Sahara Women Enjoy Many Rights

The traditional view of Muslim women is that they have few or no rights in their societies - but that view need not always hold true. If there were any proof that such situations are more cultural than religious, it would be found in the example of the women of the Western Sahara.

The BBC reports:

In most Muslim cultures, a divorced woman becomes a social pariah. But in Saharawi culture she is both more respected than an unmarried virgin, and more alluring. ...Divorce is not usually acrimonious in the Sahara, says Fatma. "The couple usually agree it is no longer working and the husband will leave. No fuss, no alimony and no shame," she explains.

"In Saharawi culture we don't regard there as being any difference between girls and boys in childhood. "Where Saharawi women participate in the development of their children's education, women in neighbouring countries do not. ... Saharawi women certainly take an active role in their political struggle.

Islam does not absolutely require that women be treated as second class citizens, but it does contain quite a lot which makes such treatment easier and more attainable. The women of the Western Sahara are an exception, not the rule; their unusual cultural has allowed for an unusual situation. Similar achievements may be possible in other Muslim societies, but it won't be easy.

Read More:

• Recent Books on Islam
• Islam