Women's Voices
The Women’s Voices conference will examine the history, practice, significance, and impact of Muslim female preachers in Africa, focusing on their roles and contributions, and the challenges they face within diverse cultural, social, geographic, historical, and theological contexts. Weinvite contributions from scholars and practitioners and especially encourage African scholars and practitioners to consider contributing.
We are interested in papers that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics: Historical perspectives, including the evolution of women’s roles in Islamic preaching and religious leadership. Theological contributions, such as interpretations of scripture and religious discourse by Muslim female preachers. Contemporary dynamics, examining the roles of female preachers in modern Muslim societies, including their impact on religious education, family and community life. Intersectionality and the interplay of gender, race, and class in shaping the experiences of female preachers. Challenges and opportunities that may include societal, institutional, and personal barriers to, or opportunities within women’s religious leadership. Comparative analyses or cross-regional studies of female preachers in various Muslim-majority and minority contexts.
We are open to papers that engage different methodological approaches, including but not limited to ethnographic, historical, theological, religious studies, media studies, textual studies, gender studies, ethics, sociological and political. We also welcome studies of Muslim female preachers that are geographical diverse within Africa.
Possible themes or topics
How do the rhetorical styles, themes, and pedagogical approaches of Muslim female preachers in Africa differ from their male counterparts, particularly in addressing issues of family, gender, and societal roles? Are these differences shaped more by local cultural contexts, Islamic jurisprudential interpretations, or global influences on gender discourse?
To what extent do Muslim female preachers in Africa challenge or reinforce traditional patriarchal frameworks within Islamic discourse? We can analyze whether their roles signify a transformation in gendered religious authority or if they serve as intermediaries that uphold the male-dominated establishment through culturally acceptable means.
How does the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity influence the reception and authority of female preachers in African Muslim communities? We can evaluate whether these women are catalysts for broader social changes concerning gender equity, or if their influence is limited to specific, less disruptive areas of Islamic practice and teaching.
What is the involvement of Muslim female preachers digital da’wa? How are Muslim women leverage social media and digital platforms to engage in preaching and community outreach? Has involvement with new media changed their roles or their status within their religious and social milieu? Has it changed the nature of preaching generally among African Muslims? What is the interplay between gender and digital religion in these cases?
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions from diverse disciplines, including religious studies, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, media studies, and history. Abstracts should be:
- 250–300 words, clearly outlining the research question, methodology, and relevance to the conference theme. Or
- A short bio (100 words), including institutional affiliation or background and contact information.
Submission and Contact:
To submit abstracts and for any inquiries, please contact Dr. Jacquelene Brinton or Dr. Rahina Muazu