Islamic scholars who argue that the rights of Muslim women are guaranteed by the religion, are quick to point to passages in the Qur'an and Hadiths that speak in lofty and compassionate terms about the role and status of women. However the reality of women's lives in developing countries paints a different picture.

A culture, indeed a mythology, of patriarchal dominance is a theme that runs throughout Islamic history. This male centric world-view combined with poverty and a lack of education, frequently leads to conduct toward women that not only runs counter to the teachings of the prophet, but is a violation of law and of the most basic humanitarian standards.

Wars in Afghanistan have turned women into pawns, routinely exploited in a power struggle that is exclusively male. The highest Muslim values of womanhood - purity and modesty - have been targeted as a strategy of war. In many of the internecine struggles that have taken place in Afghanistan, Mujahideen have used rape as a tool of war, in an effort to demoralize and weaken their enemies. Women are regarded by warring parties as little more than pawns to be abused for political and military advantage.

Women are also exploited for the purpose of gaining a propaganda advantage. Male factions are forever proclaiming their rules and regulations for women in the public debate. As a result Afghani women are turned into political chattel, their freedom and will overruled by males who speak for them and predetermine their destiny.

The plight of women in Afghanistan, is mirrored in other parts of the Islamic world. For example in Pakistan as a result of an archaic "honor code" women are sometimes killed to satisfy family pride. This is considered to be a fit punishment in some circles for bringing shame on their families.

Astoundingly accusations of "bringing shame" can involve the simple act of leaving an abusive husband or marrying a man of one's choice. Women who are raped through no fault of their own, are frequently regarded as "shame bringers", and so candidates for murder.

The lawyer and human rights activist, Hina Jilani, has this to say of the plight of women in Pakistan ...

"The right to life of women in Pakistan is conditional on their obeying social norms and traditions."

In countries such as Afghanistan, the plight of women has become so dysfunctional that many young women are committing suicide at an alarming rate. In most cases they do this by self-immolation, burning themselves to death with the aid of gas and a match.

The official count was 93 for such deaths in 2005. It is believed that many more women are killing themselves in this fashion. Often these tragedies remain unreported due to family shame and the stigma involved.

Under the Taliban women were treated like inferior beings, and this patriarchal attitude toward women still persists. As much as 80% of all marriages in Afghanistan are forced arrangements. In over 50% of these marriages the brides are under 16. Frequently they are forced into marriages with men in their middle years or even older. These female children are used like goods basically, to discharge a debt or as payment for some arrangement or favor.

It is hardly surprising that this view of women persists in Afghanistan. Under the Taliban women were an "invisible" presence with no rights save those given to them by the men who controlled them. They weren't even considered worthy of education, and certainly not worthy of casting a vote.

Many of these young girls who choose to end their lives with fire, are trapped in marriages with men who are abusive. They can't leave because to do so, would bring shame on their families. Their plight becomes so desperate that some see suicide as the only available option. As is the case in Pakistan, the authorities seem to take the attitude that it's the woman's problem when such tragedies occur.

While Islamic scripture accords honor to women, there is a gap between theory and practice. Those who attempt to whitewash the social problems that are afflicting Muslim women in developing countries by simply reciting passages of the Qur'an, are doing a disservice to these women. In order to find solutions to these issues, it is essential to address the root cause, and this involves challenging the male-centered customs and attitudes that keep many Muslim women in a position of subservience.

Aidan Maconachy is a freelance writer and artist based in Ontario. You can visit his blog at http://aidanmaconachyblog.blogspot.com/

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