Beyond the Veil: Perspectives on Muslim Women in a Western Secular Context
by Maryam Namazie
23 November, 2006
It is crucial to speak about the rights of 'Muslim' women, go beyond
the issue of the veil, and talk about secularism, particularly in light
of the political Islamic movement's assault on women and their rights,
but restricting the debate in this way is seriously flawed.
Firstly, the so-called grouping of Muslim women is a constructed one.
Out of the innumerable characteristics women have, why focus on their
beliefs? Doing so, implies that religion informs the rights of all
those labelled as Muslim (including very often people like myself - an
atheist). This is not usually the case.
More importantly, why must women's rights issues be discussed within
the framework of religion or for that matter, with regard to the
beliefs – real or imputed - of the woman whose rights are being
discussed? Generally, this is not how rights are examined. For example,
do we discuss domestic violence vis-à-vis Christian women or in the
context of Christianity?
Continue reading
Beyond the Veil: Perspectives on Muslim Women in a Western Secular Context...