In the global conversation about feminism, there is often a clear focus on advancing the rights and freedoms of women. Feminist movements in the West have made significant strides in advocating for equality, addressing gender-based violence, and fighting for reproductive rights, among other issues. However, one question continues to arise—why don’t feminists, particularly those in Western countries, more actively fight for the rights of Muslim women, especially those living under oppressive regimes or within patriarchal systems in many Muslim-majority countries?
The silence or lack of activism from prominent feminist groups regarding the struggles faced by Muslim women in certain regions is not only puzzling but also represents a glaring contradiction. These women face extreme challenges, including limited access to education, forced marriages, domestic violence, and strict societal rules governing their personal choices. Despite these challenges, there is often a noticeable absence of the passionate advocacy we see for women’s rights in the West when it comes to Muslim women. Why is this the case? Let’s explore this issue further.
The Oppression of Muslim Women in Certain Countries
To understand why feminist movements often overlook Muslim women, it is important to examine the systemic challenges that many of them face. In countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, women face oppressive regimes that curtail their freedoms, restrict their rights, and force them into subservient roles. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women were not allowed to drive until 2018, and they still face significant restrictions on their ability to travel without a male guardian’s permission. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s resurgence has placed women’s rights back in jeopardy, with women being banned from education, working outside their homes, and even leaving their homes without a male chaperone.
These are just a few examples of the severe discrimination and abuse Muslim women endure in certain parts of the world. In some cases, they are forced to adhere to practices that limit their autonomy, such as wearing the hijab or burqa, even in situations where they do not have the freedom to make that choice.
But while this is happening, feminist groups in the West often seem hesitant to speak out. Why?
Cultural Relativism: The Shield of Silence
One reason for the lack of engagement with the plight of Muslim women in certain contexts is the concept of “cultural relativism.” Cultural relativism is the idea that a society’s beliefs, values, and practices should be understood in their own cultural context, rather than judged against an external standard. Feminists who adhere to this philosophy may hesitate to criticize practices in Muslim-majority countries because they view such actions as part of cultural diversity.
While cultural relativism has its place in promoting respect for different cultural traditions, it can become problematic when it enables harmful practices that violate human rights. Many feminists, particularly in the West, are unwilling to challenge the oppressive structures that Muslim women live under because they do not want to be seen as imposing Western values on other cultures. This hesitation often manifests in silence or passive support for the status quo, even when it results in profound harm to women.
For instance, Western feminists may avoid addressing the issue of child marriage or forced marriages in some Muslim-majority countries, citing the argument that it is a cultural practice rather than a violation of human rights. However, this mindset fails to recognize that a woman’s autonomy, choice, and right to self-determination are universal human rights that should not be subjected to cultural or religious interpretations that deny those freedoms.
Political Correctness and Fear of Islamophobia
Another contributing factor to the silence on Muslim women’s issues is political correctness and the fear of being labeled as Islamophobic. Feminists in the West often walk a fine line between advocating for the rights of women and avoiding criticism of Islam or Islamic practices. With the rise of political correctness in recent years, there is a widespread fear of offending Muslim communities or reinforcing negative stereotypes about Islam.
As a result, many Western feminists avoid speaking out on issues like female genital mutilation (FGM), forced veiling, or honor killings, as they do not want to be accused of Islamophobia or cultural insensitivity. This fear of being labeled as discriminatory often leads to a paradox where feminists remain silent on issues that directly affect women’s lives because of a reluctance to criticize a religion or culture. In this scenario, the desire to protect the reputation of Islam in the public eye ends up overshadowing the very real struggles faced by Muslim women.
The Need for Intersectional Feminism
Feminism has always been about challenging patriarchal structures and fighting for gender equality, but it also must be intersectional in its approach. Intersectionality is the understanding that issues of oppression do not exist in a vacuum but intersect across multiple dimensions, including race, class, culture, and religion. For feminists to truly represent the rights of all women, they must advocate for those who face oppression on multiple fronts, including Muslim women who face religious and cultural discrimination in addition to gender-based inequality.
Many Western feminists focus on issues like wage gaps, reproductive rights, and sexual harassment, which are undoubtedly important. However, they must broaden their understanding of feminist struggles to include the unique challenges faced by Muslim women who live under patriarchal religious and political systems. Feminism must not be limited to a one-size-fits-all agenda that reflects only the challenges of women in Western societies. It must recognize the diversity of women’s experiences and fight for the rights of those who are oppressed by religious dogma, oppressive governments, and rigid gender roles.
Women Who Are Fighting for Change
While mainstream Western feminists may not be fully engaged, it is essential to recognize that many Muslim women themselves are at the forefront of the fight for change in their own communities. These women are not passive victims of their circumstances; they are actively challenging the status quo and advocating for their rights.
In countries like Iran, women have been defying oppressive laws by protesting the mandatory hijab. In Saudi Arabia, women have been fighting for their right to drive and for other basic freedoms. In Afghanistan, women have risked their lives to continue their education, even under the threat of Taliban violence. These women embody the true spirit of feminism—challenging patriarchy, fighting for their rights, and demanding the freedom to make choices about their own lives.
However, they often do so with little support from international feminist movements. Western feminists must not only acknowledge these brave efforts but also amplify their voices and offer solidarity. Supporting Muslim women means supporting their agency, recognizing their ability to fight for their rights, and standing with them as they challenge oppressive systems.
Conclusion
The question of why feminists do not fight for Muslim women is a complex one that stems from cultural relativism, political correctness, and a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. It highlights the need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminism—one that recognizes the diverse struggles of women around the world and actively works to support their rights, regardless of cultural or religious context.
Feminism cannot be selective in its advocacy. If it is to remain true to its core values of equality, justice, and freedom, it must extend its fight for women’s rights to include those who face oppression in Muslim-majority countries. Western feminists must listen to the voices of Muslim women, support their struggles, and help create a world where all women—regardless of their background, culture, or religion—are free to live as equals.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
