Monday, February 19, 2007

DAY 8: Purdah...a voice for the voiceless

Purdah is the practice of the seclusion of women from public observation by covering their bodies from head to toe. It is also a state of social isolation, which confines women to their homes.

* Purdah is seen as a protection of the dignity of women
* In some cases, segregation is taken so seriously that houses are surrounded with eight to ten foot high purdah walls.
* Purdah is frequently carried to such extremes that women suffer from softening of bones, eczema and ulcers due to lack of
sunlight.
* In Bangladesh, women have been attacked with acid because they were brave enough to be seen in public, transgressing the
traditiional boundaries of purdah.
* Purdah includes the restriction of women's access to medical care.

PRAY: Nothing is hidden from God's sight. Heb. 4:13a

* That God would break down the walls of segregation so women would be released into their destinies.
* For doctors to speak up about the physical consequences of purdah on a government level.
* For the release of female missionaries to serve these women.

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