Evaluating the Current Trends in Gender Equality in Islam

Gender equality is topical throughout the world as there seems to be increasing demand for more equitable treatment of women in human actions. Woman throughout the world are campaigning for the improvement of their lives. Consequently, many international instruments have been promulgated by the United Nations to address gender inequalities one of which includes the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which was adopted by the United Nations in order to provide special protection for women against discrimination and all forms of abuse. The Convention is categorized as one of the UN Conventions that has enjoyed the highest ratification in UN history. Islamic law has equally provided protection for women against discrimination and all forms of abuse. Islam came at a time when women were regarded as chattels in most parts of the world. Islamic law placed them on the same footing with men, gave them the right to own property, right to maintenance, right to be educated and right to inheritance among others as well prohibited all forms of discrimination against them. The paper employed doctrinal research in arriving at its findings and recommendations. The work aimed at enlightening of the reader, who will become aware of the gender discriminatory practices perpetuated against women and the position of Islam which without prejudice to other religion or faith provide tranquility and contentment to women in different aspects of life. Keywords: Gender, Equality, Islam, society and People