Gaza Marathon Canceled After Women are Barred From Participating

Many cultures are restricted from activities due to their religious belief. In this week article, Gaza women are restricted to participate in an marathon annual fund-raising event because it is “ a violation of the Islam religion.” The decision was made by the Hama’s, which governs the territory, “with intentions to tougher Islamic strictures on an already conservative society.” Because the Hamas barred women from participating, this led to the event being cancelled. Over, 2,4000 people had registered to run, 370 were women, and two thirds of them were Gazans. The United Nations agency were very “disappointed” in the Hamas decision, on the bright side, little girls still could participate in the event with the rest of the 1,600 schoolchildren.

Taher al-Nounou, a spokesman for the Hamas government, made a statement to the United Nations agency to respect the “some regulations related to the Palestinian people’s traditions and customs, and said that the government regretted the cancellation.” One of the women who was going to participate in the event, Salma al-Qadoumi, expressed how “:saddened and shocked by the ban, it is against Islam, because Islam encouraged Muslims to learn sports, and it did not stipulate that it’s only men who should practice sport.” When the Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, they had a plan to become more strict in behavioral codes, especially on women and how they dress.

It is hard to go against cultures religious beliefs because it is not our place to change them and I wouldn’t want anyone trying to change my beliefs. Although the decision to forbid women of Gaza to participate in the fund raising event is unfair, Hamas, believe that they are doing the right thing and protecting their religion practices. My question would be, why does little girls have the right to participate in the event, but not older women? The world is trying to improve the role of women and their freedom, but in Gaza, I feel as if they are rewinding women’s roles and traditions. Women should take a stand and request for a new ruler in the government if they become too strict that will harm women’s lives and restrict them from all rights or equality. Hopefully, the United Nations could do another event that does not go against Gaza religion so that women can participate and make a difference in their community.



http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/world/middleeast/gaza-marathon-canceled-after-women-are-barred-from-participating.html?_r=0

Sheila Floyd

3/6/2013

Soc 202-01