Abstract

This study discusses status of women in contemporary Islamic societies. The approach adopted to develop the discussion is an analytical one. Because of the wide controversy over status of women in Muslim societies, particular and deliberate emphasis is given to the Islamic rules and principles and how they are culturally interpreted and reinterpreted to define the position of women in current Islamic societies. The study argues that women according to Islamic rules, are given equivalent status with men. It is however, the misperception, cultural-political misinterpretation of Islamic rules and laws, and the political interests of the governing party that lagged women behind men in Muslim societies. The study concludes that national and international collaborative measures must be taken in order for Muslim women to secure a more dignified social and political status.