An interesting conversation held on the 31st of May 2024 on violence against women and girls encouraged me to reflect on the intersection of culture and religion. The consultation process aimed to foster global conversations on women's rights in Islam, involving renowned Islamic academics, local Muslim scholars, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and Muslim women's rights networks.
The goal of the representation was fairness, with efforts made to ensure diversity in terms of region, age, and gender. The Faith to Action Network, in partnership with its founding members—Al-Azhar University, Muhammadiyah, and Muslim groups—arranged the consultative webinar. Its goal was to provide a safe space for Muslim faith actors to share their perspectives on women’s rights in Islam, while also allowing attendees to express their thoughts and opinions. The meeting provided an overview of the situation, explored the theological foundations, and offered an understanding of what Islamic texts say about women's rights.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, clearly states that men and women hold equal positions, and therefore, women should not be treated as inferior. However, it is evident that women still face gender-based violence in many Islamic communities due to the misinterpretation of the Quran. The number of victims of violence has grown over the years, and the situation has become alarming. This issue is compounded by disparities in Islamic practices, economic conditions, and patriarchal cultural structures.
There is also the misinterpretation of Islam by certain cultures, which affects how women's issues are perceived. In the Dhoruba culture, for example, the Quran has been misinterpreted. With support from the government, women scholars are working with religious leaders to help them better understand its teachings. This effort encourages a distinction between cultural practices and religious teachings, helping Muslims develop a clearer and more accurate interpretation of the Quran.
Muslim women also face the issue of child marriage, which stems from the fact that women's voices are often considered inferior to men's in many Islamic communities. Furthermore, there is discrimination regarding the age of marriage, with women being restricted from marrying men younger than themselves. This should not be an issue, as anyone above the age of 18 should have the freedom to choose a partner of their choice, regardless of age. The correct Islamic interpretation, according to the discussion, is that women should be treated with respect in decision-making, as outlined in the Quran by the prophets.
Moreover, women should be treated fairly in matters of inheritance, as Islamic teachings support this empowerment. In fact, the Quran even allows for situations where a woman's inheritance may exceed that of her husband. The right to own property, choose a husband, receive an education, and express their views makes women better partners, even within the home. The Quran’s message is one of reform, not punishment, and men are advised to treat women with love and compassion.
Some of the solutions discussed in the panel to improve the lives of women in communities included:
- Advocacy by religious leaders to sensitize communities on the need to respect women.
- Encouraging women to educate themselves so they can defend their rights, as Islam grants them these rights.
- Embracing the values of compassion.
- Enacting laws to criminalize harassment.
- Implementing training programs for police to act in favor of women.
Ultimately, human dignity remains a fundamental tenet of Islam and should be upheld in our societies.
Article written by Paul Okondo
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