The marginalization of vulnerable groups in society is a profound issue that has persisted for generations, with women historically being the most affected.
Issues such as child marriage, female circumcision, denial of education, rejection of human rights protections, and honor crimes have been central to this marginalization, contributing to the social and intellectual regression of many societies.
Beyond women, other marginalized groups, are homosexuals and individuals with no known parentage, who have also faced immense suffering.
These individuals, often stigmatized for circumstances beyond their control, are subjected to disdain and mistreatment by society, which reflects a deep-rooted prejudice. In many cases, people project their own insecurities and shortcomings onto these marginalized groups, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and sustaining cycles of discrimination.
One poignant example of this is the story of Abdul Razzaq Shihab, a member of the ‘unknown parentage’ group, often referred to with the pejorative term ‘children of the Ministry of Social Affairs’.
Raised under the guardianship of the state until the age of 18, Abdul Razzaq bravely came forward in an interview with Al-Rai, openly discussing the difficulties he has faced throughout his life.
From being placed in a nursing home at just two days old to living in a guest house as an adult, Abdul Razzaq has navigated an existence marked by systemic challenges and the absence of familial support.
One of the most significant challenges faced by individuals like Abdul Razzaq is the near impossibility of marriage. Despite receiving government care, their lack of a legal family or home makes marriage a rare and difficult prospect.
The transition from childhood homes, where women were the primary caregivers, to guest houses supervised by men was a traumatic shock for Abdul Razzaq, who longed for the maternal care he had known in his youth.
The division of “Social Affairs children” into categories only exacerbates the isolation felt by individuals in Abdul Razzaq’s position. Those fortunate enough to be adopted enjoy residential care with their adoptive families, while others are left to fend for themselves.
The state has been slow to provide adequate housing, and legal disputes over housing rights have only further complicated the lives of these individuals.
Abdul Razzaq, who has worked as a government employee for 20 years, speaks of his lost passion and the lack of opportunities to develop his skills and talents.
Despite his love for photography and his desire to spread awareness about the plight of his group, the psychological toll of growing up without stable social or familial support has been immense.
He now channels his energy into creative projects, such as a planned short musical film that will document the lives of foster children, and he hopes to honor the mother who gave birth to him with this work.
The treatment of marginalized groups like Abdul Razzaq’s in our society is a stark contrast to how similar individuals are respected and uplifted in other parts of the world. In Western countries, many from such backgrounds have risen to positions of prominence, including notable figures like German Chancellor Willy Brandt.
It takes immense courage to challenge the unjust stereotypes imposed on these individuals. Society must undergo a deep transformation to embrace all its members, regardless of their background, and foster a more humane, just, and inclusive future.
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