How much power does a woman really have?

CNN article here!

During the chaos in Libya many people are being victimized, but we rarely get to see the faces of those people if they are not reporters or top government officials.  Fortunately and unfortunately, last week we had a chance to see the first hand affects of the violence that is happening in Libya.

Eman al-Obeidy is a woman who was raped (allegedly) by Gadhafi forces.  As she tried to tell her story to the press (because no one else would listen to her) she was constantly mistreated and embarrassed on national and international television.  This brings up the question, "How much power does a woman really have?". 


Some say that she doesn't have a voice because Gadhafi forces committed the crime, allowing for them to protect themselves because they are fighting for the same cause.  Others say that she was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time and/ or doing something that she wasn't supposed to be doing.  No matter the reason, no person (man or woman) deserves to be treated like this.  In my opinion this completely violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by not letting this woman have justice.


Situations like this happen all over the world, even in America although it is kept under wraps.  I feel like the more we sweep it under the rug (like it is done in some cultures and countries) the more men (and governments) will think it is acceptable and the more women will accept the treatment.  This issue wont be perfect tomorrow, next year or even in the next 5 years, but with the help of all citizens of the world it can be resolved slowly, but surely.