Unveiling the Woman
70
Introduction Video by Dr. Kluane
Un-covering Women
By Dr. Kluane Spake
For a moment, would you just put yourself in this situation and think - "every waking moment my body is completely covered, only my eyes, feet and hands are exposed. If I dare go outside without my burka, I will be stoned. I cannot leave my house alone or look out my windows. I receive daily beatings. My sweet and youngest daughter was sold so the rest of the family could eat. .."
This is not make believe, this is how millions of Islamic women live their lives TODAY -- not 100 years ago. Today.
Somehow, a lot of the Christian world can ignore the difficulties of women around the world. We tend to pass it off, or just forget about them. We all do it - guess it's too hard to face the truth of the lack of equality in how they live. So... we cover our eyes and don't look at those who are fully covered except for their eyes.
I recently began to ask, what if it were me? What if I had been born there? In imagining their plight, I made a composite photo of me peering behind the veil - trying to envision what it would be like... for only a moment.
The Fortunate Ones
For me, a greater awareness began on a trip to Asia Minor a few years ago. We met with a university professor and several of the school's leading women students. These were the fortunate ones. Their voices softly passed through from behind their veil as we sat together around a table. Their dull-colored veils entirely covered their nose and mouth and hair - only their dark eyes peeked out with darting glances.
We asked them about their curriculum and about their dreams... "Do you have rights? Can you say what you want to say? Can you go where you want to go?"
"We have total freedom!" They insisted, as their instructor stood behind them nodding approvingly.
"Why, we can even choose for ourselves what color of veil we want to wear!"
These are the more fortunate ones.
The Veil
Veils remain part of their cherished identity. The Arabic word for "veiling" is hijab. Lexically it means "COVER", and in Islam it means that women must be clothed in the head-to-toe garment specifically called burka or jilbab and khimar. The Quran explains that Muslim women must wear "scarf" (hijab) and cover her head for identity and modesty. She should not only cover her face, but usually her entire body. Tradition causes many of these women to actually believe that a covering provides them with protection. They find it a privilege of dignity to wear a veil. They claim that veils enhance their desire for purity and help them reject the Western mindset and definition of freedom. They say that a veil brings them "peace."
This covering concept maintains an observable inequality of the sexes, despite the Islamic prescriptions on the subject of freedom and equality. These women tell us that the veil keeps them innocent and safe from being beguiled and raped. By focusing on covering women, the men become removed from most of the responsibility.
"Men who look at us choose to do so not out of wantonness but because they RESPECT us."
This kind of "respect" generally comes in the form of forced young marriages, and bridal (as opposed to groom-paid) dowries. Respect means that she will be totally ruled by her husband AND his family. Respect? Respect toward millions of women comes in savage genital mutilation - which is considered their cultural norm. They call removing her potential for sexual enjoyment as just a "circumcision." An innocent little term that cloaks the truth.
But custom and culture continue to rule there as it does here. Custom and culture are stronger forces than we can imagine. The strongest tie to this tradition of veiling/covering is that the other women enforce it upon one another. The place of approval and acceptance is in compliance to the standards. For millions, this causes conditions to be worse...
One of the biggest problems is that their veiling keeps us from really seeing their identity. Their veils make it easier for us to ignore their suffering.
News from Afghanistan: KAMBAKHSH
BBC current news reports that Kambakhsh downloaded information about women's rights and circulated it on campus -- and now this 23 year old student faces the death penalty - for BLASPHEMY! For the last three months, this young man has shared a prison cell meant for four people with thirty men. "During this time he has been attacked by Taliban prisoners because they believe he is guilty of blasphemy. His food was contaminated by guards, he has lost a lot of weight, and he is traumatized. -- He shares a cell with murderers, robbers, drug smugglers, people smugglers and terrorists." (Independent World)
Patrick Goodenough (International Editor CNSNews.com) says, - "The death sentence given to a young Afghan man convicted of insulting Islam is focusing attention once again on the dominant -- and controversial -- role the religion enjoys in the country's constitution and laws."
Here and in many places of the world, women's rights are not to be questioned. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said this week, "I do think that the Afghans understand that there are some international norms that need to be respected."
