Laila in the novel a thousand splendid suns is a strong character. She always stands up to what her husband has to say. In chapter 40 the reader's start to see the "unfairness" Rasheed has on both his children. He treats his daughter as if she was not his own, while he treats his son like a prince. Laila stands up to Rasheed when he tells her that he is going to put Aziza on the streets to be a "begger". Laila told him no and he ended up slapping her. Laila then defended herself and punched him in the face. For just a moment once Rasheed left the room Laila saw that she might actually have power over him. Until he came back and placed his gun to her mouth.

"The slap made a loud smacking sound, the palm of his thickfingered hand connecting squarely with the meat of Laila's cheek... Then Laila punched him." p.266

This makes me proud when women object to what the men say or do. I was proud of Laila punching Rasheed and defending herself and her daughter. Even though this is going to lead to consequences, this goes to show no matter what the consequences are we should always stand up to what we believe in. And never let those who try to bring or put you down, do so.

We see more of Laila back talking Rasheed.

Fired from the resturant in Taimani because customers complained about the long waits, Rasheed said the cook was slow and lazy.
"You were probably out back napping," said Laila.
"Don't provoke him, Laila jo," Mariam said.
"I'm warning you, women," he said.
"Either that or smoking."
"I swear to God."
"You can't help being what you are."
And then he was on Laila, pummeling her chest, her head, her belly with fists, tearing at her hair, throwing her to the wall. Aziza was shrieking, pulling at his shirt; Zalmai was screaming too, trying to get him off his mother. Rasheed shoved the children aside, pushed Laila to the ground, and began kicking her. Mariam threw herself on Laila. He went on kicking, kicking Mariam now, spittle flying from his mouth, his eyes glittering with murderous intent, kicking until he couldn't anymore.
"I swear you're going to make me kill you, Laila," he said, panting. then he stormed out of the house. p.271-272

Rasheed abusing Laila shows the rage of how men can not control their actions. Beating on women who are weaker than them. This is sad because this really does happen to these middle Eastern women. Most of the men there think they have a right to hit or abuse their wives. What would you do if your husband ever even hit you? Imagine what these women go through everyday living in a society that traps them from everything.