Beyond Feminism and Islamism

'Beyond Feminism and Islamism: Gender and Equality in North Africa provides a fascinating and accessible account of debates about the role of women in contemporary Muslim societies. Through the lens of the rich case study of Morocco, where she has lived and worked for many years, Doris Gray explores some of the most contentious issues currently at play in the Muslim world. Consciously choosing to avoid adopting standard, more polemical approaches to the topic, Gray has produced a thoughtful and nuanced but still hugely readable examination of the topic that will appeal to both the informed and non-specialist reader. Her discussion is enlivened with personal stories and particularly with interviews with women from the region which provide texture and context often lacking in most books on the subject. As Muslim countries continue to experience tumultuous change that draws in global attention, Gray provides a timely, balanced and insightful guide to one of the most pivotal debates.' Michael Willis, King Mohamed VI Fellow in Moroccan and Mediterranean Studies, St Antony's College, University of Oxford 'Doris Gray's work is a welcome addition as most research on Islamic feminism has been conducted in Egypt and Iran. Her work goes beyond the conventional Islamic feminism versus secular feminism dichotomy and explores new approaches to gender equality and gender justice, and therefore serves to dispel many misconceptions about women's-rights activism in this part of the world.' Souad Eddouada, Assistant Professor of Cultural Studies and Gender Studies at Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco By dwelling on the case of Morocco, the author counters pedestrian analysis that often overlooks the specificity of women's condition in Muslim-majority countries. Choice