I love to see a Middle Eastern woman in a hijab taking quality photos

I am not quite sure I like it but I love to see Middle Eastern women taking quality photographs. Here we have a video promoting the Leica camera and a Middle Eastern lady in a hijab using a Leica M11. The impression is that she is a serious photographer because only a serious photographer would use a Leica M11 on account of the fact they are bloody expensive. But it is more than that. Leica cameras create great images if you are a good photographer. It is a very fine photographic tool.

She is using a Leica M11 in the desert. Great. She is holding the camera nicely which indicates a competent photographer.

The reason why I like it is - I believe - because I like to see women in general expressing their artistic desires. We so often see men as the primary photographers; the creative ones, but there are some great female photographers. So this is about equality and I am very keen on equality.

And in the Middle East the impression I get is that women lead lives in the shadow of men. They appear to be a bit second class albeit they live good lives within that context because of the high value economy.

So it is nice to see then expressing themselves in doing something they love. Sort of breaking free of the role that is perhaps expected of them. A low-profile life, which does not ruffle feathers in any way.

Serious photographers can ruffle feathers as they can photograph things that are near the bone. A bit difficult to discuss and address. So once again, for me, seeing a serious Middle Eastern photographer taking photos is nice because it signals that she has a mind of her own and demands equality. A woman with a strong mind. 

In places like Iran it would probably be impossible to take photos with a Leica M11! You'd be too ostentatious. Too visible. You'd be a marked person. I am not sure if Iranian women are allowed to take street photographers. Probably not. What do you think?

I like women with strong minds. Intelligent women. Women who see themselves as equals in a society that tends to demand that they are not equal to me judging by the reports that we get in the West. And if they are good or even great photographers as well my admiration is strengthened.

Here is some information about women's rights in the Middle East from Google Gemini:

The situation of women's rights in the Middle East is complex and varies significantly across countries. While some nations have made notable progress, others continue to grapple with deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and legal systems that discriminate against women.

Progress and Reforms:

• Legal Changes: Several countries have enacted reforms aimed at enhancing women's rights. These include:
  • Relaxing guardianship laws, granting women more freedom of movement and decision-making power.
  • Increasing women's access to education and employment.
  • Strengthening laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment.
• Social and Cultural Shifts: There's a growing women's rights activism movement across the region, advocating for change and raising awareness about gender inequality.
• Economic Empowerment: More women are entering the workforce and participating in the economy, leading to greater financial independence.

Challenges and Setbacks:

• Deep-rooted Patriarchy: Traditional gender roles and societal norms often perpetuate discrimination against women.
• Legal Disparity: Despite reforms, many countries still have discriminatory laws regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody.
• Violence Against Women: Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and femicide remain prevalent issues in many countries.
• Limited Political Representation: Women are underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making positions.

Specific Examples:

• Saudi Arabia: Has witnessed significant reforms in recent years, including allowing women to drive, work without male guardian permission, and attend educational institutions. However, challenges remain in areas like women's inheritance rights and freedom of movement.   1. Saudi Arabia: Proposed Reforms Neglect Basic Rights - Human Rights Watch www.hrw.org
• Iran: Women have a history of activism and have fought for their rights, leading to achievements in education and the workforce. However, they face restrictions on dress code, freedom of movement, and legal rights in areas like marriage and divorce.
• Other Countries: The situation varies widely. Some countries like Lebanon and Tunisia have relatively progressive laws on paper, but enforcement and social attitudes remain obstacles. Others, like Yemen and Syria, are engulfed in conflict, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of women and girls.

Overall, while there have been positive developments, the path towards gender equality in the Middle East is still fraught with challenges. Progress is uneven, and much work remains to be done to ensure that women and girls have equal rights and opportunities across the region.

---------

P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.