Islamic Women's Activism in the Arab World

Potentials and Challenges for External Actors

Two Muslim Women with an Apple computer, courtesy of Chris Schuepp/flickr

Two young Muslim women in the heart of Istanbul having "an Apple" for lunch

Islamic women’s activism may appear a contradiction in terms to many Western audiences accustomed to presentations of Islam as counterproductive to the promotion of women’s empowerment and the situation of women more generally. Yet in the Arab world many different groups and individuals – as scholars, as charity and welfare providers, and as religious or political activists – work to empower women based on Islamic arguments and references. Based mainly on insights from Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, this report provides an easily accessible introduction to Islamic women’s activism in the Arab world. It also considers the potentials and challenges of this activism. The report concludes with a number of recommendations to external actors wishing to engage with Islamic women’s activists.

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