Gender
All topics-
Interview with Dina El Omari on feminism and Islam
"Muslim women need space for critical self-reflection"
Is there such a thing as a feminist Islam? If there is, it is hard to define. Instead, there are different interpretations and above all female Muslim theologians who do not use the term "feminism" to describe what they do, namely interpret the Koran in a gender-equal way. An interview with theologian Dina El Omari
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The headscarf debate
Don't ban – educate and emancipate!
Why resort to bans on specific religious practices, when we live in an age and a form of society where one can open oneself to permanent processes of education? If piety and self-determination are to be brought into line with a liberal, democratic society, argues Emel Zeynelabidin, then other measures must be applied
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Transgender rights
Pakistan's Hijra hold their heads high
In March 2018 Pakistanʹs transgender community experienced an incredible turnaround, when legislators passed a new law protecting them. Pakistani author Mahwish Gul believes it is the first step towards ending marginalisation and deprivation
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Women's self-help project "Amal" in Morocco
The single mothers of Marrakesh
Single mothers in Morocco still experience social discrimination today. They upset the traditional image of the nuclear family, although that has long since become outdated. The "Amal" project in Marrakesh supports theses mothers, who are often among the poorest members of society. By Claudia Mende
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Parliamentary elections in Pakistan
Closing Pakistan's electoral gender gap
When Pakistanis vote in this month's general election, more women will be on the ballot than ever before. But the percentage of women casting votes will remain low, as cultural and religious obstacles continue to impede gender equality in the country's political process. By Quratulain Fatima
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Moroccoʹs ʹaitaʹ folk music and "Cabaret al-Shaikat"
Cross-dressers lead a musical revival
On a makeshift stage in Casablanca eight men perform wearing women's outfits, a band resurrecting the nearly forgotten historical Bedouin genre of ʹaitaʹ music. By Mariam Qamar
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Women in the Saudi military
It's a tough call
Saudi Arabiaʹs decision to allow women to serve in the military has been widely celebrated as a step forward for gender parity in the notoriously unequal kingdom. Yet the battle for real equality within the military is just beginning. By Quratulain Fatima
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Islamic inheritance law in Morocco and Tunisia
Feminist Asma Lamrabet under pressure
Conservatives in Morocco have forced the Islamic feminist Asma Lamrabet to relinquish her post at the Centre d'Etudes Feminines en Islam in Rabat. A debate on discrimination against women in Islamic inheritance law sparked the conflict, fuelled in part by a draft amendment in Tunisia that would institute an egalitarian law of inheritance there. By Claudia Mende
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Documentary: "A Silent Revolution"
Pioneering Saudi women
Thanks to the courage of a few, Saudi Arabian women are now managing companies and will soon be allowed to drive cars. The documentary "A Silent Revolution" showcases Saudi Arabia's female movers and shakers. Elizabeth Grenier talked to director Danya Alhamrani and producer Dania Nassief
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Headscarves and neutrality
"It′s our decision!"
Teacher Fereshta Ludin was the first to complain about the headscarf ban in German schools. Here, she writes about her anger and disappointment over what has happened since – and what hasn’t
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Rape in India and Pakistan
Endemic misogyny
The most recent rape and murder of a girl in Pakistan caused a huge public outcry. Though similar cases in neighbouring India have tended to attract fewer headlines, sexual violence in both countries is an ongoing problem, says Esther Felden
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Diversity in the workforce
Getting integration right
Changing demographics, a shortage of skilled workers, digitalisation – German companies have to do some re-thinking as they are increasingly forced to rely on "outsiders". But how? Some answers from Insa Wrede