Cultural Relativism, Universal Human Rights, and Women in Islamic Societies

This article discusses the role of women within Islamic societies, while at the same time making it clear that Islamic societies have always sought to define their gender and societal identities independent of Western perceptions. The author goes through a meticulous modern history of women in Islamic societies, and how the changes they went through reflected on the world these women inherited. The author does not tread lightly: she tackles civil unrest, ancient codes of conduct, perceptions of sexuality, and the imposition of authoritarian patriarchal rule on women in these Islamic societies. Focusing on labor, politics, and religion, Heinz paints a vivid portrait of Islamic women in four pages.