El papel de las mujeres musulmanas en el cambio social [The role of Muslim women in social change]

Abstract

Resumen: La comunidad musulmana europea se caracteriza por ser un sector poblacional que padece el estigma social de ser identificada con un islamismo propenso a prácticas culturales no-civas. En las antípodas a esa percepción colectiva plagada de prejuicios, la realidad indica que las mujeres musulmanas europeas conforman un grupo demográfico diverso, dinámico e influyente que desempeña un rol decisivo en las esferas culturales, económicas, profesionales y sociales. El colectivo tiene como prioridad incrementar sus capacidades y su visibilidad social a través de una participación impulsora de la plena pertenencia social de la comunidad musulmana al tejido social europeo. Los esfuerzos y logros están obstaculizados por un velo de invisibilidad derivado de los prejuicios socio-cognitivos históricos y contemporáneos instalados en las sociedades europeas. Abstract: The European Muslim community is a population sector affected by the social stigma associated with Islam, a religion commonly believed to have a propensity for undesirable cultural practices. However, in stark contrast with this collective perception –which is plagued with pre-judice– the reality of the situation indicates that European Muslim women are a diverse, dynamic and influential demographic group that plays a decisive role in cultural, economic, professional and social spheres. This group has set the priority of heightening its social visibility and social ca-pacities by increasing its participation in society, as a means to achieve full integration of the Mus-lim community in the European social fabric. However, its efforts and achievements are hindered by a veil of invisibility derived from social cognitive prejudices, both historical and contemporary, that have taken root in European societies.