Intelligence Squared Mona Eltahawy on the Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
May 4, 2021
Mona Eltahawy, an Egyptian writer and feminist activist, boldly advocates for women and girls to embrace the 'seven necessary sins': anger, ambition, and power. She shares inspiring stories of women across the globe challenging patriarchal norms, from the rise of domestic violence during the pandemic to the provocative acts of figures like Alia El Mahdi. Eltahawy emphasizes the importance of men as allies in feminism and discusses the role of social media in empowering marginalized voices, pushing for transformative policies to uplift women's lives.
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Patriarchy as an Octopus
- Patriarchy, like an octopus, uses multiple oppressions (racism, misogyny, etc.) to maintain male dominance.
- Both men and women can be harmed by or benefit from this system.
Personal Experience with Assault
- Mona Eltahawy describes being sexually assaulted at 15 and 50.
- At 50, she fought back, highlighting the shame from the first incident and the empowerment from the second.
Curriculum for Girls
- Create a "Rage for Girls" curriculum.
- Include feminist icons like Ursula K. Le Guin and June Jordan to inspire and empower girls.
