On October 28, 2021, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship hosted its fifth webinar in the Gender and Feminism Roundtable Series, titled “Dress Code and Bodily Agency.” This event created a safe space for discussing complex and often taboo subjects surrounding women’s autonomy over their bodies, particularly in the MENA region.

Breaking Down Societal Constraints

The discussion centered around the societal expectations and limitations imposed on women, examining how these constraints alienate women from their own bodies. The conversation delved into issues such as forced dress codes, body image struggles, harassment, and the pervasive influence of patriarchy, toxic masculinity, colonialism, and religion in controlling women’s choices.

Lina Abou-Habib, Director of the Asfari Institute, poignantly remarked, “Everything that happens to us, as women, doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it happens due to the patriarchal bubble of which it stems from.” This quote encapsulates the systemic nature of the challenges women face in reclaiming agency over their bodies.

The Impact of Social Factors

The speakers also highlighted the role of social factors such as financial opportunities, educational levels, and religious backgrounds in shaping the intensity of these issues. The lack of protective laws and systems to safeguard women’s rights was a critical point of discussion. Roula Baghdadi underscored the need for academic research on dress code and bodily agency in the Arab world, noting that religious and political tyranny often stifles such efforts.

A Call for Change

The collective goal of the roundtable was clear: to advocate for a system that restores women’s basic human rights. However, achieving this shift requires sustained activism and ongoing discussions to challenge the status quo. The speakers emphasized that these issues are far from irrelevant; they are central to the daily lives of women and other marginalized groups.

Maya El Helou concluded the discussion with a powerful reminder: “Body agency is not inherently for women; trans and non-binary individuals belong in that conversation. Agency is about people who do not fit the norm. Thus, the feminist cause is not just for women; it is for all inferiority groups—groups that are not inferior by nature but are rather forcefully inferior through violence and patriarchy. There is no right time to choose the feminist battle; it is one continuous battle, and we shall fight.”

This event highlighted the importance of addressing these deeply ingrained societal issues and reaffirmed the need for collective action in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and bodily autonomy.