International Convening: Women, Power, and Evolving Political Orders in Muslim Society Contexts

Across the globe, women are often at the forefront of movements for democracy, peace, justice, equality, and social change. Yet women’s participation in movements for democratic change does not always translate into meaningful representation or influence within the institutions and political structures that emerge afterward. As societies confront political transitions, conflict, constitutional change, and shifting systems of governance, ensuring women’s meaningful inclusion and leadership is essential to building more inclusive and just political futures. Against this backdrop, Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) and its partners will convene an international convening on Women, Power, and Evolving Political Orders in Muslim Society Contexts.

 To be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 13 to 15, this convening will bring together practitioners, scholars, women’s rights advocates, and other key actors from countries experiencing political transitions, emerging from conflict, or confronting significant shifts in political and constitutional orders. Centering women’s experiences, the convening seeks to identify the opportunities and obstacles that shape institutional structures (including use or abuse of religion), constitutional design, and political frameworks, especially in moments of upheaval, and their implications for women’s rights and roles.

Collectively we seek to create a space for exchange of knowledge, experiences, resources, and strategies among those working at the intersection of women, power, and political change. A central aim of the gathering is to move beyond sharing experiences toward identifying concrete strategies, resources, and opportunities for transnational feminist solidarity and collaboration. We will exchange lessons and develop approaches to counter violence/backlash against women’s rights and democratic ideals in Muslim contexts and strengthen women’s political leadership.