Problems of Muslim Women

Women living in Muslim countries face many problems in today’s world. In my view, some of these problems will be resolved in time, like access to education and economic right. However, other problems will be not so easily resolved such as gender equality and domestic violence.
The first problem in the Muslim world that will more likely to be resolved in time is women’s access to education. Contemporary parents are allowing their daughters to leave home to pursue secondary education. This is a major change from previous generations when purdah restricted women’s mobility after puberty. In attending classes, girls’ interaction with other teachers and classmates is cultivating future opportunities and awakening their desire to contribute to society. From their studies, girls are learning about women in authoritative roles and in the process becoming inspired by these female leaders. Government programs have also been successful in providing girls with increased access to education. Non Governmental Organizations have also helped to improve quality life for women, thus allowing them to dedicate more time education.
The second problem that Muslim women continue to face today is the lack of economic right. Women do not have the legal right to earn income and historically society has not accepted that women leave their tasks at home to work outside. However, women are being forced to join the workforce out of financial necessity. In the process women feel empowered from contributing financially and gaining economic status. There are several organizations that are helping women to live in better conditions by proving them with healthcare, housing, nutrition and training. Additionally, these organizations are providing social support systems to women so they don’t have to rely on males to make decisions for them.
Gender equality in Islamic law is a problem that will not be easily overcome because it depends on women’s capability to become unified and have political influence. The juristic body (Fiqh) is very much dominated by men. Historically, men have interpreted the sacred text (shariah) and made them in to law. They believe that patriarchal rule is divinely mandated and thus are ignorant of women’s needs. What these men know of women comes from patriarchal texts written a long time ago. These texts do not reflect the needs and interests of contemporary women. The only way to obtain gender equality in Islamic law will be for women to achieve political influence, questioning and arguing the current status quo.
Domestic Violence is also a major problem that Muslim women face today and in my view will not be easily solved. Islam permits husbands to physically abuse their wives when they do not behave according to tradition. It is also common for women to be sexually abused by men. These acts against women are often viewed as a family matter. In Muslim countries, family is the supreme unit of society. If there is no justice or respect for women’s dignity in the family, it will be very difficult for these same values to exist in society. Also, because social norms still revolve around honor and respect for families, some women are afraid of seeking help. Law enforcement is very ineffective and not always imposes charges against the oppressor. In many instances, women are even abused by police. Judges tend to empathize with their fellow man and nothing happens to aggressors. Even though governments are taking same steps to control these problems such as Pakistan’s police departments fully operated by women, they are criticized by their inefficiency.
Solving the problems cited above would bring Muslim women to live with dignity they deserve. Empowering women to overcome poverty and living a productive life would better not only their own lives but also the lives of their children and families, leading Muslim countries into a brighter future.