Women, social movements and political activism in North Africa

Abstract

This chapter deals with women's movements and political activism in North Africa from a broader sociopolitical perspective. The emergence of women's activism is an answer to the gender-based discrimination in the region. The role of women's organizations (secular and Islamist alike) in the struggle against gender inequalities is remarkable in regard to their efforts to consolidate democracy and social justice and to challenge traditional thinking and practices of governance. While secular women's organizations struggle for a liberal societal project, Islamic women's associations work within the framework of Islam and aim for the Islamization of society. Generally, the women's movements in the region endeavor to promote women's empowerment through education, awareness, and political participation. Women's activism is essential to modernization and democratization, for it has significantly contributed to women's political participation and to the advance of civil society and democratic culture.