BY: SITI ROHWATI
Over the past decade, the world has witnessed a new wave of Muslim women leaders emerging from all corners of the globe. From Southeast Asia to Western Europe, from classrooms to global policy-making forums. This phenomenon is not merely a coincidence but a reflection of the long-standing efforts of women in creating spaces, overcoming stereotypes, and instilling leadership rooted in justice and moral integrity. In Indonesia, we are familiar with Prof. Azyumardi Azra and Dr. Lies Marcoes, who have contributed critical insights on women in pluralistic Muslim societies. In an era increasingly demanding active female participation across all aspects of life, the “Muslim Women Rising” phenomenon has become a significant focus. This movement marks the rise of Muslim women as symbols of change and hope in leadership. Across the globe, Muslim women are increasingly taking strategic positions in politics, business, and social spheres. They are not only leaders within their communities but also contribute to decision-making processes with far-reaching impacts. Through education, networking, and community support, many Muslim women have successfully overcome various challenges and stigmas. In recent months, the world has witnessed the rise of Muslim women in various strategic sectors.
From corporate parliaments, the world of education, to local and international politics, Muslim women are increasingly confident in stepping onto the leadership stage. This phenomenon is not merely a change in statistics, but a social transformation that reflects a shift in mindset and culture within the global Muslim community. According to the Arab Barometer survey in 2023-2024, there has been an increase in support for women’s political participation in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries. Most respondents believe that the presence of female leaders can strengthen women’s rights. Support for gender quotas in politics is also high, indicating an awareness of the importance of women’s representation in government. Progress has been made in various countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where women’s participation in the workforce has increased from 21.2% to 34.7% in 2022, and women’s representation in middle and senior management positions has also risen from 28.6% to 39%. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also established around 50% of startups led by women. Initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Family Growth Support program support work-life balance for women. In Oman, family-friendly labor reforms, including 14 weeks of maternity leave and pension contributions during leave, demonstrate a commitment to gender equality.
Despite progress, challenges remain. The Arab Barometer survey indicates that “men are better at political leadership” increased in six out of seven MENA countries between 2021 and 2024. However, women are more likely to disagree with this view compared to men, indicating a gender gap in perceptions of leadership. Muslim women are increasingly demonstrating their important role in leadership, both in the public and private sectors. Despite facing cultural and social challenges, this positive trend indicates that with the right policies and changes in perception, societies can continue to progress and make significant contributions to regional development. What is even more interesting is that this change is not only occurring in countries with high levels of education but is also spreading to regions that were once considered conservative. This demonstrates that collective awareness of the importance of women’s roles in building nations and societies is growing stronger. This resurgence is not without obstacles. Patriarchal structures, fundamentalist narratives, and Orientalist biases in academia and global media remain challenges that must be addressed.
However, through academic networks, digital spaces, and community work, Muslim women are now building solidarity across borders—not merely as a form of resistance, but as an alternative vision for inclusive, empathetic, and values-based leadership.In the UK, several Muslim women such as Syeda Khatun and Lubna Arshad have even been elected mayor of major cities, making history as the first Muslim women leaders in their regions. This achievement not only satisfies the Muslim community but also proves that Muslim women are capable of leading with vision and integrity in a pluralistic society. Then there is Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, famous for her activism in education for girls, and now a global advocate for Muslim women amid structural violence. There is also Ilhan Omar, one of the first Muslim women elected to the US Congress, whose voice is loud on issues of human rights, Islamophobia, and her identity as a Muslim immigrant and Black woman as a political force. Additionally, there is Amina Wadud, an academic who boldly reinterprets verses of the Quran from a gender justice perspective, with her works contributing to Islamic feminist studies. However, this rise is not without challenges.
The same survey notes that patriarchal perceptions remain strong in some communities, with the majority of male respondents believing that men are more suited to leadership roles. Despite this, women continue to move forward without waiting for approval, instead building their own spaces. This female leadership brings a new perspective, promotes inclusivity, and creates a more equitable environment. With this spirit, it is hoped that more Muslim women will actively participate in building a better future, not only for themselves but for society as a whole. “Muslim Women Rising” is not just a movement, but a hope that inspires us to keep moving forward.
So what does all this mean, friends?
It means that this trend marks the end of the old narrative that confined Muslim women to the domestic sphere. Now, Muslim women are not only “allowed” to lead, but are ready and worthy of becoming leaders. This progress is proof that Islam and progress are not two opposing poles. Many Muslim women lead while holding firmly to their religious values, making leadership a powerful platform for social outreach. Additionally, the younger generation of Muslims now has real role models, not just symbols, but actual figures who prove that the combination of knowledge, values, and courage is the key to true leadership. Finally, we are at a pivotal point in history, where the Islamic world is redefining its narrative of leadership, and Muslim women are at the forefront. They are not demanding a stage; but believe that the determination of a woman can shake the world toward meaningful change.