NEGOTIATING POLITICAL SPACES: Representation of Muslim Women in the Local Self–Governance

Description

Muslim women are subject to a combination of principles varying from patriarchal norms to a relatively modern egalitarian social role, the existing social environment of Indian politics, prevailing gender inequality and oppression resulting in their educational, economic, and political marginalization. Political participation and representation of Muslim women is generally explained and understood largely from the religio-cultural perspective and hence, ignoring the social structure, economic development and politico-historical factors. It is argued that it is essential and crucial as well to look at and view the broader social and political influences along with economic resources which to a large extent, play a pivotal role in shaping women’s autonomy and agency to participate in politics.

The major argument of this book is to unravel the common perception about Muslim women as politically inactive, unassertive or not able to negotiate their place in active politics, and they do not want or are not allowed to participate in politics owing to their religion. This created perception is mainly because of scanty empirical studies or narratives that have been conducted/documented on the aspiration, assertion, and constraints of Muslim women who are willing to participate in politics and on the success stories of Muslim women who despite all odds were able to negotiate political spaces and have made an impact in the community and society. Most important is that very few micro studies have been conducted on Muslim women’s political participation and representation from gender, community, and political space perspectives.

This book attempts to highlight all these perspectives and also how the seelected women representatives were able to negotiate the political spaces and tried to break the boundaries of patriarchal norms, identity politics and lack of political will. Based on empirical data, the book provides a space for the policymakers or the parliamentarians to think about some affirmative action policy particularly a quota within quota which would increase the representation of Muslim women in the wider national politics.

Sabiha Hussain, was former Professor and Director of Sarojini Naidu Centre forWomen’s Studies and Centre for Inclusive Policies, Jamia Millia Islamia, NewDelhi. She worked for a decade at the Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi. Her areas of interest include gender and development, feminist methodology, gendered ageing health and well-being, education and livelihood, issues of Muslim women rights and entitlements. She has authored seven books and many research articles in national and international academic journals. She has been nominated by National Human Rights Commission as a member of ‘Women’s Rights Group’ and is a recipient of Teacher Fellowship, General Fellowship, and National Merit Scholarship.