7 year old Afghanistan victim of violence
Women's fault
- RAWA
RAWA is the oldest political/social organization of Afghan women struggling for peace, freedom, democracy and women's rights in fundamentalism-blighted Afghanistan since 1977. - Dr. Kluane Spake
An apostolic ministry mandated to bring reformation concepts to the church - and to proclaim the fullness of redemption to all men and women of the world.
Afganistan Women - difficult to watch
The Unfortunate
Since 1996, when the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, women have been stoned and beaten simply for not wearing a burka that has mesh covering her eyes. The windows of her home must be painted so that she cannot be seen from the outside. She cannot appear in public without a male relative. RAWA tells how once highly regarded professional women (lawyers, doctors, etc.) are forbidden to work and many are starving to death or begging. These women must never be heard - her shoes must be totally silent.
Meanwhile, eleven year old girls are being forced to marry forty year old men. And only 14 percent of pregnant women in Afghanistan have any kind of "attendant" with skills during child delivery. A paralyzed 26 year old woman in Kunduz was forced to sell her daughter for $10. in order to have enough money to feed her other two children. Suicide (or immolation) is often their only escape.
In Sept. 2007, Donald Rumsfield actually stated, "In Afghanistan, 28 million people are free. They have their own president, they have their own parliament. (things have) Improved a lot on the streets." October issue of GQ magazine. AP RAWA says he's probably right, "Afghan women are free to commit self-immolation and beg in the streets, warlords are free to commit any crime, kidnap and rape women, loot people, and do drug business."
The strongest tie to this tradition of abuse is that families and neighbors enforce it upon one another. The place of approval and acceptance is in compliance to the standards of their culture.
Many countries mistreat women and children and deny them their human rights. We just can't hold our head in the sand any longer. We must begin a REFORMATION that will redefine society. The cry for help can be heard from these women. Eventually, if enough of us join their cry, a force field of change will be accomplished. We must declare their release. Each man and each woman should have human rights and individual destiny.
Reformation and liberation of humanity must be distinguish from unrestrained feminism and libertinism. Libertinism disregards all precious values. Reformation sets people free to uphold righteous values.
What can we do? AWARENESS if our first necessary assignment. Remember for a moment... "What if it were me?" The EYES of BOTH MEN and WOMEN around the world are veiled to seeing this problem. When our own eyes become un-covered and un-veiled - and we dare to look, perhaps we will be more effective in uncovering the helpless women and children of the world.
- Third day church group
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A place for women to discuss ministry issues - My myspace
- List of Dr. Spake's Hubs
- Wikipedia - the veiling of women
- Peace & Safety
This website has valuable instructions and education for the abused and battered. - Refused rescue of improperly dressed girls fleeing school fire in Saudi
What Can We Do?
Education and awareness will drive action.
My friend... If this article stirred your heart or was helpful to you, please help me spread this message. You can do this by going to the bottom of this page and click the "SHARE IT!" Then, also please leave your comments and ideas for help.
There are few just causes to fight for! The freedom of all women around the world is a just cause.
Even in America, many Christian women fight epidemic abuse. The statistics on Clergy abuse are startling. We must not turn a veiled eye to this pandemic problem. We must begin to address the causes and cultural mindsets that give power to these prejudices.
The plight of women around the world is a topic that must be more thoroughly addressed. Please look at the many articles, books, and ebooks on our website www.kluane.org that address this subject.
Thank you for your prayers on this matter - NOW LET'S DO something! Thank you for your generous contributions to RAWA -
From your online pastor! Dr. Kluane Spake
Jeremiah 22:3, "Thus says the Lord: "Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor."
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Comments
Reformation redefines leadership in the proper way. Ask the Lord to provide the right apostolic guidance to help you become un-VEILED. Achieve this true liberty and freedom. Stay with them and don't walk away from good relationships. Be covenantal and reach your destiny. This says it all for me. I thank God for you Pastor Kluane :)
This is an important issue that we must pray about and take action!
My word, this is so impacting. My prayer is not only for the women who are in bondage, but also the men. These men are veiled as well. They will never experience the beauty and preciousness of God's daughters. Truly, their treatment towards women eats at their (man's) very soul. Dr. Kluane, this article moved me in so many ways that cannot be expressed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Our sisters need our prayers, and it is through prayer that this will change.
