Keep Your Pants on, Lubna

It's easy to be a feminist in 2009 New York City. I can more or less do, say, or go wherever I want with little consequence. I'd even like to fancy myself as a woman who would stand up to the hand of oppression Master the art of surfboard ownership during this workshop on how to purchase and care for surfboards. even if that meant punishment by public flogging.

But if the rubber were to ever meet the road, I can't be certain I'd match the fearlessness exhibited by Lubna Hussein, the Sudanese woman recently arrested for wearing trousers.

Hussein's U.N. employee status earned afforded her immunity against prosecution for charges claiming: "offences against the public taste." Most would take the offer and run, but in a surprising act of bravery, she turned it down. At the hearing, women's rights activists, champions of democracy and human rights workers applauded her stand against Sudan's oppressive enforcement of Islam.

Wearing the same green trousers from the time of the arrest, The Independent reports Hussein saying to a packed courtroom, "I wish to resign from the U.N., I wish this court case to continue." Her lawyer, Nabil Adib Abdalla, explained that her client wants to foremost prove her innocence, something that cannot be accomplished by exercising immunity, and then she wants to fight a law that needs changing.

It should be noted however, that Hussein, a former journalist, is known for her opposition against President Bashir and openly condemns his attacks on freedom.

Women's rights activist Mariam Alamahdi, spoke to The Independent from Khartoum and said, "Ms. Hussein's decision to force the matter to trial was an uplifting and dramatic moment in a case that has drawn international attention to the plight of women in Sudan."

Let's hope Ms. Hussein bravery to risk 40 lashes brings freedom to the countless women of the Middle East. To support the cause, get into action. Imagine not being able to wear your favorite pair of jeans? I can't.

Covering up: The Independent rounds up Islamic dress code

Iran — Women are obliged to cover their hair and wear loose unrevealing clothes in public. Skirts are discouraged and knee-length coats over trousers are the usual option. Those flouting the rules risk lashes and even imprisonment.

Sudan — Women in the Muslim north of Sudan, which is ruled under Islamic law, are subject to a dress code, which requires head and body covering and frowns on trousers in public.

Saudi Arabia — Most women wear an all-enveloping black cloak called an Abaya, a hijab or scarf and frequently a face covering, or niqab. The Mutawwa, Saudi Arabia's religious police, frequently challenge women over clothing although more women are ditching black for colours.

Pakistan — Although the law does not require Islamic dress code, there is a large degree of social pressure. In tribal or Taliban controlled areas strict rules are applied.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Slattery, via Commons Wikimedia.