So here I am...now what?

So here I am...I decided to take a step forward..or that's what I think I'm doing.
For all the thoughts circling in my brain to be typed and perhaps read by people all over the world; to be scrutinized, criticized, and maybe, on the mere occasion, to be praised.

I am a young female. An arab female, or so I'm labeled (after I tell people I'm of arab origin or else they'll never guess).
But I don't like labels.

With a traditional family, I am still not your traditional "arab" female.
I question. I ask "why"? I ask how it's fair? How it makes sense for the culture to place women at such low standards?

I came up with one answer.. they must fear powerful women.
Oh! What a powerful, educated woman can do!
She can speak!
She can make a difference!
She can have various degrees!
She can be sexually educated!
She can enjoy her independence!

Now, if only her family can support her. If only her family will not call her a "shame" or a "slut". If only her family tries to understand her; tries to be compassionate with her. To realize her feelings other than her education and behavior count as well. To not threaten to disown her. To not try to weaken her. To love and appreciate an outspoken, non-virgin girl like herself as much as an obedient virgin girl. To realize she's a woman and respect her. Why is it so hard on them?

Why I ask!
And so I am silenced...by the eyes of judgment. The looks of shame and pity. By fear of not being accepted.

Little do they know that powerful women cannot be silenced. Cannot be stopped.
How can my voice be heard?

And so here I am...now what?