Spaces for Women in Mosques: Past, Present and Future

Until the middle of the twentieth century it was usual for architects to design mosques that did not contain spaces marked apart for women. Shortly afterwards it became the norm to include gender separated areas within mosques. The paper explores first the historical debates around the presence of women in mosques, and the extent, if any, to which these have been reflected in mosque design, past and present. The period since the middle of the last century is examined in detail. What were the societal impulses that led to gender separation? What forms did these separated areas take? What are the architectural consequences of this separation? What discussion around this issue has arisen in both Muslim majority and Muslim minority countries? What are the possibilities for greater gender inclusivity in the mosque? This paper discusses these issues with references to mosques around the world, in both Muslim minority and Muslim majority countries.