Fascinating site about women and Islam:

[Brigid]

The status of women in Islam is not as simple as we Westerners might think. Check this out:

http://www.islamfortoday.com/women.htm#Rights

[Taverner]

1. The problem lies with sexuality: Secular Feminism is mostly for it, Muslim Feminism...

Like Christian Feminism, is against it.

It's the misunderstood portion of the question that creeps up when this is discussed

[stray cat]

2. Depends on sects of course - why does anyone think a view is universal

as a female I sure wouldn't want to live in Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan

[WVRICK13]

3. Or Live In Any

fundamentalist town. I have seen rw christians use religion to subjugate women. It all depends on how they read their holy books. I just want everyone to have the same chances and to be treated with equal respect. I agree Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan would not be good either.

[cali]

4. yeah, but they don't have the law on their side

substantial difference there.

[WVRICK13]

6. True But I was Referring

to day to day life at home, not the legal system. I see so many women in WV that are totally subservient to their husbands in every day life. Legally, the mid-east is a nightmare for women.

[mainer]

5. I was astonished when I talked with a female Saudi M.D.

I went into the conversation with all sorts of preconceptions. "I guess you can't take care of male patients," I said.

She laughed and said, "One of my first tasks as a medical student was to perform a testicular exam." Yes, she does see male patients. In fact, the Saudi government sent her to the U.S. for further education, and she'd just earned her Masters in Public Health in New Hampshire. She was headed back to Saudi to continue her work as a physician. And no, she doesn't have to veil her face -- although she does wear a head scarf.