The West vs. Islam on Women

I feel this is a largely unscathed topic in need of clarity. I also feel it deserves to be a topic on its own because its scope covers a lot of diverse issues that at first glance may not seem related to it.
It would suffice to say that in concurrence with the objectives of western governments, the media has tainted our view of the Muslim world. So much to the point that even the word 'Islam' itself conjures up images of oppression and totalitarianism. How ironic it is that the translated meaning of the word 'Islam' is peace.
The religion, although a much younger faith, bears within it the same teachings found in Judaism and Christianity, its "sister" faiths. Indeed all religions, even those of Afro and Asiatic origin teach the same principles. The stories, characters and traditions may differ but the core instructions are virtually one and the same.
And hence for one to say that Islam oppresses its women simply because they are required to wear head scarves and other type of clothing designed to hide their flesh(buibui-kiswahili) is absurd. That is like a Muslim man saying Christian males are mistreated cause they are not allowed to have as many wives as they can afford. Or a Jew saying the Hindu practice of cremation is stupid.
It is unfair and illogical for one to base his/her argument solely on his private experiences and beliefs. It is a very limited and stupid point of view to use when trying to ascertain facts about other cultures.
Muslim women are treated with a lot of respect and have enjoyed many privileges that most western women are only beginning to realize. Prophet Muhammad's wife for instance was a wealthy and respected merchant before and during her union with Muhammad. It was and still is not uncommon to see many woman holding very honorable positions in their community in the Arab and Muslim world. Contrary to what western popular thought may imply, Islamic women experienced the fruits of gender equality long before such ideas were even conceivable by westerners. It was only until the past century that women's rights started being evoked in the West.