Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Concept of Honour
In Jordan, a woman's 'honour' is still valued in
traditional society, and sex before marriage or
adultery is often dealt with harshly by other
members of the woman's family. In rare cases
it can lead to fatalities. On average (according
to government statistics) 15 women are
murdered each year for bringing shame on
their families by having sex out of wedlock, re-
fusing an arranged marriage, leaving their hus-
bands, or simply being the victim of rape or
sexual assault. Women in the family are often complicit in the murder.
Jordan's legal code exempts a husband or close male relative for killing a wife caught
in an act of adultery and offers leniency for murders committed in a 'fit of rage'. Most
perpetrators are given short prison sentences, sending the message that the state in part
condones these actions.
Jordan has two recognised ethnic minorities,
though most have integrated through marriage.
Around 40,000 Circassians (Muslims from the Cau-
casus who fled Russian persecution in the late 19th
century) live near Amman. A community of around
4000 Chechens, related to the Circassians historic-
ally and ethnically, live near Azraq.
Internationally renowned journalist Rana Husseini is one
among several high-profile Jordanians who are committed not
just to bringing so-called 'honour killings' to the Jordanian
public's attention but also to spreading intolerance towards the
practice. Even King Abdullah has tried to impose tougher
sanctions against honour killings, but little progress has thus
far been made. Effecting radical change of deep-rooted cultur-
al values is not something that can be accomplished overnight
and only a change of attitude, rather than a change of law, is
likely to be effective in driving the practice out.
Crossing Cul-
tures
»
»
Into the Wadi
(Michele
Drouart) Australian woman's
marriage to a Jordanian man.
»
»
Married to a Bedouin
(Marguerite van Geld-
ermalsen) As per title!
