Egyptians discuss divorce in 'controversial' hashtag

Egyptians discuss divorce in 'controversial' hashtag
The Arabic hashtag 'Why is Divorce Widespread' circulated on Twitter, sparking questions on compatibility and means of getting married.
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2 min read
Diana Alghoul

Diana Alghoul

07 Nov, 2017
Marriage is becoming more of a debate as divorce becomes less stigmatised [Getty]
With perceptions on love, marriage and divorce being increasingly debated on social media platforms in the Arab world, Egyptians took to Twitter to discuss their views on the increasing number of divorces in the region.

The Arabic hashtag #هو_الطلاق_انتشر_ليه translating to 'Why is Divorce Widespread' circulated online, sparking questions on compatibility and means of getting married.

Often, dating remains stigmatised in Arab and Muslim environments, with traditional mentality branding pre-marital romantic relations as immoral and contradictory to conservative cultural standards.

But with discussions on divorce becoming more predominant, many are looking to question such norms.

The hashtag sparked quite a number of different reactions. 

Absence of love was a constant theme:

There is a myth that as long as the couple are materialistically comfortable, they are able to sustain their marriage with no problems:

Along with a lack of love between the couple, comes an incompatibility that fosters such a toxic environment that one of the two cheat:
Translation: Because of betrayal between the couple

Also comes great misunderstanding as the honeymoon phase fades and the couple are left with the reality of having to understand each other for who they really are, rather than how they make each other feel:
Translation: Because of the lack of understanding between them

Marriage is also seen as a family union rather than just the union of two people in love. This often leads to outsiders feeling entitled to get involved in the affairs of the couple:
Translation: Because of a third party

Sometimes pressure is put on women to get married for them to escape Arab patriarchal clutches in their households.

But when marriages are rushed and not well thought of, they find themselves in another cycle of Arab patriarchy and sometimes even abuse.

The only solution? Trust themselves and not feel afraid to be single, independent and proud:

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