dropped while the number of women physically abused by their husbands had increased."
It will take time for society to fully adapt. It will take patience and continued effort to educate judges and change laws so women are protected by default, not by a difficult, lengthy court process. It will be difficult for some elements of society to accept that women should not be forced to stay with abusive husbands, and some never will accept it. But Sheikha Hessa's generous gesture is a clear sign that the general tide is turning.
13 Comments:
Thank God. I would put a penalty on abusive husbands.
nice to hear about the right changes taking place.
Now we just need to be able to jail those effing husbands.
On a separate note: Just heard that municipality has passed a law stating that each flat is to be allocated only one parking space. So all those with 2 cars have to buy parking tickets (what with all the parking around residences becoming paid parking as well). Can anyone shed any light on this?
"Just heard that municipality has passed a law stating that each flat is to be allocated only one parking space."
Ah well that's ok. I'll just make my four husbands walk or bicycle to work from now on.
SD,
I see you take this women's lib crap seriously.
SD,
Any truth to the 7Days rumor? Are they being shut down?
According to the horse's mouth, no.
Yes, you are correct - "Royal recognition is hugely important in the fight to change local culture to expose and reject violence against women."
Finally, someone's listening for helpless women out there. Thanks for the post. My mom, personally know a few such women, whose lives may now change for a positive tomorrow.
And please do not get bogged down, given the recent comments at the community blog. As a native expat, I cannot express, how thankful I am, for the community blog and you. It keeps me in touch with "home" via open debates - something which hardly existed whilst I growing up.
I also feel, both sides, should thru debate get to know one another.
The economic change is a fast paced in the UAE, however, cultural change is exactly the opposite, it is slow (but steady), hence the local & native communities will take added time to comprehend sentiments of newer expat bloggers - and for that you have to be patient.
A very intriguing blog you have here. I found it through Dubai Daily Photo. Very interesting to hear what's going on in your part of the world and to see so many different perspectives.
Eric, yeah… it’s really interesting to see what secretdubai writes… you will learn a lot…
Hi SD,
I'm looking for the organization's contact number (in Dubai). It wasn't listed in the telephone directory and couldn't find it on the net. But I rememmber reading it somewhere on the net months ago. All I know, from online articles, is that it's villa no. 18 in Jumeirah, that's not enough information. Do you know anyone who can be of help? Thanks a lot.
Nim - if you drop me an email, I will try to pass your contact on to someone who can possibly put you in touch with them. [my username here] at Gmail.
Hi, I am currently helping out at a Solicitors in Dubai and I have been asked to research the law surrounding Domestic Violence within the UAE. As I understand it The City of Hope and sister shelters appear to be the only rescue haven for women who are desperate for help. I would be extremely grateful if Sharla could get in touch with me or perhaps I could get Sharlas e-mail to discuss this further as when I do have a client who claims Domestic Violence I want to be able to advise them fully of their position and protection that they may have within the Emirate.
Thanx :-)
legalresearcher I would like to speak with you. i am coming to Dubai and also looking into the issue.
Please email me. zoemedia (at) yahoo.com
thanks.
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