This is so sad that women would do such a thing to themselves and that the men treat them so badly. You make a difference Pastor Kluane, thank you for bringing awareness to this hard subject.
Dr. Kluane, thank you so much for exposing the truth about such a relevant matter. I agree with another comment that not only the women, but the men as well, are veiled. I shall be praying for the women of Afghanistan and others in bondage around the world. We must prophesy, prophesy, prophesy deliverance from bondage and true liberty throughout the earth. THE VOICE OF THE LORD SHALL NOT BE STOPPED!
A very sensitive area for a huge % of the world's women.....taught with clarity as well as sensitivity,yet expressing the outrage we feel for our veiled sisters.
May we pray persistenly for a major change in the mindset and spirit of the men who enforce these rules and the women who feel there is no hope for them for change and continue to accept the situation. May they both be unveiled by the Holy Spirit and come into the precious liberty we enjoy.
Thank you for making us aware of the horrors that women continue to experience in the world. These horrors and injustice effects everyperson on every continuent and need to be exposed to the free world. Let each of us as human beings join in the fight for justice and safety for the women as well as the men who share in their plight. Let the power of the Holy Spirit reign in stirring the right people to action toward justice for these women.
very disturbing and difficult reality to embrace-it must be utterly rejected through prayer and support of reformation. thanks for sharing and your passionate concern for others Dr. Spake.
In my short time being aquainted with Dr. Kluane Spake I have found her to be an anointed vessel of the Lord. Her message is contempary with present truth and very prophetic. I believe her to be an apostolic voice for this generation and for the body of Christ. Every believer will bennifit from her books and tapes. God Bless, Roger Hutchins
Continue to speak out loudly and clearly. May the truth be heard in every nation, and may true freedom be realized.
Dear Dr. Kluane, I am so grateful that you are obeying God and bringing this issue into the open. People have tried before but I believe now is the time of women's redemption. It took me 15 years before I admitted I had been raped. It took 25 to heal. I can't even image the denial and self condemnation that these women are bound to. I stand united with you and those God brings along side you as you boldly enter into the enemys camp. When God steps into darkness - it has to flee. Be encouraged - the enemy is on the run.
I admire your passion and commitment to this issue. May God empower you through his Spirit to attain to a calling forth of unity that will break the bonds of this travesty and injustice.
It is so heartbreaking to hear and see how women are being treated/abused so severely in that country and other parts of the world. I think, the veil is being used to cover the shame, wounds and 'sour/bitter' faces those women might bore/have in their lives(spiritually/physically). If the veils could be taken off, thats where you'll see the exact reflection of what is in their hearts. Sooo, through intensive prayers and intercession women and their families would be released from that bondage. Thanks for this and be blessed for that good work.
Dr.Kluane,
I have so enjoyed your apostolic relevetory teaching about women and the church.
Back in 2000 I led a women's prayer gorup specific to Afgany women.
I am so glad you are giving the clarion call to this issue
It is heart wretching to see our sisters in slavery to religious tradition and deception. I received a Word from the Lord back in Jan. 2007.
Here is just a part of the Word.
"I am awakening My destiny call within My daughter's.
Arise! Arise! Arise! O daughter's of Zion for you will no longer hide in the shadows because of the tradition's of man's doctrines. For I Am restoring My daughter's for such a time as this. I Am raising them up all over the earth. I Am setting them free from the strongholds of religion that has despised their names, and from the stench of prejudice. But I say that My church has taught the doctrines of men, not mine, says the Lord. Far too long My daughter's have been hiding in the shadows. Many have been despised by men. They have been victims of abuse and been slaves to harsh taskmasters in forced marriges and hidden under veils.
Their voices have been silenced in the chruch and in their countries. I have heard their cries coming forth in My throne room. For this day I Am removing the bands around your heads and the shackles around your feet and hands, and I Am looosing your tongues, says the Lord."
May God stir up and ignite the reformers to come forth as you are Dr. Kluane
Powerful article by Dr. Spate. Thank you for this insight to a prevailing problem that needs to be addressed by the Christian world.
