En-Gender-ing Legal Reforms: Islamic Law in Africa and East Asia

Women have been an integral part of the particular form of revolution that has erupted across the Arab world since early 2011. As part of their participation, women have articulated concrete demands for reform that reflect their aspirations for gender equality. Knowledge and understanding of existing circumstances are essential for meaningful and lasting change. Thus, this article attempts to bring to light the relationship between gender equality and Islamic law in various contexts, by comparing the cases of Malaysia, Nigeria, Tunisia and Egypt, both in terms of the legal reforms implemented at the national level, as well as the practical reality of women’s lived experiences. Specific attention is given to existing substantive law, normative frameworks, institutions, procedures and enforcement and how all of these elements affect gender relations.