by
Lisa Jean Francois
There are many prevailing perceptions of Islam, most notably that women are not equal to men.  The women of the Tuareg Islamic Tribe in North Africa, however, lead lives that are quite liberal in comparison to most Muslim societies. Indeed, some of the liberties these women enjoy may seem eye-raising, even by Western standards.
1. Women are the Core of their Civilization
The Tuareg people believe their female ancestors are the founders of their traditions.
2. Virginity is Not Required for Marriage
Female chastity is not a requirement for marriage. In fact, teen-age women are encouraged to have any number of suitors visit them at night. As long as these visits happen in her tent, at night, no one questions what happens inside.
3. Boyfriends are encouraged
The Tuareg girl may have as many boyfriends as she pleases until she is married which doesn’t happen until she is about 20 years old.
4. Yes, women can have male friends
Even married Tuareg women are permitted to have close platonic male friendships.
5. Women head up familial spaces
In rural communities, families live in compounds named for the married woman who owns the tent.
6. Veils are for men
Men wear veils to cover their faces, women do not.
7. Women maintain rights to their property
Upon marriage women are granted a dowry, usually a tent and some animals. Should she divorce, the woman retains all rights to her property.
8. Divorce is not taboo.
Women may begin divorce proceedings. Upon divorce, families often throw the newly divorced woman a celebration to announce her freedom and availability to take new suitors.
What do you  think about the liberties afforded to Tuareg Women?
Source:Â http://www.curiousanimal.com/tuareg-women/
19 Responses
WOW! Very liberating!
This is how most, if not all, African societies were before the gay, woman hating, white european male came in with their twisted, corruptive version of Christianity and said women were basically lower beings and needed to be shunned. Men AND women slept with how many ever people they wanted, when they wanted to and they weren’t shammed.
Your comment is the most ignorant thing I’ve read in a while.Think before you type next time.
No it’s ignorant how black women are praising a culture of divorce and having sex with as many men you want. Lol.
Next time think before you type. A society that treats women as equals and not as properties does not mean they have passive men. Ironically this makes them more progressive than other “civilized” societies.
They are nomads never been conquered
A place after my own heart.. .
Do they look conquered to you? Have you never heard of female warrior classes within matriarchal African tribes?
Europeans conquered many peoples, irregardless of their societal structures– when has having men in charge made a difference? Some of the most powerful resistances to European colonization were led by women. You should research Queen Nzinga and rethink your stance.
Her comment was so ignorant. And why? Just because she doesn’t agree or something…
Well said.
Ha! Love it!
The men seem to be passive in this society. Probably made it more easier for Europeans to conquer this tribe long ago.
I’m moving there
Absolutely fascinating…
Good lord where do I sign up
Right?! That’s what I was thinking. Patriarchy is overrated.
Very cool. I had no idea. I’m glad that I learned that tid-bit of info. I can’t wait to tell someone else.
No offense, this is not somewhere I would live nor visit.
I’m sure they’d say the same for places in the U.S. Normalcy is relative.