I have always known of injustices that women have had to endure all over the world but this just ignites a holy anger in me to see the will of God established in the earth realm....my aim is to just let the Holy Spirit guide me as I am hoping he will allow me to be able to speak change into the atmosphere concerning this gross error and injustice....he has called us to bring righteous judgment and I just wanna be available as he leads....but I just decree and declare that God does all that he desires to do through your ministry Apostle Spake, in His glorious name!
My heart hurts even more, I use to be a health care worker and was recently laid off, I have met womem from countries like this who have come to US for relief, my prayers is that more exposure to this is done. I pray that we stop looking away and looking at this with much prayer and fasting for a change. I had a co-worker tell me "forget about it, its their culture their belief" I say maybe so, but if Jesus had not walked by and said "Come Follow Me" where would we be today regarding Salvation. Come on and show the love with urgency that Christ showed.I
I was the victim of domestic violence for 20 years, God set me free. GOD SET ME FREE. I tried myself but could not myself. The trust I gave to Jehovah God gave me strength and power I can not explain, He placed people in my life in situations that encourged my path with God. TRUST THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Today I am free from violence, I recieved a gift from God and we married. We conduct bible/cluster groups meeting from our home. I praise God.
Thank You Dr. Spane for you heart on this matter it is of The highest importance.
This is an amazing article Dr. Kluane. Even though most of us have not experienced these things first-hand or may not be directly affected by them, it is our responsibility as people to speak out and change these injustices in our world. We can make a difference. Thank you for sharing your heart.
You are a loud voice and I pray others will hear and not only hear but do something to help these women who need someone like you to bring awareness to this issue.
WOW thank you for trying to do your part in helping all these women who are just as human as you and I , but sadly they are not treated so..
For sure we need more awareness on this issue. So maybe one day we can make a differance.
Keep up the good work!
It's so wonderful to see someone who is strong with a cause!
WOW! What an eye opener this was for me. I admire you, Dr. Kluane, for taking a stand and doing what you can to help these women ... and even as important, for your courage to get the information out there so people will be informed, aware, and educated. Thank you for making a difference!
Shocking and powerful -- This is a tragic situation and one that needs our attention. Thank you for bringing this to light.
Two thumbs up! Powerful teaching and a tremendous insight on a global subject.
Hopefully this article will make its way to those who have the governmental authority to help change the injustices highlighted within. I pray that it does help bring about real change.
Thanks for causing me to look outside my view of the world, and to have more insight into the spiritual issues behind the "veiling" of women.
I guess we can't take our freedom so lightly in America, I sure hope your articles continue to make people more aware, and others more free.
Good.
Dr. Kluane Spake often turns up at just the right time.
Just a brilliant womn, doing what she is called to be!
After reading this article, my heart goes out to these precious women who are in bondage; and also to Kambakhsh. I pray that Dr. Spake's action on this matter will raise awareness and spark action where it really counts.
So easy to forget that it's not just about mythical "democracy," but there is a very real aspect beyond that isn't dealt with yet.
What if it were me strikes a cord of terror inside of me. I am soooo thankful to have the freedom that I have in this country. This is a brilliant article PK
2 thumbs up on this article! Thank you for sharing this eye opening informative truth. Thank you Dr. Spake in speaking out boldly for woman in bondage. More voices are needed in this day in setting our sisters free in Jesus name.
Dr Kluane Spake is undoubtedly on the cutting edge of this rather very tpoical issue that continues to plague the Middle Eastern woman in general and the Islamic woman in particular. Indeed, the whole purpose of salvation, as Dr Spake has eternally articulated in some of her very vital works, is not for uncovering but for the covenant of freedom that we possess in Christ. Aposte Spake is a breath of fresh air in a day and time when the "oxygen" of the Holy Spirit has been snuffed out of the preaching and teaching of the Gospel. I cannot over-emphasize the import of these articles to Christian leaders all over the world, as we prepare to respond to the End-time challenge of taking the Gospel into the Islamic world to set those people whom our Lord and Savior died for. We should listen more to teachers and leaders like Kluane Spake. God bless!
