This thesis aims to investigate the influence of Moroccan feminist movements in achieving reform concerning women´s rights both in theory and practice. In order to do so a historical overview is...Show moreThis thesis aims to investigate the influence of Moroccan feminist movements in achieving reform concerning women´s rights both in theory and practice. In order to do so a historical overview is given on the development of feminist movements in Morocco, both secular and Islamic in nature. In this overview some activist campaigns are discussed that were a significant part of the struggle towards progression of women´s rights, both in terms of convincing the political powers, as well as the public. Eventually reforms to the Family law and constitution were implemented, and articles that were reformed appear to vastly improve the position of women. However, numerous articles that were not reformed endure the lesser position of women in society, and at times even contradict newly reformed articles. In practice, reforms seem to have made some impact, providing women with better chances at education and employment, but women continuously face lesser opportunities or conditions when compared to men. This becomes even more evident when looking at women´s marital rights, and the hardships they face in pursuing a political career. Overall, Moroccan feminist movements have been an essential factor in realising policy change, but on a practical level, it has proven to be even more difficult to reach widespread change. Reforms are often not implemented locally, and feminists have not yet managed to encompass all aspects of Moroccan society. Still, the situation of contemporary Moroccan women appears to have greatly improved compared to that of Moroccan women 70 years ago.Show less
This thesis examines the views of Khomeini, Shariati and Motahhari on several aspects of womanhood such as gender equality and marriage. Furthermore, it examines which of these ideas have been...Show moreThis thesis examines the views of Khomeini, Shariati and Motahhari on several aspects of womanhood such as gender equality and marriage. Furthermore, it examines which of these ideas have been translated into the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. By understanding which religious figures have been influential and which laws dictate the lives of women, I have tried to understand what is expected from women and what their position in society is. The constitution of Iran was an important source to understand the framework in which the position of women is decided. A critical review of the ideas of the three religious figures show that there are several problems with the translation of their ideas and the notion of equality as presented in the constitution into practice. Women in fact do not have the same rights as their male counterparts as the constitution states. Examples of this are the mandatory hijab and unequal divorce rights. Furthermore, there is a lot of intentional vagueness in the constitution in order to limit the rights of women. The thesis concludes that it has been mostly the ideas of Khomeini and Motahhari have been implemented into the constitution. Shariati’s ideas, that can be categorized as more modern and socialist than the other two religious figures, have been implemented to a lesser extent. Khomeini, Motahhari and Shariati all agree men and women have equal rights. However, the implementation of this into practice is problematic.Show less
Mahmud Tarzi was the first Afghan modernizer that helped to formulate the basic tenets of Afghan modernism and nationalism, through his successful news medium Seraj al-Akhbar (The torch of news)....Show moreMahmud Tarzi was the first Afghan modernizer that helped to formulate the basic tenets of Afghan modernism and nationalism, through his successful news medium Seraj al-Akhbar (The torch of news). In this thesis, I will focus on Mahmud Tarzi, as a writer and journalist and how he has sought to influence the social and political modernization of Afghanistan through his literature.Show less
