Book

Description

Assessing the Empowerment of Muslim Women in Malawi: A Case Study of the Muslim Women’s Organization By Ulemu Chidyaonga Maseko What does it mean to be a Muslim woman in a society shaped by both faith and patriarchy? How do women navigate empowerment in religiously conservative spaces where cultural expectations often overshadow their rights? In this groundbreaking work, Ulemu explores the lived realities of Muslim women in Malawi through the lens of the Muslim Women’s Organization (MWO). Drawing on interviews, case studies, and Islamic feminist theory, this book provides a powerful and honest assessment of how Muslim women are asserting their identities, claiming their rights, and pushing for greater inclusion in social, economic, and political life. With eight years of experience leading community-driven, gender-focused initiatives, Ulemu takes the reader on a journey that uncovers the intersection of religion, gender, and empowerment in Malawi. She offers a critical look at how MWO uses Islamic teachings and historical narratives to challenge patriarchal interpretations and create a more inclusive space for women within Islam. From challenges with institutional policies and economic exclusion to cultural and religious stereotyping, the book reveals the multifaceted barriers that limit women’s full participation in society, and the quiet resilience and bold activism used to overcome them. This case study is more than a scholarly inquiry; it is a call to action. It argues that faith-based women’s organizations can serve as powerful agents of change in deeply conservative contexts, and that Muslim women, like all women, deserve the opportunity to rise on their terms, within their beliefs, and with dignity. Empowering and deeply insightful, this book offers valuable lessons for activists, scholars, policy-makers, and anyone interested in gender justice, Islamic thought, and African women’s movements. Ulemu believes that "Strong women make waves", and this book is part of that wave.