International Women’s Day 2025: Illusive Misconceptions About Gender Equality in Islam

International Women’s Day 2025, observed annually on March 8, will focus on accelerating progress toward gender equality under the theme “Accelerate Action”123. This year’s campaign highlights the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers and biases, as current projections estimate it could take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity globally27. Below is a detailed overview of the day’s significance, history, and planned activities.

1. International Women’s Day 2025: Key Details

Date: March 8, 2025

Theme: Accelerate Action- A Global Call to Recognize and Amplify Strategies that Advance Women’s Rights

International Women’s Day 2025

2.  Historic Context

International Women’s Day traces its origins to early 20th-century labor movements:

• 1908: 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding better pay, voting rights, and shorter working hours35.
• 1910: Socialist activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual International Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference35.
• 1911:  The first IWD was celebrated in the U.S. and Europe on March 19, later shifting to March 8 after Russian women’s strikes in 1917135.
• 1975: The United Nations formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day13.

3. Significance

IWD serves as a platform to:

• Celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements16.

• Highlight persistent inequalities, including gender-based violence, economic disparities, and political underrepresentation35.

• Mobilize global solidarity and advocate for policies that promote women’s rights37.

4. International Women’s Day 2025

 Key Events for 2025

The United Nations will host several high-profile activities:

1. March 6: Launch of the Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing report, analyzing global progress and backlash against gender equality4.
2. March 7: Official UN commemoration in New York, featuring speakers like Secretary-General António Guterres, gymnast Aly Raisman, and climate activist Grace Phatteeya. A performance by the SUFFs the Musical Broadway cast will honor suffragist history4.

Call to Action

The 2025 theme urges individuals and organizations to:

• Support women-focused initiatives through fundraising and advocacy7.

• Address workplace biases and promote inclusive policies27.

• Amplify grassroots movements working to dismantle systemic barriers67.

International Women’s Day 2025 underscores the urgency of collective action to bridge gender gaps and create a future where women’s rights are universally upheld. By accelerating efforts today, we can shorten the path to equality for generations to come.

5. The Rights of Women in Islam and Illusive Misconceptions

The rights of women across major religions reflect a complex interplay of doctrinal teachings, cultural interpretations, and historical contexts. Below is an analysis of how key religions address women’s rights, based on their foundational texts and practices:

Islam

Islam introduced progressive reforms for women’s rights in the 7th century, emphasizing equality in spiritual worth and legal protections:

• Legal and Financial Rights: Women gained inheritance rights (as daughters, wives, and mothers) and retained control over their wealth and earnings, independent of male guardianship35. The Quran explicitly states equality between men and women in spiritual merit (Quran 33:35)4.
• Social Dignity: Islam condemned practices like female infanticide and granted women the right to consent to marriage, receive dower (mahr), and seek divorce3. Mothers are accorded supreme respect, with the Prophet Muhammad declaring “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers”3.
• Misconception: Cultural practices in some regions (e.g., Bangladesh) often overshadow Islamic principles, perpetuating false notions of women’s subordination3.

6. Misconceptions About Gender Equality in Islam

Islam promotes gender equity through spiritual equality and defined rights, but cultural practices and misinterpretations have led to widespread misconceptions. Below is an analysis of common misunderstandings and their clarifications based on Islamic teachings:

Inheritance Inequality

• Misconception: Women receive half the inheritance share of men, indicating systemic discrimination.
• Clarification:
  • Islam grants women inheritance rights (often ½ of a male’s share) only when men bear financial responsibilities (e.g., supporting family members). Women retain full control over their wealth, while men must use theirs to provide for dependents.
  • A daughter inherits half her brother’s share, but she has no obligation to spend on family expenses, unlike her brother18.

 Polygamy Without Restrictions

Misconception: Men can marry up to four wives unconditionally.

• Clarification: Quran 4:3 permits polygamy only if justice is guaranteed. The verse was revealed to protect orphans, not for male indulgence.
  • The Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم (PBUH) emphasized: “Whoever has two wives and favors one over the other will come on the Day of Resurrection with a paralyzed side” (Hadith)15.

Male Guardianship as Dominance

• Misconception: Men’s role as guardians (Qiwamah) implies superiority.
• Clarification: Quran 4:34 links guardianship to financial responsibility, not inherent authority. Men are required to provide for women, who are free to work, own property, and manage wealth independently136.
  • The Prophet  Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم (PBUH) modeled equitable partnership, performing household chores and consulting his wives in decisions27.

 Hijab as Oppression

• Misconception: Veiling is a tool to suppress women’s freedom.
• Clarification: Hijab is mandated for modesty and dignity, applying to both genders (Quran 24:30-31). Men must lower their gaze and dress modestly.

