Full Cover Girl: How Fundamentalism and Democracy are Eroding Women’s Rights in Iraq 2008
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by SVT in cooperation with WGBH International, Axel Arnö and Ingermar Persson
Directed by Folke Ryden
DVD, color, 53 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Middle Eastern Studies, Women's Studies, Human Rights
Date Entered: 07/15/2009
Reviewed by Malcolm L. Rigsby, Department of Sociology, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARThe film documents the realm of women’s rights in the new Iraqi government following the late elections. Soon after the beginning of the 2003 Gulf War it determined that a primary objective in restructuring the Iraqi government was to establish democratic process for elections. A secondary objective was to provide measures to ensure improved rights for women of Iraq. In accomplishing democratic election process the Shia backed party has strongly influenced governmental processes and enactment and enforcement of laws. Many conclude that these sectarian laws oppose a secular form of government and impose a new form of fundamentalism that has oppressed Iraqi women. This film centers around two women. Seen through the eyes of two strongly convicted and diametrically opposed women the viewer traces the events of the last few years. Jinan, educated and elected to the new parliament as a member of the Shia party sees her primary role as implementing Shia law. Her opponent Abir fights for independent women’s rights and seeks a secular representation in the government. Through the film, the viewer will find reference to astounding data that reflects a world of violence, murder, and harassment of women.
Excellent sound, picture quality and editing. The film flows smoothly and logically.
Questions that the viewer may come away with include:
- how will this new nation rebuild itself?;
- how will this struggle affect women, men and children?;
- how can democracy simultaneously restrict rights and ensure rights?;
- should secular western nations including the United States attempt to restructure eastern cultural definitions of justice, peace and equality?;
- what are the ancillaries that may relate to further western intervention?