"The enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, the northern-most province of Indonesia, has influenced debates on the preservation of women’s rights under Islamic rulings. Practices pursued by the local...Show more"The enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, the northern-most province of Indonesia, has influenced debates on the preservation of women’s rights under Islamic rulings. Practices pursued by the local government have gained significant international attention. Certain rituals are considered infringements of fundamental human rights by international institutions; however, they could be sought by women and considered important steps in their personal growth. Through a case-study analysis on two main practices under Sharia law, namely caning as corporal punishment and female genital mutilation, this thesis will contribute to the global understanding of women’s rights and their relation to Islamic law and its cultural traditions. It will do so by generating insights into the potential violation of their rights in Aceh. Particularly, it will define how the separation of powers in the region and the incompetence of the law enforcement lead to discrimination against women. Finally, the thesis will suggest future research to focus more on a culturally dependent notion of human rights and analyse its impact on women’s rights."Show less
