Tamar (2 Samuel 13): Confronting Sexual Violence and Trauma in the Biblical Narrative

Ružica Ljubičić The narrative of Tamar’s rape, recorded in chapter 13 of the Second Book of Samuel, represents one of the earliest biblical depictions of sexual violence within familial relationships. Tamar, the daughter of King David, is a victim of rape by her half-brother Amnon. This act not only violates her personal integrity but also exposes the […]

Delilah (Judges 16): A Seductress Who Brings Down Samson or a Spy Surviving in a Man’s World?

Delilah is one of the most enigmatic and controversial female figures in the Bible. Her role in the biblical story of Samson has been the subject of extensive scholarly research and cultural interpretation.[1] According to the biblical account, Samson was targeted by the Philistines, who sought to solve his riddles and defeat him. When their efforts failed,[…]

Aspasia’s Thought: How Patriarchal Prejudices Attempted to Erase Her Talent and Potential?

Ružica Ljubičić Philosopher Aspasia defied strict societal norms through her life and actions. As a woman known for her intellectual sharpness, pedagogical skills, philosophy, rhetoric, and oratory, she faced obstacles that rarely allowed women the right to have a voice and express themselves. Her position as the esteemed companion of Pericles and a recognized intellectual—remarkable in Athens,[…]

Poet Sapfa – cultural contribution through love poetry and a feminist perspective

Throughout history, numerous women writers and artists have made an indelible impact on cultural and artistic heritage, despite facing restrictions and social norms that favored men. They often encountered significant obstacles that impeded their opportunities and potential. However, thanks to their persistence, talent, and passion for creation, they achieved their artistic and intellectual ambitions. One of the[…]

Dina – A Woman Whose Voice Was Taken Away (The Case of Rape, Genesis 34)

Ruzica Ljubičić Rape is one of the most severe forms of violence against women.[1] Rape can devastate a woman’s integrity, self-esteem, and sense of self-worth, while also leading to various forms of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Women who survive rape are often subjected to societal condemnation, marked with the metaphorical „scarlet letter“ of[…]

The Cult of the Vestal Virgins and the Significance of Chastity in Patriarchal Society

Ružica Ljubičić In recent decades, women have been increasingly called to return to traditional values. Messages about women’s worth are propagated by various anti-gender movements emphasizing the importance of female chastity, modesty, and submission to the spiritual authority of men[1]. These messages center on the notion that a woman’s value lies solely in her virginity, purity, and[…]

Beneath the veil of sterility and oppression – lessons from Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16–21)

Ružica Ljubičić The story of Sarah and Hagar bears the weight of today’s global conflicts. Their relationship and conflict reflect similarities and differences in racial tensions across the world, as well as the oppression of internalized misogyny. As Renita Weems points out, this story has a multifaceted dimension of strife, serving as an example of how one[…]