The views of Islamic movements in Somalia on women

This study investigates the perspectives of prominent Islamic movements in Somalia. Focusing on four key groups—Al-Islah Movement, Ehli Sunna Wal Jama'a, Al-Shabaab, and the Somali Ulema Council—the research analyzes their positions on critical issues concerning women, including education, marriage, inheritance, work, and political rights. Employing a qualitative methodology that combines textual and video analysis with semi-structured interviews, this study reveals the existence of a broad spectrum of interpretations and approaches among Islamic movem. The Al-Islah movement adopts a reformist, moderate, and inclusive stance, recognizing women as equal members of society with the right to hold the highest governmental positions based on merit and capability rather than gender. In contrast, Ehli Sunna Wal Jama'a and the Somali Ulema Council uphold more conservative approaches. While these groups support limited political participation for women—such as the right to vote and hold cabinet positions—they exclude women from top leadership roles, citing classical jurisprudential interpretations. Al-Shabaab, by comparison, upholds an exclusionary position, rejecting democracy in its entirety and prohibiting women from holding the highest political leadership roles. Moreover, the group opposes electoral participation for both men and women, viewing democratic elections as incompatible with Islamic governance. The findings highlight the interpretive diversity within Islamic political movements in Somalia and underscore the importance of a context-sensitive understanding of women's roles and rights in Muslim-majority societies.