This is the little-known story of Arab feminism. We see how female emancipation has been shaped by nationalism and colonialism and hear from the Muslim women who are fighting for their liberation.

The Arab Spring of 2011 was not the first time women took to the streets in the Arab World. It was just the latest in a series of campaigns by feminist activists since the 19th century. Largely unnoticed in the Western World, ideas to improve the lot of women in the patriarchal societies of the Arab World were already being published more than a century ago.

In the 1930s and 1940s, women fought against colonialism and for equal rights. But neither those efforts nor the upheaval of the Arab Spring brought with them the desired emancipation of women. Women must still fear for their rights. Commentators speak of an Islamist backlash partly supported by women. Women’s movements are heterogeneous and at times paradoxical but they remain alive and kicking. And the struggle goes on. Who knows, perhaps the next Arab Spring will be triggered by feminism?

 

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