The treatment of women under the Taliban in Afghanistan and under Iran’s authoritarian system should concern people of every faith. Women should never be denied education, freedom of speech, employment, or the right to choose what they wear.
It is especially troubling when religion is used to justify discrimination or the abuse of women. Muslim women deserve the same dignity, freedom, education, and opportunities as everyone else. Muslim men who believe in equality should speak out against policies that oppress women.
The Quran contains passages affirming the spiritual and moral equality of men and women. For example, Quran 33:35 lists believing men and women together, promising both forgiveness and a great reward. Quran 9:71 describes believing men and women as allies who support one another in promoting good. Quran 16:97 says that whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, will receive a good life and reward.
No government or religious authority should use faith as an excuse to silence women or deny them education. The voices of Muslim women themselves must be heard and respected.
The struggle for women’s equality is universal. It is time for women—and men who support them—to reject every form of gender apartheid, wherever it occurs.
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