Hmmm not really.
I think what she's referring is not a threat of rape but a threat of being objectified. Anyway, not saying thats not the fault of men, but if a woman proactively takes steps to prevent it then its her choice and who are we to say what a woman can and cannot wear.
Asim, i agree with you, but with a little difference.
Here it is:
Though it is the choice and right of every human to chose what he or she eats, wear, drink, think etc etc, BUT, in Islam there are certain parameters which are to be followed.
Now this does not mean that these are required to be forced upon!
You and me are Muslim, we like to keep a beard we do so, if we don't like it we don't, but it is what our religion tells us to do. If we don't follow or abide by the instructions it's our baby, it is a matter between us and the Creator, no one force it upon us. But yes! we can always ask or request someone to follow some certain things.
Now there are different ways to 'ask or request', they can be, you can ask your roommate to go for prayers when you yourself are going, if you are frank enough you may like to pull him out of his bed away from his laptop and take him along or you can do what we call
'sharam dilwana'. Another way can be that you keep mum and just do the right thing and you may find him following you, because you he ultimately feel that it is the right thing to do.
Lastly, another way, which is not advisable and which have no place in Islam is using 'force'. If your friend, roommate, neighbor, colleague etc don't follow the teaching of Islam you are not supposed to pick up a stick or a gun for that matter to 'make' him keep a beard, go to the mosque or wear a turban. This is just WRONG!
Now there are certain 'responsibilities' which Islam asks you to perform in the context of being a Father, Brother, Husband and Son.
You may like to 'instruct' your kid to go pray with you.
You may like to groom your daughter to cover herself properly (not necessarily with burkha).
You may like to tell your brother to go to the mosque with you.
Now most in the West would be considering this as intimidation and use of 'force', BUT it is not.
Freedom and choice of life is ones own headache, but this doesnt entails being 'free' enough to cause contradiction with the Islamic values (in a Muslim country) and the law (in most Western countries).
i wonder why the West stops public nudity, or for the matter public intoxication, why do they feel bad about incestuous behaviour, or why are they against adultery?
Let me explain it to you, it is because 'THEY' consider is harmful for the society and it contradicts the normal human behavior! If they the 'humans' can make laws and allow or stop certain actions of other humans, why do we feel that if the Divine instruction (the Islamic teachings) stops us from certain actions (covering up properly, keeping a beard, not taking alcohol etc etc) is a threat to freedom?
Remember, the responsibilities that Islam entrust you upon, would be answerable by you and me. It includes: if my wife don't cover herself properly it comes in my domain to 'instruct' her to do so, without use of force, if my daughter is alcoholic, i must stop her from that evil.
Not this doesn't necessarily entails use of force, a guud grooming and a personal example would do the job!
P.S. i am not a burkha fan, nor do i have a beard, neither i am a punctual prayer, BUT, i try not to cross the limits and at the same time also try to 'influence', one more time-influence people around me (both family members and friends) to do the same, BUT without FORCE!
i hope point is home