As any Arab woman would attest, knowledge about our sexual and reproductive health is scarce in the region. Far beyond the lack of education, sexual awareness is closely linked to shame, with women and girls consistently discouraged from exploring our bodies.
Despite Islam being largely sex-positive within the confines of marriage, the subject remains taboo. Sexual and reproductive health have long been subject to shame, stigma and misinformation. Social platform Mauj is determined to change it.
Founded by two Arab women (who prefer to remain anonymous), Mauj offers sexual and reproductive education through science-backed resources and expert advice. Just a quick scroll through their Instagram, and you’ll be welcomed to a host of information.
“Why is the term ‘PMS’ considered problematic?” explores one of their infographics. “Most of us have used the term “PMS” before to describe, explain, or justify behavior and feelings that occur during the two weeks leading up to our periods. And while there is no denying the shift in hormones that happens during that time or invalidating the emotions, actions, and thoughts that come with that, psychologists believe that we should be more careful about using the term,” they explain.
They’ve explored everything. From diving into the pros and cons of non-hormonal IUDs, to debunking common myths via an OBGYN.
With sex education largely not being part of the school curriculum in the region, there’s a massive lack of information available that is culturally relevant or in Arabic. That’s the gap they’re filling.
“As a result, we grow up feeling disconnected from that part of ourselves, which can stop us from fully expressing ourselves sexually, enjoying intimacy with a partner, and even diagnosing life-threatening conditions,” their website reads.
The platform builds their content around four pillars: ‘Body, Cycle, Self, and Sex’ in order to help young women access the information they need.
In an attempt to shift society’s narrative and taboos surrounding women’s bodies, Mauj is also reclaiming the conversation by inviting Arab women to share their experiences anonymously as part of their ‘Hakawatiyya’ series (female storyteller in Arabic).
The videos paint a picture of what it’s like to be a woman in the Arab world, featuring female volunteers who are using their voices to narrate stories about everything, from hardships to pleasure.