Feminisms in Mena Countries
Feminisms in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) intertwine closely with processes of modernization, globalization, and national policies. During the late 2010 revolutions, also known as the Arab Springs, women played a crucial role. Their demands extended beyond political rights to encompass social reforms and gender equality, sometimes challenging existing norms that promoted women's complementarity to men rather than parity.
In the MENA region, feminisms manifest in a diverse array of movements and approaches. Secular feminism advocates for the separation of religion and state, prioritizing secular legislation to safeguard women's rights. This stance is particularly robust in countries like Tunisia, where women have achieved significant legal and civil advancements. Islamic Feminism represents a crucial facet of feminisms in the region. It seeks to harmonize Islamic principles with women's rights through a progressive reinterpretation of sacred texts. Islamic feminists actively work to foster gender equality within Muslim communities, confronting both traditional patriarchy and conservative interpretations of religion.
Notably, this movement is conspicuous in countries such as Morocco and Iran, where women advocate for their rights using religious discourse alongside universal human rights principles. Autonomous feminism is another significant approach, where groups of women operate independently of institutional structures and political parties. They concentrate on community-based initiatives and grassroots efforts to champion women's rights.
WE-PROPOSE endeavors to analyze and elucidate the multifaceted nature of feminisms and the various approaches existing in Morocco and Tunisia. The aim is to comprehend their interconnectedness and significance concerning women’s migrations and returns.