Women's Rights
Religious cultures that perpetuate inequality should not command deference.

Islam, like most religions, imposes centuries-old dogma on women and demands their submission. Their role is as silent servants first and individuals second—and their treatment in Islamic states reflects this fundamental inequality. In too many of these states, women are explicitly denied rights afforded to men—freedom of movement, freedom to work, and freedom to wear what one pleases.

More broadly, troubling patterns in Islamic scripture and custom exacerbate gender inequality. It is women who bear the guilt and shame of “modesty culture,” not men. In many countries, women cannot initiate the process of divorce and are not entitled to any of the couple’s shared possessions, nor can they seek meaningful justice if they are raped by their husbands. And in the most extreme cases, a woman who fails to remain chaste and in her place risks honor violence.

Human rights—to blaspheme, speak, and live freely—are universal and do not discriminate by sex. No woman’s freedom or agency should be impeded for the sake of a religious text, and a religious culture that perpetuates inequality should not command deference.

What you need to know
Number of countries with no specific domestic violence prohibitions
49
WPS Index's 10 worst countries for women's rights where a majority practices Islam
80%
Percent of Muslims who live under a system where women are forced to wear head coverings
10
How we address this issue
Mini-Documentaries
Our mini-documentaries spotlight the experiences of real ex-Muslims and their encounters with rejection, abuse, and sexism as a result of questioning and leaving Islam.
Apostate Report
Our Apostate Report, a survey of hundreds of American and Canadian ex-Muslims, offers a glimpse into the experiences and beliefs of apostates in the West—from encounters with misogyny to their science-based objections to religious belief.
WikiIslam
Our maintenance of WikiIslam is aimed at providing an objective, but skeptical, resource on Islam, including its historic relationship with science and gender equality. Free from the gatekeeping of religious authorities, it encourages readers to draw their own conclusions, however “blasphemous” they may be.
Dissent Dispatch
Our weekly newsletter, the Dissent Dispatch, keeps you up to date on EXMNA news and events, as well as our take on global developments relevant to ex-Muslims and freethinkers.
What we advocate for
Ex-Muslims of North America advocates for the following policy actions in defense of the right to blaspheme:
All countries must explicitly grant women the same rights to secular divorce, inheritance, property ownership, and child custody as men.
All laws that place power over a woman's freedom of movement and autonomy with male guardians must be revoked.
Countries which mandate that women wear certain garments, or refrain from wearing certain garments, must revoke the relevant laws.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay up to date with our work, news and events
0 / 40
0 / 40