Intersectionality: a word used to acknowledge and illustrate the interplay between types of identity-based discrimination, such as sexism, classism, racism, and transphobia, and how elements of identity overlap to shape a unique variety of experiences relating to systemic oppression. For example, the term “misogynoir,” coined by Dr. Moya Bailey, describes a type of anti-Black sexism—while all women are paid proportionately less than their male equals, Black women are more likely to be paid less than white women.

Hence, many have vocalised a criticism of Western feminism—what many refer to as an exclusive model of feminism, an example being the notoriously segregated suffragette movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The premise of this criticism is that Western feminism suggests, in language and practice, that all women experience the same model of sexism universally—an inefficient premise in the fight for women’s liberation, as it disregards significant social-political factors like race, class, and religion. Women across predominantly Western, well-developed countries like the US, Australia, and the UK are often seen protesting for better working conditions, abortion healthcare, and ensured pay equality. In contrast, women across Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East are protesting widespread rape, domestic violence, femicide, and female mutilation. While all are completely valid issues within their own contexts, the disparity in safety emphasises the need for a more universal model of feminism that acknowledges the difference in experiences women face across the globe.

Women’s rights across the Middle East have been under attack for decades. Since the Taliban took over the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, in 1996, a gender apartheid was brutally enforced under a totalitarian dictatorship. Just last year, the Iranian government intensified its compulsory veiling law, imposing severe penalties against defiance of the law. The law refers to “unveiling” as the act of women and girls not covering their heads with a hijab or headscarf. Both regimes include aspects of Islam in their extreme ideologies and a point of reference for certain oppressive policies.

As global discussion surrounds the conditions these women face, further consideration is required of how effective Western feminist movements, practices, and language are for women in the Middle East. A lack of comprehensive understanding of these women’s perspectives has led to grand misconceptions about Islam itself as a religion—often to claims that it is rooted in misogyny and that the entire practice of head coverings is inherently sexist. These statements are fuelling blatant Islamophobia and racism while further pushing harmful stereotypes and assumptions surrounding the Muslim female identity. The claims are also refuted by many Muslim female scholars, who have studied the Qur’an, considering and analysing crucial historical and intertextual elements to come to conclusions that there are no outright patriarchal notions laid out in its holy verses.

Intersectional feminism may very well be the way forward to ensure liberation for all women, as it is modelled to consider the significant disparities between the Western and Eastern worlds and the inherent complexity of the female experience.

 

Amnesty International 2024, Iran: New compulsory veiling law intensifies oppression of women and girls, Amnesty International.

Feminist Majority Foundation 2021, The Taliban & Afghan Women – Feminist Majority Foundation, Feminist Majority Foundation.

Hamazaki, A 2023, Misogynoir and Healing Journeys With Monica Samuel, Canadian Women’s Foundation.

International Women's Development Agency 2018, What does intersectional feminism actually mean? | IWDA, IWDA.

Khan, T 2020, Why the West should not define the women’s rights movement in the Global South, Transforming Society.

Lodi, H 2022, Muslim Feminists Are Not Here For Your Misconceptions About Their Faith, www.refinery29.com, Refinery29.