Women Empowerment and Social Development: Recent Trend and Islamic Approach

AbstractThe issues of women’s development in contemporary world have received viable importance with women emerging out of their stereotype roles and responsibilities. Since 19th century, most of the nations including Bangladesh have been taking viable policies and programs for emancipating women from intense backwardness. It is needless to say that all these initiatives are backed by secular and feministic approaches that are revitalized by the steps taken in CEDAW and World Women’s Conferences. However, the policy measures issued from these conferences have some conflicting outlook in respect of religious creed particularly Islamic views. Controversies and antagonism are noticed among the policy makers regarding Islamic codes of women’s participation in development activities. An attempt has been taken in this article to diagnosis these controversies and to recommend remedies focusing Islamic credo. An analytical focus has also been made to develop a theoretical construct depending on approaches proposed by Shariah and to see how these approaches are able to facilitate women in sustainable betterment both in this world and the after world.