Answer to question No.1
Misogyny and sexism refer to beliefs, practices, or systems that degrade or discriminate against women
and girls. Misogyny—dislike, contempt, or prejudice against women—often manifests as discrimination,
devaluation, or antagonism. This might be social, cultural, or personal opinions that women are inferior
to males.
However, sexism comprises attitudes, ideas, and acts that reinforce gender stereotypes and inequality.
This includes gender-based discrimination, often against women. Unequal compensation, occupational
segregation, and gender-specific expectations are examples of sexism.
Examples of misogyny and sexism in Antigone's story:
1. Thebes' ruler Creon views women as inferior to males. He thinks Antigone should obey him since
she's a woman. When Antigone opposes his edict, Creon says, "Anarchy, anarchy!" Show me a
larger global crime! She devastates cities, shreds homes, and scatters spearmen. Discipline saves
most survivors. Thus, we must defend law-abiding males and never let women win."
2. Antigone's rebellion was unnatural: Ancient Greek women were expected to submit to males.
Antigone defies Creon's demands, rebelling against the state and gender standards. Antigone
opposes the patriarchal society by burying her brother and stands up for her views.
3. Ismene's submission: Antigone's sister, Ismene, is the perfect Greek lady. She advises Antigone
to follow Creon and escape punishment. Ismene's persona emphasizes society's belief that
women should obey and submit to men.
Misogyny and sexism underlie Antigone's resistance and fight for justice. The drama shows a strong
woman who fights for her convictions despite the dangers and repercussions, challenging ancient Greek
gender conventions.
Answer to question no.2
Some examples from various countries and regions, including the sub-continent, where women have
been punished or faced consequences for challenging authority:

Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan): The Taliban shot Malala in 2012 for championing girls' education in
Swat Valley. Malala, the youngest Nobel Prize winner, maintained her campaigning after the
assassination attempt.

Nasrin Sotoudeh (Iran): Nasrin represents Iranian women's rights advocates. She was detained in
2018 for defending women protesting Iran's obligatory hijab legislation and sentenced to 38
years in jail and 148 lashes. In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic forced her release.

Yemeni writer and politician Tawakkol Karman has championed democracy and human rights.
Her campaigning led to threats, kidnapping, and imprisonment in 2011. Tawakkol won the 2011
Nobel Peace Prize for encouraging non-violent reform in Yemen.

Gauri Lankesh (India): A journalist and activist, Gauri criticized right-wing extremism and
championed women's rights and social justice. She was killed by unidentified gunmen outside
her home in 2017 for her outspoken criticism of the system.

Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia exposed government wrongdoing. Her
2017 car bomb death was connected to her investigations into high-level political corruption.

Fawzia Koofi (Afghanistan): An Afghan politician and women's rights activist, Fawzia has received
multiple threats and murder attempts for her work advocating gender equality and democracy in
Afghanistan. Unidentified gunmen tried to kill her in Kabul in 2020.
These are only a few cases of women worldwide being punished, harassed, or killed for criticizing power
and campaigning for change.