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katebenzin (36) in life • 7 years ago (edited)

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7 years ago by katebenzin (36)

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joannereid (51) · 7 years ago

Well you just gave me a whole new view of Muslim women's role. And very interesting information about the hijab. I have an insular view of the world and I really enjoyed hearing about how the world really is, not just the North American-centric view as seen on TV. Thanks!

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1 vote

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

Thanks, Joanne. Islam in Indonesia is quite different from how it is in Middle East countries. And it's the largest population of Muslims in the world.

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peggyhazelwood (46) · 7 years ago

I didn't know the difference in the head coverings nor that women in Indonesia handle the money in the family. Excellent! I know I am better money manager than lots of, let's just say, better than some people I've known in my life!

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

The money issue was difficult for me during the time I was married to an Indonesian because unlike you, I don't handle money well.

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angelacs (54) · 7 years ago

Very interesting article, Kate.

Thanks for distinguishing between the hijab and the niqab. I was fuzzy on the difference between those two.

Upvoted already and will resteem and FB/tweet.

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1 vote

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

Thanks, Angela, for your support. I'm going to look for your posts now.

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rayaa (41) · 7 years ago (edited)

I wear hijab and i like it.

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1 vote

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

Thanks, Rayaa. Your child is beautiful. Good luck here on Steemit.

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rayaa (41) · 7 years ago

thanks dear

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solomonsel (52) · 7 years ago

It's actually refreshing to know that in some part of the world women hold such power. I just want to know what the economy there is like?How are the politics? It's often said that if women ran the world most of the problems we have will be non existent.

It's also good to hear that it is a choice for Muslim women to cover their heads and faces but you actually have a choice and do it as a fashion trend? That's just awesome to know.

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

Thanks, Solomon. The economy here in Indonesia is pretty good - although inflation is high. The middle class is growing very fast - in fact, so fast that it's been difficult for the government to keep up with the goods and services for middle class families. What I mean is that the power grids need to be expanded because as people move up in economic capability, they're using more and more electricity to the point that we have frequent electric outages. Things like that. Thanks for your interest.

You asked about the politics - sorry, but I'm not knowledgeable enough about politics here or in my home country to discuss that.

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solomonsel (52) · 7 years ago

Wow. Sounds like the country is really growing and heading in a positive direction. This might be a stereotype but I can't wait for more female heads of state especially in these super countries.
What's the cause of the rapid growth in the middle class though?
We call regular power outages load-shedding in South Africa. Maybe tat's the general global term for it. Whatever is called it is a sore thorn in the backside.

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

In one word - opportunity. That's why the middle class is growing and growing. The government here has been instrumental in improving the economy and creating opportunities for people. Something that might interest you - the government teams up with aid agencies to offer Indonesians the opportunity to study abroad for advanced degrees. Do those people stay in the countries they go to? That's always a risk. But Canada did a study and found that the return rate of Indonesians who studied in Canada for an advanced degree was 100%. They also found that for every dollar Canada invested in the aid program, they got a return of $4 from the Indonesians who were studying there. Maybe I should write a post about this!!

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solomonsel (52) · 7 years ago

Oh my word! A government that actually does what it is meant to do. Do you have any idea of how foreign of a concept an actively positive government is in most parts of the world? This is truly amazing. I'm genuinely pleasantly shocked right now.
Those people really love their country and wish to see it thrive. I'm not surprised that 100% of them go back.
This is such an interesting topic. You should definitely write about it.

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keciah (50) · 7 years ago

Interesting and very educational, @katebenzin! I didn't know about the different kinds of head coverings in Indonesia. Also, I thought that women that wore hijabs were required to wear them for some reason. Nice to know the truth!

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katebenzin (36) · 7 years ago

Thanks, Kecia. Women who wear hijabs here often do it because it's been the tradition in the family - although that isn't 100% since in my friend Susi's family, some of her female siblings don't wear it and at least one does.

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dkfynn (32) · 7 years ago (edited)

When I saw the title of this post, I was a bit cautious, because around the world, the issue of Muslim women and head coverings can be a hot topic.

I'd heard both sides of the argument: one side saying that head coverings are a religious symbol, the other side saying that they're a symbol of oppression.

So, as I proceeded to read, I was curious as to what the "outcome" of this article would be. Is she going to say that head scarves are a form of religious obedience or oppression of women...or both?

When I read that, " In many cases, hijabs now have more to do with fashion than religion," I must admit I was a bit relieved.

This article might not be that divisive after all. Good.

It's good to see that, as far as I can tell, women in Indonesia are free to fully express their religous choice.

I also appreciated your definitons of the hijab, the niqab, and the burka.

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