• Historical context: The hijab liberated women from objectification in pre-Islamic Arabia78

 Spiritual Inferiority

• Misconception: Women are spiritually lesser than men.
• Clarification:
  • The Quran repeatedly affirms equal spiritual worth: “Whoever does good, whether male or female, will enter Paradise” (4:124)16.
  • The Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم (PBUH) declared: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim” (male and female)6.

 Restriction on Divorce and Education

• Misconception: Women cannot initiate divorce or pursue education.
• Clarification:
  • Islamic law allows women to seek divorce (khula) and stipulate conditions in marriage contracts.
  • Early Muslim women like Aisha (RA) were scholars and teachers, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on education26.

Root Causes of Misconceptions

Misconceptions about gender equality in Islam often stem from conflating cultural norms with religious doctrine. While the Quran and Sunnah establish equity in rights and dignity, patriarchal systems have distorted these principles. Addressing these gaps requires education, aligning practices with Quranic justice, and empowering women through Islamic scholarship. As the Quran states: “Act in justice, kindness, and reconciliation” (16:90)57.

7. Position and Rights of Women in Christianity

Christianity has a complex history regarding women’s rights and roles, shaped by theological teachings, cultural influences, and evolving interpretations over time. Below is an analysis of the position and rights of women in Christianity:

Spiritual Equality

Biblical Foundation: Christianity affirms the spiritual equality of men and women. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”56. This verse underscores the equal spiritual worth of all individuals before God.

Jesus’ Example: Jesus Christ treated women with dignity and respect, which was countercultural in the patriarchal societies of his time. He interacted openly with women (e.g., the Samaritan woman at the well) and included them among his followers, such as Mary Magdalene12.

Rights and Protections for Women

Marriage and Family:

Christianity introduced reforms that elevated the status of women in marriage. For example, Christian teachings emphasized mutual love and respect between spouses (Ephesians 5:25–28)5.

In contrast to Greco-Roman practices, Christian communities allowed widows to remain unmarried and retain control over their wealth instead of being forced into remarriage2.

Protection from Exploitation:

Early Christians worked to abolish practices like sex slavery and infanticide, which disproportionately harmed women. By the 5th century, Christian influence helped outlaw these practices in many regions26.

Education:

Women were encouraged to learn about their faith. For example, early Christian leaders like Paul instructed women to study in silence and submission (1 Timothy 2:11), though this has been interpreted differently across denominations.

Restrictions on Leadership

Clergy Roles:

In many Christian traditions, leadership roles such as priests or bishops have historically been restricted to men. This is based on scriptural passages like 1 Timothy 2:12: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man”15.

However, some denominations (e.g., Anglican, Lutheran) now ordain women as priests or pastors, reflecting modern shifts toward gender equality.

Historical Contributions:

Despite restrictions, women have played significant roles in Christianity’s development. Figures like Mary Magdalene were instrumental in Jesus’ ministry, while others like St. Teresa of Avila contributed to theology and spiritual reform.

Patriarchy vs. Progress

Patriarchal Interpretations:

Certain biblical passages have been used to justify patriarchal systems that subordinate women (e.g., Ephesians 5:22–24: “Wives, be subject to your husbands”). These interpretations often reflect cultural norms rather than core Christian principles15.

How Did the Witch Hunts Influence the Perception of Women in Society?

Advocacy for Women’s Rights:

Christianity has also been a force for advancing women’s rights. For instance, it provided protections against exploitation in ancient societies and inspired movements for education and suffrage26.

Modern Perspectives

Today, many Christian denominations emphasize gender equality as part of their mission. Organizations inspired by Christian values continue advocating for women’s empowerment globally78.

However, debates persist within Christianity regarding issues like ordination, reproductive rights, and gender roles.

8. Judaism

Jewish teachings present a dual legacy of reverence and restriction:

• Familial Role: Matrilineal descent determines Jewish identity, granting women centrality in lineage. However, historical texts like the Laws of Manu restricted women’s autonomy, stating they should remain dependent on male relatives2.
• Religious Participation: Women were excluded from certain rituals, such as reading the Torah in Orthodox traditions, and faced taboos around menstruation46.
• The Eve Narrative: The Genesis story of Eve’s creation from Adam’s rib and her role in the “Fall” contributed to perceptions of women as morally weaker.

9. Hinduism

Ancient Hindu texts reveal both empowerment and systemic discrimination:

• Early Deprivations: Classical texts like the Manusmriti barred women from Vedic studies and enforced dependence on male relatives2. Widows faced practices like sati (self-immolation) and were denied inheritance3.
• Exceptions: Learned women like Gargi and Maitreyi appear in Vedic literature, but these examples were rare.
• Modern Reforms: Post-independence India outlawed discriminatory practices, though societal challenges persist.

