Alarming: Saving Muslim Women In The Name of Civilization

Photo, originally from a French website, reflects the desires of  the so-called sympathisers of oppressed Muslimah who are eager to liberate Muslim women

The recent Burkini ban in France and the rhetoric of the oppression and liberation of Muslim women is not a new phenomenon, it has deep-seated roots in Colonial periods and direct links with Islamophobia. Recently I came across very interesting articles in the Guardian but this one published by a 'Geeky Muslimah' covers the topic in a very bold perspective.

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Written by Geeky Muslimah


The policing of Muslim women’s bodies, and the curtailing of their agency, seems to have gained in both popularity and intensity since the beginning of the war on terror. The rhetoric of  “saving the women” in the name of “civilization” is nothing new. In fact, this strategy has been used consistently by European colonial administrations who saw it fit to ban or criticize cultural and religious practices that they regarded as backward, and harmful to women, in their colonial domain.

The latest burkini debacle in France showcases how, much like in colonial times, the agency of Muslim women, to control their bodies and make decisions pertaining to their lives, continues to be attacked and curtailed under the guise of protecting women’s rights.

As a Muslim woman who wears a hijab, I am neither immune nor unaware of the acerbic nature of Islamophobia. Any attack on the rights of Muslim women to freely express their agency is an attack that does not leave me indifferent.

Although Feminism defines itself as an ideology dedicated to the liberation of ALL women, it is undeniable that where Muslim women and women of colour are concerned, feminist ideals often intersect with Western colonialism and white supremacy. However, unravelling such a connection, and examining its repercussions requires more than a mere blog post. To do justice to this complex topic, I have decided to dedicate to it a series of posts titled “The Trouble With Feminism.” Granted, one could say that the title itself is problematic. I would argue, however, that the goal here is not to demonize feminism, but rather discuss how certain internal dynamics within feminism itself can end up  disempowering Muslim women.

Read full article on original Site.