Faith and freedom : women's human rights in the Muslim world / edited by Mahnaz Afkhami.

Papers chiefly presented at a conference titled "Religion, culture, and women's human rights in the Muslim world," held Sept. 9-10, 1994 at the American University in Washington, D.C., and sponsored by Sisterhood Is Global Institute.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction, Mahnaz Afkhami. Part 1 Women, Islam and patriarchy: reflections on the politics of gender in Muslim societies - from Nairobi to Beijing, Deniz Kandiyoti; Arab women's rights and the Muslim state in the 21st century - reflections on Islam as religion and state, Fatima Mernissi; the dichotomy between religious and secular discourse in Islamic societies, Abdullahi An-Na'im; the muted voices of women interpreters, Bouthaina Shaaban; networking for change - the role of women's groups in initiating dialogue on women's issues, Farida Shaheed; rhetorical strategies and official policies on women's rights - the merits and drawbacks of the new world hypocrisy, Ann Elizabeth Mayer. Part 2 Women and violence - selected cases: the ambiguity of Shari'a and the politics of "rights" in Saudi Arabia, Eleanor Abdella Doumato; the politics of dishonour - rape and power in Pakistan, Shahla Haeri; Muslim refugee, returnee and displaced women - challenges and dilemmas, Sima Wali; S.O.S. Algeria - women's human rights under siege, Karima Bennoune; women's human rights on trial in Jordan - the triumph of Toujan al-Faisal, Nancy Gallagher.

This study emphasizes Muslim women's rights as human rights. The book explores the existing patriarchal structures and processes that present women's human rights as contradictory to Islam.