10. Buddhism

Buddhism offered early advancements but later regressed:

• Monastic Inclusion: Gautama Buddha admitted women into monastic orders (bhikkhunis), a radical step in patriarchal ancient India26. Theravada Buddhism emphasized equal spiritual potential for all genders6.
• Limitations: Later traditions claimed women could only achieve enlightenment after rebirth as men, restricting leadership roles.

Jainism

Jainism’s sects diverge sharply on gender:

• Svetaambar Sect: Allows women to become nuns and attain enlightenment, citing revered female figures like Mallinath (a Tirthankara).
• Digambar Sect: Argues women cannot achieve spiritual liberation (moksha) unless reborn as men, citing societal norms about clothing and modesty.

Comparative Analysis

The struggle for women’s rights in the U.S. and Europe unfolded through decades of activism, legal battles, and societal shifts, with voting rights as a central focus. Below is a comparative analysis of key milestones:

Europe: Varied Timelines Amid Political Upheavals

• Early Adopters:

  1960: Finland became the first European nation to grant full suffrage (active and passive voting rights) under Russian rule.

  • 1913-1918: Norway (1913), Denmark (1915), and post-WWI nations like Germany, Austria, and Poland (1918) enfranchised women amid democratic reforms.
• Late Reforms
  • France (1944) and Italy (1946):  Extended suffrage post-WWII, influenced by women’s roles in resistance movements.
  • Switzerland (1971) and Liechtenstein (1984): Conservative political structures delayed suffrage until referendums.
• Regional Patterns:
• Eastren Europe: Countries like Russia (1918) and Czechoslovakia (1920) adopted suffrage early due to socialist movements.
  • Southern Europe: Spain (1931) and Portugal (1974) saw delays due to authoritarian regimes.

Key Drivers of Change

Beyond Suffrage: Economic and Social Rights

• US: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed in 1923, sought broader equality but remains unratified. The 1922 Cable Act allowed women to retain citizenship after marrying non-citizens.
• Europe: Post-suffrage, nations like Sweden (1921) and the UK (1928) expanded rights to equal pay and education56.

Women’s rights in the U.S. and Europe progressed unevenly, shaped by regional politics and grassroots activism. While the U.S. achieved national suffrage through constitutional amendment, Europe’s fragmented timeline reflected its diverse political landscapes. Both regions continue addressing gaps in gender equality beyond the ballot box.

The women’s suffrage movement in the United States was a long and multifaceted struggle that achieved significant milestones over nearly a century. Below is a timeline of key events:

Early Foundation

• 1840: Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were denied participation at the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, inspiring them to organize for women’s rights2.
• 1848: The Seneca Falls Convention in New York marked the first women’s rights convention. Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, which demanded women’s suffrage and equality2.
• 1850: The first National Women’s Rights Convention was held in Worcester, Massachusetts, aligning suffrage with abolitionist movements2.
• 1869: Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), advocating for a federal amendment. Meanwhile, Lucy Stone and others formed the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), focusing on state-by-state campaigns.

The Progressive Era

• 1910-1914: Washington, California, Oregon, Kansas, and Arizona extended voting rights to women. This period saw growing public demonstrations, including suffrage parades in major cities like New York.
• 1913: Alice Paul and Lucy Burns founded the Congressional Union (later the National Woman’s Party), focusing on federal amendments and using more militant tactics like picketing and hunger strikes.

National Victory

• 1916: Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman elected to Congress, signaling growing political influence for women.
• 1917:  New York granted women full voting rights, adding momentum to the movement. Arkansas allowed women to vote in primaries.
• 1919: Congress passed the 19th Amendment after decades of advocacy by NAWSA and radical actions by the National Woman’s Party.
• 1920: The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, guaranteeing women nationwide the right to vote14.

Post Suffrage Challenges

While the 19th Amendment was a landmark victory, many Black women, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and other marginalized groups faced barriers to voting until later reforms like the Voting Rights Act of 196.

The U.S. women’s suffrage movement evolved through grassroots activism, state victories, and federal advocacy over nearly a century. From Seneca Falls to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, it reshaped American democracy by securing voting rights for half the population while laying groundwork for broader gender equality efforts.

Conclusion

While many religions enshrine principles of equality, their implementation has often been shaped by cultural norms. Islam and Buddhism introduced foundational reforms, whereas Judaism and Hinduism reflect historical tensions between textual mandates and societal practices. Addressing gaps requires distinguishing doctrinal ideals from patriarchal interpretations.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women’s_Day