Women in Islam
According to the Qur’an, men and women are two units of a pair. The Quran says: "O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware (Quran 49:13).
Meaning that they complement each other in numerous ways both in mental, physical and emotional qualities. Islam looks at the different responsibilities of each gender. These responsibilities are defined as being the traditional family structure, were women are head of the household and men are responsible for earning the livelihood for the family. However, a man being financially responsible for the family, does not prohibit a woman having a career of her own, and personal property and education is encouraged. However women in Islam are seen as independent and self reliant individuals, therefore challenging the traditional view of a family structure.
Muslim majority countries have produced more than seven female heads of state or government including Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Mame Madior Boye of Senegal, Tansu Çiller of Turkey, Kaqusha Jashari of Kosovo, Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia and Bangladesh with Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.
The complex relationship between women and Islam is defined by both Islamic texts and the history and culture of the Muslim world. Sharia (Islamic law) provides for differences between women's and men's roles, rights, and obligations. Muslim-majority countries give women varying degrees of rights with regards to marriage, divorce, civil rights, legal status, dress code, and education based on different interpretations.
Even where these differences are acknowledged, scholars and other commentators vary as to whether they are just and whether they are a correct interpretation of religious imperatives. Conservatives argue that differences between men and women are due to different status and responsibilities, while liberal Muslims, Muslim feminists, and others argue in favor of more original, traditional interpretations.
adapted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_and_Islam
