Noorjehan Safia Niaz Livres

This collection of essays and articles captures the emergence of the Muslim women’s movement in India over the past two decades. Written at various stages of this journey, these pieces reflect the collective struggle of women advocating for reform in Muslim family law and equal citizenship. Led by ordinary women, this movement faces numerous challenges while celebrating significant achievements, such as the organization of women into groups, the abolition of triple talaq, and women’s access to the mazar of Haji Ali Dargah. The collection features contributions from various authors in newspapers, magazines, and journals, challenging regressive norms imposed by patriarchal religious groups. It emphasizes the need for state accountability in ensuring safety, security, and equality for Muslim citizens. Drawing from the experiences of ordinary women, these essays inspire hope and promote collective democratic action to combat discrimination. They critique the failures of conservative religious leaders and elected representatives in fostering an enabling environment for the community, particularly for women. Additionally, the collection addresses certain feminists for their dual standards and their ineffective attempts to undermine the movement for reform in family law spearheaded by ordinary Muslim women.

In this book the authors have tried to fill up the pages of feminist history with the voices of Muslim women through their own lenses and their own voices. This collection of memoirs is meant to highlight the leadership potential and impact of a Muslim woman, her agency, her education, her fierce commitment and her fearlessness in the face of adversity. It is meant to create a historical record for future generations to inspire them and to educate them about the legacy that they have inherited. It is also meant to inspire more and more women to take up the charge of themselves, their community and their country.