[empower] feminist ancestors

Iran: Women writers at Afghan literary festival in Tehran

Most of the 28 finalists, and 9 of the 13 prize winners were women. These figures reflect the high proportion of women participating in youth literary activities among Afghans in Iran, a reflection of Afghan women’s demand to have their voices heard.

International: The gender of Islam

Could progressive readings of Islam enhance women's rights? In India, Margot Badran talks to Muslims who see religion as a way to emancipation.

Bangladesh: Salma's journey into activism

Salma Sobhan never wanted to be an icon. In fact, she avoided stage lights, but ironically she has become a public figure and now, a year after she left us, she is remembered not only by family and friends, but nationally & internationally by many others.

China: The History of Women's Mosques in Chinese Islam: A Mosque of Their Own

A review of the study of Islam and Muslims in China by Maria Jaschok and Shui Jingjun.

Dossier 11-12-13: Des origines du féminisme au début du 20ème siècle en Iran

“Les femmes perses avaient effectué un grand bond et étaient presque devenues, depuis 1907, les plus progressistes sinon les plus radicales au monde. Qu’une telle déclaration aille à l’encontre des idées du siècle n’y change rien. Tels sont les faits ...

Worldwide: Once there was a thriving Arab women's movement. Right now, survival is our political act

Arab women are generally portrayed as victimised, subservient.

Dossier 22: In Memory of Begum Sufia Kamal, the Unrelenting Voice for Democracy, Secularism and Women’s rights in Bangladesh

• Excerpts from: New York Times, November 28, 1999

Sufia Kamal, Bangladeshi Writer and Women's Rights Advocate, Dies
By Douglas Martin

Sufia Kamal, a Bangladeshi poet, political activist and feminist, died at age 88 on Nov. 20 1999 and was buried [...] with full state honors, the first woman to receive that recognition from Bangladesh. [...] [Thousands] of people paid their respects to Ms. Kamal at her funeral [...] in Dhaka. [...] [Begum Kamal] ...

Dossier 5-6: Turkish Feminism: A Short History

Introduction:

In many ways, it is possible to say that feminism has erupted onto the Turkish political scene in the latter half of the 1980’s. Since 1983, a number of publications and public meetings organised by feminists have already made an impact on political and intellectual circles in Istanbul and Ankara (cf. Tekeli 1986 and forthcoming). The general public heard of these women on two separate occasions.

Dossier 3: Women's movement in Pakistan: State, Class, Gender

Introduction

Women in Pakistan like their counterparts elsewhere in the world have been victims of the double oppression of class and gender.