Men Are Enabling Islamic Feminism

Abstract

Another surprising paradox of Islamic feminism in Kuwait is that men are not actually resisting it—they are enabling it. Like the variety of women activists, the men interested in women’s political rights in Kuwait may differ in their approach but all—from secular Liberals to conservative Islamists—are working hard to persuade and incorporate women into their political agendas. Since women were given their political rights to vote and run for parliament in 2005, Kuwaitis of all political affiliations have had to contend with the fact that women are now one important half of the country’s constituents.

Women’s issues can either be promoted or hindered by the real decision makers, all of whom happen to be men in high-ranking political positions.

—Kuwaiti female activist ¹