A re-shaping of gender activism in a Muslim context - Senegal
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Authors
Latha, Rizwana Habib
Issue Date
2010
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Senegal, feminism, African-Islamic womanism, religion , gender activism
Alternative Title
Abstract
Patriarchal power and male privilege are prevalent in Senegal, with strong alliances between the political and religious elite
The women’s movement is characterised by its determination and activism, as discriminatory customary norms such as female
circumcision and violence against women are still widespread The situation IS exacerbated by malecentred interpretations of
religious precepts in this predominantly Muslim country The Family Code, which came into force in 1973, strengthened the
legal position of women to a limited extent As a result of the efforts of the feminist group, Yewwu-Yewwi. additional reforms
were introduced However, feminist successes in Senegal have proven to be limited and the objectives of gender activism are
therefore being continually revised At present the battle for women’s rights is being spearheaded by women’s associations
such as the Reseau Siggel Djigeen, which are firmly rooted in this West African socio-cultural and religious milieu and guided
by the principles of African-Islamic womanism The Reseau Siggel Djigeen focuses on challenging gender inequities by reaching
out to women in all sectors of society to try to effectively tackle cultural and religious doctrines which subjugate women and
impede formulation of new reforms and implementation of existing ones
Description
Citation
Latha, Rizwana Habib (2010): A re-shaping of gender activism in a Muslim context - Senegal, Agenda: Empowering women for gender equity, 24:83, 55-67
Publisher
Routledge
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
10130950