Women and Politics

  What Do Saudi Arabia’s Recent Elections Mean for Women’s Rights? The article from Knowledge at Wharton discusses the impact of Saudi Arabia’s 2015 elections, in which women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time. It highlights the significance of this event for women’s rights in the country, marking a gradual but important shift in a highly conservative society. Despite the restrictions and challenges Saudi women still face, such as needing male guardians for various aspects of life, the election is viewed as a small but symbolic step toward broader political participation and social change for women in Saudi Arabia. https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/what-do-saudi-arabias-recent-elections-mean-for-womens-rights/ Saudi Women Win Seats in Historic Vote The DW News article discusses the results of Saudi Arabia's 2015 municipal elections, which were historic as women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time. Several women won seats on m...

Political Islam and Gender The chapter analyzes the complex relationship between Islamic law and women's political participation in the Middle East, emphasizing the complexities within different cultural and legal contexts. It analyzes how interpretations of Islamic law can restrict or enhance women's role in politics. For example, in some countries, legal frameworks based on Islamic principles have historically limited women's rights, affecting their ability to vote, stand for election, or participate in public life. On the other hand, the chapter also highlights cases where women have successfully navigated these legal structures to defend their rights and increase their political representation, demonstrating resilience and agency in the face of systemic challenges. The analysis highlights the importance of local interpretations of Islamic law and the role of civil society in women's political participation. https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/43158/chapter-abstra...