Interview Other Side From the Perceptions of women in the Arab world vary from place to place. Arguably, though, there is a propensity for negative stereotyping. Natasha Bird talks to writer, director and movie-maker Joseph Tito about his upcoming project — a film seeking to bring the strength and character of Bahraini women to light. Loredana Mantello The Arab world has been experiencing a particularly high level of global exposure in the last few years. The Arab Spring in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and beyond has attracted our attention and journalists and self-appointed commentators alike have flooded the internet with accounts of brutality, tyranny and revolution. Whether consciously or not, most of the news-aware population has begun to form opinions about this part of the world — relating to politics, history and even the traditions and cultures. Although a lot of the focus has been on government organisations, other components of the Arab world have come under scrutiny. The women of the Middle East have seen the spotlight turn firmly in their direction. Unfortunately, though, this hasn’t been an overwhelmingly positive experience. From condemning the hijab to lamenting the idea that women aren’t allowed to drive in certain countries, there has been an alarming level of criticism. | June 2012 | woman this month 16
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