I hope this message is spread far and wide. It could have a tremendous impact on the middle eastern women who are held in bondage. The only true hope for these women is the Bold proclamationof the Gospel of the Kindom.
Brilliant article, Pastor Kluane.
It's a terribly cruel injustice, the things that happen to those women. I hope that there will come a day when they can experience true freedom.
I've lived in many parts of the Muslim world and never saw any of what you describe. You are picking and choosing what you want to show. And that is mostly your feeling of moral superiority. You are not spreading love. You have little understanding. Annointed apostle of God? I don't think so.
I've lived in many parts of the Muslim world and never saw any of what you describe. You are picking and choosing only what you want to show. And that is mostly your feeling of moral superiority. You are not spreading love, and you have little understanding.
Annointed apostle of God? I don't think so.
Of course there are many places in the Muslim world where these conditions do not exist. We are only pointing out those areas of problems in this article. We care about these women - it is not a judgment.
Thank you- I learned a lot. Will be praying for them
A very, very strong message.
Excellent discussion on a gross injustice. Every women's group and synagogue, mosque and church of EVERY denomination and religion should be aware of this.
Good work.
Thank you for your courage, Pastor. I will pass your URL to people in my sphere of influence. You are but a small voice in a vast world of excessive violence against those who cannot defend themselves. I pray that one small voice light a spark in the hearts of all those who are now aware through your writings. May that spark inflame them into action. The task is difficult but not impossible. Persisence will prevail. I had an Afghan friend here in San Diego. I have visited his home several times, ate with him, played wth his son and never once saw his wife although I've heard her voice. He was a gentle and loving father to his children, so there is hope. You are in my prayers and in my heart.
Rev. George Gunter
I appreciate your cocerned remarks. Please tell others about this article so that they can also send comments.
Wow, very informative and eyeopening. Prayer is powerful, and so is "speaking" out about this subject. I am sending this article out to as many people as possible.
Great article and factual vidios to back it up. Things change through a people who pray and back up prayer through action.
Thank you Pastor Kluane for rasining awareness about such a serious issue. Everyone should care for women. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, neices, grandmothers, etc..
Great article. Maybe you can get some exposure on the new website I saw yesterday on GMA. Women on women. http://www.wowowow.com/. Powerful and influential women discussing women's issues. This certainly applies and affects us all.
Great Article, thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We get wrapped up in our own lives and forget that we are all connected whether we are the body of Christ or just the bond of humanity.
Excelent article. Thank you for opening my eyes to this injustice. It seems that one can get so caught up in seeing only a western view and forget that women's rights ares still in the dark ages for so many women in the middle east.
Thank you for your passion
This is something I didn't realize was even going on thanks for opening my eyes.
Excellent and very touching!!!!
But the majority that is not affected by this, does not mean that our God careless about the few that is affected. And this will not delay the process of our God Almighty to come down to deliver HIS. For HE is the God of the oppressed, the brokenhearted, and the poor & needy. This is what HE says: ''Behold, I AM the LORD, the GOD of 'ALL' Flesh; is there "anything' Too hard for ME"?? HE continues to say; "Behold, I have made the Heavens and the Earth by MY GREAT POWER and by MY OUTSTRETCHED ARM, there is "Nothing" too hard for ME". " Be not dismayed & terrified for 'I Am your GOD. I will strengthen you to difficulties, yes, I will help you and with My Right Hand of Righteousness, I will uphold you".
Love and be well strengthen!!!
And many THANKS for opening our eyes!!!
It occurs to me that burkas are the perfect way to cover up signs of physical violence and abuse. As an American, I bristle whenever I hear "women can't ..." or "women aren't permitted to ..." I hated the long list of rules my own mother had for "being a lady" while my 3 brothers could do anything that didn't get them arrested!
When I hear of the Women of Islam, I wonder how they endure all the sexist restrictions. In America, I'm concerned about fairness and opportunity. In the islamic world, I would wonder if I were even human. And what kind of God would demand that I hide myself along with my natural gifts and talent. And what is it about me that men fear so much.
Thank you for a much-needed hubpage.
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working
funhater says:
6 months ago
Great teaching, I can definitly see more clearly now, Thanks.