Negotiating Faith and Equality: Muslim Women’s Movements and Gender Justice in the 21st Century

Abstract

The question of faith and gender equality remains one of the most contested debates in contemporary Muslim societies. As globalization, human rights discourse, and modern socio-political demands intensify, Muslim women’s movements have emerged as transformative forces negotiating the complex balance between religious commitment and the pursuit of justice. These movements are not simply oppositional to patriarchal interpretations but instead engage in critical reinterpretation of sacred texts to reclaim women’s agency within Islam, demonstrating that gender justice and faith can be mutually reinforcing. This study employs a qualitative research design, combining feminist methodology with hermeneutical analysis to capture both the lived experiences of activists and the intellectual traditions underpinning their work. Data are drawn from semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, supported by secondary sources such as religious texts, organizational reports, and scholarly writings. Thematic and hermeneutical analyses are applied to identify recurring patterns in activism and interpretation. The results highlight four key dimensions: first, diverse perceptions of gender justice, with many respondents linking equality to Islamic principles of justice and compassion; second, strategies employed, ranging from textual reinterpretation and legal advocacy to grassroots mobilization and digital activism; third, significant achievements in family law reforms, educational access, and women’s leadership; and fourth, persistent challenges, including resistance from conservative authorities, political restrictions, cultural norms, and global misrepresentation. The research concludes that Muslim women’s movements represent a dynamic negotiation of faith and equality. By grounding activism in Islam while advancing reform, they offer an inclusive framework that fosters both justice and democratic participation in the 21st century.