Islamist Feminism

Recognizing that feminist movements are happening globally is empowering within itself. For western and european civilizations, feminism, although it may often be stigmatized, is recognized as a supported movement. The middle east however, has made moves to join in on feminist empowerment. After reading Ayaan Hirsi Ali's "Nomad", I thought it highly unlikely feminism would ever sweep the streets of her radical Islam. Taking a step outside of an often highly empasized radical Islam, in Tunisia feminist female activists chose to enter into politics from their experiences facing job discriminations and arrests based on their attire. Instead of adhering to society's determined norms, these women joined membership of Enhahda's Executive Council, it is representative of intellectual and empowered women. 

Part of the initiative of the council is to bring to life a revolutionary movement similar to Turkeys governing justice and development party, the A.K.P. The Enhada's activists with to yield the same results the A.K.P. when they successfully involved women as equal political partners. Another part of the movement included eliminating corruption, and producing astonishing economic growth rates. The activists present an accessible form of Islamic feminism to rural and socially conservative Tunisian women. The link to the article in New York Times is cited below. After reading this piece on feminism becoming accepted to some degree and possible in the middle east, it made me think so much more can and should be urged into attention by feminists in a western society who have more recognition and acceptance then in Israel. Every tiny step taken for empowerment and equality is a step forward. This also tied into our rally for international women's day, when one of the guest speakers spoke about the importance of women's right to vote, and how we need to execute what our ancestors worked so hard to make possible. We have the opportunity to be active as women in politics, even through the simple act of voting. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/opinion/can-islamism-and-feminism-mix.html?_r=1