I know that a lot of people will think I’m such a “mfalsafe”, but the minute I opened Helwa section in Maktoob I hated it, first the name Helwa “pretty” is sort of discriminatory, as well as objectifying of all women. Why “pretty”? did those who chose the name sit and think of one word that describe what this section is all about and what benefits it gives to Arab women and “pretty” was the that word? is it for pretty girls only? or is prettiness the one most important thing Arab females want? are we that shallow? I suppose the target audience is females aged +14, to suggest that this is the most important thing Arab women want is to suggest that the entire female population of the Arab World have a serious problem, and I disagree with that.
Stereotyping of women as those strange creatures who have this need of a strange world filled with, you know, women stuff, gets to me. I’m actually offended by the content of this supposedly women section. Forget about the name for a moment, and take a look at their sections, pregnancy, weight calculator, age-in-seconds calculator (that’s just freaky), beauty, your wedding (again, freaky), diet, health, women issues, women on focus, kitchen… first of all, I hate the very idea of women having their own world of bizarre things, second of all, let’s assume we really need to have that, how about being in touch with real women from the different parts of the Arab World telling you what their life is like? I’m sure there’s more to a woman’s life than the typical categories Helwa is offering.
This is in no way an attack on Maktoob or Helwa , I hope that anyone who reads this will take as constructive criticism.
On a lighter note, check out the error page I got while checking Helwa:
also, it’s خطأ بحث but the page’s title was: خطاء البحث .
no you are not mfalsafeh Shaden, it IS discriminatory, and it is demeaning..I agree..
hahah, This is actually funny.. As I was reading this I thought that I didn’t totally agree with what u were saying about the word Helwa, But at the end of reading this I figured you were right! I Know that Helwa could mean Pretty, But it could also be talking about the beauty of the personality, or how the person is not so much about how they look like. But in their website it says (Kony helwa kalban wa kaleban) haha, U have to be Both! So yea, they could possible find a better name for that section..
(Ps: I encourage everyone to see themselves as pretty and be confident at all times, remember that it’s what’s inside of you that counts the most)
I think you misunderstood the name and slogan, allow me to clarify the logic behind the name
First of all helwa means “pretty” and “sweet” as well , this reflects the slogan being pretty
from the inside and the outside (kony helwa qalban wa qaleban)
i believe that women need to have thier online source of customized information and self-
expressing web space, and helwa has suceeded in this, thru its plethora of topics
From women issues, women rights, women in press, arbian women activities , violence agianst women
, and women under spot provides a platform for Arab Women achievers and leaders, irrespective of
industry or specialization, to exchange and highlight their accomplishments and aspirations
other sections like family and society , helath , diet ,hayat zawjeyah, pregnancy and parenting ,
cooking and home mangement fitness , weddings , fatawa , beauty and fashion ARE all topics of
women interst
which women need at diffrent stages in there life
Helwa.com targets all Arabian women at diffferent age groups “under 20″ is a good example Helwa
is here to give the young ladies guidance, advice, and solutions to their problems. Intended to
avoid (cultural) embarrassment for the (Arab) teenagers, Helwa here plays the personal role of a
mature friend, older sister, or mother who listens to the indecisive teenager and sets her on the
right track.
“Under” 20 sections also hihglight the latest fashion trends, makeup, celebreties news, teen’s
world, beauty,song lyrics…etc
I hope that you give Helwa another chance, we truly value your feedback and opinions