Women, Laws, Initiatives in the Muslim World

An action-oriented publication, this booklet examines some of the central themes which are integral to the status of women in Muslim societies: the multiple sources and forms of law; family, patriarchy, and laws; women and the culture of violence; nationalism, identity, and women; political and social dynamics of power. It also details a number of strategies, both successful and less successful, which have been used by women in Muslim societies to meet the challenges they face.

These strategies range from direct personal actions for change to international networking. The booklet draws upon discussions at the International meeting, Towards Beijing: Women, Law and Status in the Muslim World, the largest, and most diverse gathering of women from the Muslim world, organized by the Women Living Under Muslim Laws network in December 1994.