President Obama’s Cairo speech highlighted the importance of focusing on the untapped potential resources that women can represent.  This topic has special sensitivity, however, as it poses challenges of what equality means in the light of cultural and religious expectations and traditions.  A review of the Obama Cairo speech that does not include a thoughtful assessment of issues and progress will be incomplete.

 
This proposal thus envisages a review of the "state of the art" on gender issues in Muslim majority countries, covering law, literature, organizations, research gaps, and points of excellence. It would aim to provide a foundation for more productive dialogue about differing realities, perceptions, and points of convergence. This could help to focus future research and action. It could also help to bring into the light differing viewpoints and voices that might dim negative stereotypes and generate true exchange.

The methodology for the review would focus on in-depth interviews with 100 women and men in tandem with an analytic review of background data (legal background in selected countries, data on education, employment, survey data on attitudes). At a mid-point one of two groups would come together for a consultation to highlight emerging issues and areas needing further investigation. The results would be presented as one page statements, with a short analysis of highlights, issues and trends.

The review would build on the Berkley Center review of gender and religion and on the work of organizations like Women for Women International, Vital Voices, and Women Waging Peace.

Proposed by World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD)/Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University.