In today’s world, where human dignity lies at the core of human rights, reexamining the role of Muslim women at the intersection of cultural traditions and social development imperatives is an undeniable necessity. Since its inception, Islam has revolutionized the status of women by recognizing their legal and moral rights, emphasizing spiritual and human equality between men and women. Quranic verses, including Surah At-Tawbah (9:71) and Surah An-Nahl (16:97), clearly affirm this equality.
Despite significant progress, such as improvements in women’s development indicators across many Islamic countries, challenges remain—cultural discrimination, educational deprivation, and structural inequalities—often stemming not from religious teachings but from conservative and ineffective interpretations.
Islam views development beyond mere material aspects, considering it an ethical, social, and spiritual imperative. Within this framework, women’s empowerment is a fundamental condition for sustainable development. Numerous studies show that women allocate a substantial portion of their income to family health and education, and their participation in development processes leads to increased productivity, social justice, and the reduction of intergenerational poverty.
The IPHRC emphasizes the fundamental right of women and girls to education at all levels and calls for the implementation of international instruments such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the OIC Charter.
Proposed solutions include:
- Establishing legal frameworks aligned with Islamic principles to protect women
- Utilizing modern technologies for education and economic empowerment
- Creating funds to support women’s education and vocational training
- Data-driven policymaking in women’s affairs
- Active participation of civil society, media, and the constructive involvement of men
True social change occurs when societies are internally convinced rather than externally pressured. When Muslim women attain their divinely granted rights, they can become pillars of just and sustainable development in the Islamic world.