Religion and Rights: Inside the Movements Reclaiming Gender Justice

Abstract

This article challenges the assumption that religion and women's rights are inherently opposed. It examines a growing international movement of religious activists, feminist theologians and faith-based women's organisations working to reclaim religious traditions as sources of equality, dignity and justice. The authors draw attention to activists who refuse to choose between their religious identity and their commitment to human rights, and who work within faith traditions to challenge patriarchal interpretations and practices.
The article is particularly relevant to an international faith-based women's rights platform because it highlights the importance of women of faith as agents of change, rather than treating religion simply as a barrier to gender equality. It also explores the potential for alliances between human rights movements and religious activists. The resource provides a valuable conceptual framework for understanding why theological engagement, feminist advocacy and movement building can work together to advance women's rights.