International Treaties Protecting Women Are not a Cultural Imposition
Sometimes, in the West, there is the problem that certain norms and treaties of international law (such as those prohibiting infibulation or honor killing) can be seen as an imposition of Western culture. "This criticism, while based on a fair sensibility," explains Roger O'Keefe, Professor of International law, "nevertheless ignores the fact that those who fight for these rights and against violence against women are not us, but precisely African women, Arab social movements or South American women's NGOs." Legal language is in fact the most powerful language used to claim universal, intercultural rights: the dignity of every woman and every girl.