Muslim women’s activism : A comparative study of the educated female perceptions in Malaysia and Pakistan / Aurangzaib Alamgir

摘要: The status of Muslim women in society is one the most contested subjects academic scholarship for last couple decades. This debate on position and can be traced to 1980s Islamic revivalist movements throughout world. These gave rise political Islam posed severe challenges women‟s rights organizations involved promoting democracy respect human rights, particularly rights. Since then, groups have increased considerably number are at forefront countering use religion by activists justify oppression. Sisters-in-Islam Malaysia (SIS) Women‟s Action Forum Pakistan champion their respective countries based an framework believe that it not that discriminates against but male-dominated interpretation Qur‟an patriarchal social structures. They also believe that sometimes cultural practices justified name makes inferior men. An important approach SIS WAF employ reinterpret reread historically culturally. attempt understand as more affirmative focus essence a emphasizes equality, egalitarian justice between genders The study focuses perception female educated elites about SIS, WAF and strategies programs. employs quantitative survey complimented qualitative interviews. respondents final year female students from University Malaya, (UM) Karachi, (KU). reason why chosen the study they future leaders after completing education, may occupy positions government private machinery later some hold positions policy level. Stratified random sampling used identify sample size survey. For in-depth analysis issues, qualitative interviews conducted with 10 come various backgrounds such academicians, Shar’iah lawyers activists. quantitative data analyzed through SPSS statistical findings while data gain understanding reasons support or nonsupport SIS‟s WAF‟s strategy programs. The finds areas received well others criticized. In terms field study, Science students are positive SIS/WAF programmes, Studies middle Social Students negative their perception. Although, interview agree issues advocacy yet make varied conclusions how these should addressed. There different factors shape this perception, instance, choice words doing eligibility and expertise interpreting making Ijtehad priority basis. addition, if existing interpretations male-centred, involvement would women-centred. Furthermore, double standards both literally polygamy favor its practice practically do prefer themselves.