Islamic Feminism?

Islamic Feminism is a movement within the Islamic paradigm that derives its understanding from the Quran and seeks rights and justice for men and women. Some say the idea of Islamic Feminism is a contradiction within itself.

What does this movement mean for Islamic men and women, as well as feminism in general?

To read more about Islamic Feminism:

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/569/cu1.htm

Many feel that feminism and Islamic beliefs cannot exist due to the various interpretations of the Quran that have been used to justify the subordination of women.

Still, we see Islamic women expressing feminist ideologies even with the threat of danger; for example, women in Afghanistan were pelted with pebbles as they attempted to protest legislation that would limit their rights (i.e. inability to leave house, work, attend school, or receive health care without a husband's consent).

To read more about this:

http://www.msmagazine.com/news/uswirestory.asp?ID=11639

What does this mean for women in Islam?

Thoughts? Ideas?

Many of these ideas were discussed in our April event "Faith and Feminism". For more information about our previous and upcoming programming check out
http://www.niu.edu/women/news/index.shtml, or better yet, come visit our space and inquire in person!