You're probably thinking about a country in the Western World, well think again. The country in question is the largest on its continent. (Stop using your smart phones, this is Global Editorial where readers know their geography). Okay, I'll put you out your misery, the nation at the forefront of female domination is Algeria. No, this isn't a typo, the land that gave us two global male icons, Albert Camus and Yves Saint Laurent is actually a haven for educated women.
Here's some statistics to liven up any dinner party, especially if you're surrounded by hipsters, or those that think being born in a First World country entitles them to act all high and mighty. A staggering 70% of Algeria's lawyers are women, so are 60% of all judges. Also, 60% of university students are female, add to that the field of medicine being dominated by the fairer sex. Hey Anglo-Saxons, you're not all that, the people that originated from the Berber can tech you a thing or two about equality.
What makes this all the more impressive is the fact that Algeria has not graduated to the status of a democracy. The French colonisation of Algeria has a lot to answer for, yes, they gave them beautiful architecture and contributed to its cultural heritage, but as the Algerian War of Independence (1954-62) sadly proved, a Christian European imperial power cannot just march in and dictate to a voiceless majority Muslim people. Then you have the civil war (1991-2002) that was a culmination of extreme Islam taking a hold. Algeria just cannot win, an imperial power gives rise to its Muslim identity being resuscitated only to be taken hostage by extremists. Is it any wonder they have a large military presence in government, or as they say in geopolitics: a controlled democracy.
Outside of France, Algeria is not a nation that garners water cooler attention, but it's without doubt at a fascinating crossroads that has lessons for all of us. Many nations tout their democratic credentials yet don't have half the female empowerment of Algeria. If the onus is on Algeria to become a full fledged democracy then why do those lecturing them not do enough in allowing their women to thrive.
Next time you encounter Islamophobia, just throw out the following nuggets: did you know that Algerian women leave their western counterparts in the dust. By the way, some wear the hijab and some don't, there's nothing wrong with either choice, you see, in Algeria women can freely choose, but hey Muslims are oppressed (according to pundits in the West, who themselves spend too much time lecturing women).
I urge all nations (particularly the male residents) to follow Algeria in its promotion of women. Let's all rise up and open doors to the fairest (and best) sex. If you hear of men lecturing women on their choices, please tell them to exit planet earth. Yes, I include men who get hot and bothered on the topic of abortion, no one shall every dictate a women's choice. A country made up of 80% desert is literally leaving others in the dust. On this Halloween, spook the (living) daylights out of bigots by telling them an Islamic country is better at feminism than your "superior" Christian one.
