Chapter 8 Female Activism, Tribalism, and Shame in the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

Shame and guilt have been two dominant disciplining practices against female activists in the Middle East in general and the Arabian Gulf in particular. The violation of women’s bodies including sexual harassment, allegations of rape, police detention, and imprisonment has a disturbing effect on the female activists, their families, relatives, and direct communities that are still dominated by tribal connections and deep-seated sexist traditions and practices. Nevertheless, the post-Arab Spring era has witnessed crucial change in the familial and communal reception and celebration of female activism in public spaces in the Arabian Gulf. For instance, when Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul was imprisoned, her family contacted local and international media announcing that al-Hathloul was tortured, harassed, and threatened of rape. Likewise, Bahraini Hajer Mansoor was tortured and assaulted during the 2011 protests. This chapter examines how Gulf female activists turn shame and guilt into positive acts of resistance. It specifically investigates how they motivate and utilize cultural and social changes in their countries and in the region in general to promote and address women’s real needs and causes, thus getting communal and public support and influence.