Woman At Point Zero - Blog Posts

Perempuan di Titik Nol (Woman at Point Zero Indonesian translation) by Nawal El Saadawi

This book reveals a truth that happened nearly 50 years ago, yet the similar situation still resonates and reflects in our today's reality. Nawal El Saadawi, through the brief interview with Firdaus (a woman who get imprisoned by the authority after killing a man), expose the corruption caused by deeply rooted patriarchal society in Egypt. After that interview, Firdaus was taken away in front of Nawal to face her punishment. She may no longer with us, but all over the world, the same story still happened, torturing, and scaring women. There are still many others like Firdaus, suffering under the flawed society.

Reading this book felt so empowering yet heartwrenching. But more of it, this book should leave us an uncomfortable feeling, making one's mind unable to stop thinking about the terrible systems that still existed and maintained. How many women remain unheard when facing violence and assault, only to be arrested and punished for defending themselves?

"Firdaus symbolized resistance. As she said: My life means their death; it is not my knife they fear but the truth."

The only downside of this book is in the physical aspects. The translation is still rough, with some typos here and there, even when I have the newest edition. The message of this book would be better conveyed and understood if the translation were updated and more carefully reviewed.

(Image Credit: me)