Musawah - For Equality in the Family

► ABOUT MUSAWAH

Musawah ('Equality' in Arabic) is a global movement for equality and justice in the Muslim family. Musawah builds on decades of effort to reform Muslim family laws that discriminate against women and to resist regressive amendments demanded by conservative groups within society.

Musawah was initiated by Sisters in Islam (Malaysia) and a planning committee of Muslim activists and academics from 11 countries. Musawah is pluralistic and inclusive, bringing together NGOs, activists, scholars, practitioners, policy makers and grassroots women and men from around the world. Participation is based on proven commitment to promoting rights in Muslim families, whether from religious, secular or other perspectives, and support for the principles of Musawah.

► Objectives of Musawah

Musawah's objectives are to:

Strengthen women’s voices demanding equality and justice in the family at the national, regional and international levels;
Build analysis and strategies that bring together scholarship and experience regarding Muslim jurisprudence, human rights principles, fundamental rights guarantees, and the lived realities of families today;
Provide those advocating for rights in the family with tools and resources, including a Framework for Action; and
Raise the visibility of initiatives advocating for equality and justice in the Muslim family.

► Principles of Musawah

Musawah acknowledges the complexity of families and the diversity of their experiences, yet claims common principles around which people can come together for equality in the family. We urge governments, political leaders, international institutions, religious leaders, and our sisters and brothers to work together to uphold these principles:

Equality, non-discrimination, justice and dignity as the basis of all human relations;

Full and equal citizenship for every individual; and

Marriage and family relations based on principles of equality and justice.

Realisation of these principles entails laws, policies and practices that ensure:

The family as a place of security, harmony, support and personal growth for all its members;

Marriage as a partnership of equals, with mutual respect, affection, communication and decision-making between the partners;

The equal right to choose a spouse or choose not to marry, and to enter into marriage only with free and full consent; and the equal right to dissolve the marriage, as well as equal rights upon its dissolution;

Equal rights and responsibilities with respect to property, including acquisition, ownership, enjoyment, administration, disposition and inheritance; and

Equal rights and responsibilities of parents in matters relating to their children.

These principles are articulated and explained in the Musawah Framework for Action.

Download PDF versions of the Framework in: English Arabic French Malay Persian