Abstract

The debate regarding whether or not Islam is inherently discriminatory towards women is endless. Even though the Quranic verses emphasize equality between man and woman and the supremacy of human dignity, the interpretation of the Islamic texts related to women are often influenced by the values of patriarchal societies resulting in discriminatory practices against women in many Muslim countries worldwide.
The Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is often referred to as the ‘women’s bill of rights’ as it is the first international legally-binding document that specifically deals with all areas related to women’s lives. This convention is believed to aim at achieving equality between men and women in every field and supports women’s access to equal opportunities in the political and social spheres trying to overcome the social and cultural obstacles that might exist so they can have full rights in areas of legal rights, education, employment, healthcare, politics and finance.
However, the implementation of this convention in Muslim societies remains as an ineffective remedy to the problems of women due to a number of reasons mainly related to lack of real government will and strict social and religious values. Like most Muslim countries, Bahrain has ratified the CEDAW while putting reservations on its main articles, leaving the convention without any real effect. Bahrain is a Muslim state that is small in population but serves as a good representation of the dilemma that Muslim societies experience in general, which is their eagerness to adapt to modern values whilst clinging at the same time to their religious roots. This thesis studies the Bahraini society in terms of its application of the CEDAW and the legislations related to women in different fields by giving a special focus to the controversial issues in Islam that hinder a full implementation of the CEDAW.
This research has taken the challenge of investigating the situation of women rights in Bahrain and its compatibility with the international laws. Through using a research strategy based on questionnaires and interviews with different stakeholders, the thesis was able to present the views the society in Bahrain holds about the situation of women and the challenges facing women hindering them to further develop their situation.
The outcomes of the work undertaken will put recommendations to improve the situation for Muslim women as states or concerned stakeholders should not rely only on trying to fully apply the CEDAW, but should work towards renewing the religious mindsets, create social awareness, and have a genuine political will to achieve equality. In a nutshell, the main target for change is to work essentially towards making a change that comes from within.