“Co-relating religious faith and community mobilization as a strategy for the economic empowerment of Muslim Women: A case study”

Abstract

Background: Empowerment in general terms used for the socio-economic up-liftment of the individuals/groups/community members. And women empowerment has been a global issue and debate over the centuries. Muslim community has been considered as a backward community in India through the studies conducted by the Central Government. Sachar committee report says that “the status of Muslims in India is worse than the status of SC/STs of India”. Hence we can assume how the condition of Muslim women is. There are several reasons given to this, out of which religious faith is a predominant one. Islam still rigorously follows the patriarchy system. Women are deprived of good education, job opportunities, freedom of choice etc. this situation emphasizes the need to adopt strategies to bring the women out of their houses if they have to be empowered. Co-relating the religious faith and mobilizing their community could be a great strategy. This study is an attempt to collect opinions of the same community in this regard.