Muslim Women And Western Gender Differences

The tension around mainstream Western feminisms and religion is one that is fundamentally rooted in secularism. In fact, this tension leads to a resistance of Western feminists to understand the importance of religion for women (Vuola 2). Thus, they perceive women only under the framework of religion, often deeming them victims of a patriarchy with no female autonomy. This perception also stands true in regards to Muslim women, subsequently leading to criticisms of the Islamic veil for women that are exacerbated by the 9/11 attacks and the more recent terrorism of ISIS, an Islamic extremist group. However, under the framework of intersectionality, Muslim women argue that their lived realities are not the same as the experiences of the white, middle class women who lead Western feminisms. Indeed, Muslim women apply this concept of intersectionality to centre their own experiences and challenge the

Rather, they should be open to “careful and considerate [conversations] rather than confrontation” (Afshar), and be aware of the intersectional differences between Western feminists and Muslim women. Indeed, Muslim women invite support from Western feminists to challenge Orientalism and Islamophobia in order to truly contribute to the liberation of Muslim women. As part of these conversations, solidarity with Muslim women should be comprised of respecting Muslim women’s right to choose with respect to veiling. In truth, women in Islam maintain that wearing the veil in the West is a “matter of faith and identity and a political act of solidarity, but not one that alienates them from their kin and communities” (Afshar). Thus, Muslim women do not reject relations with Western society, but rather, explore the option of having multiple feminisms that are not just restricted to the West’s institutionalized