Gender discrimination against women, in terms of education, economic participation and health/ survival opportunities, render them a weak pedestal in the corridors of power. That's why we see that a negligible number of women hold political and institutional decision making positions. A very limited number of them find a place in the parliament and the cabinet of any state. A very few women can be seen as heads of the states, worldwide. The judiciary remains primarily male dominated, especially at higher levels. Same is the case with armed forces, where women's presence in higher ranks is too scanty.
As for its relation to religion, Islam enjoins to promote gender equality in all walks of life, be it education, healthcare or economy etc. Gender equality is a part of its jurisprudence and fundamental teachings:
" O mankind! Fear your Lord who (initiated) your creation from a single soul, then from it created its mate, and from these two spread (the creation of) countless men and women." (Al-Nisa: 1)
This verse clearly expounds that men and women are created from a single entity and as a gender, one is not superior to the other.
Question 1: What areas are affected by gender discrimination against women, according to the passage?
Answer: Gender discrimination against women affects education, economic participation, and health/survival opportunities.
Question 2: Why do a negligible number of women hold political and institutional decision-making positions?
Answer: A negligible number of women hold such positions due to gender discrimination and societal norms.
Question 3: What is the stance of Islam on gender equality, as mentioned in the passage?
Answer: Islam promotes gender equality in all aspects of life, as it is part of its jurisprudence and fundamental teachings.
Question 4: How does the passage describe the judiciary and armed forces in terms of gender representation?
Answer: The passage describes the judiciary and armed forces as primarily male-dominated, especially at higher levels, with scanty representation of women.
Question 5: What is the significance of the verse from the Quran cited in the passage?
Answer: The verse from the Quran emphasizes that men and women are created from the same entity, highlighting gender equality in Islam.
Question 6: How does gender discrimination affect women's representation in political and institutional decision-making bodies?
Answer: Gender discrimination limits women's representation in such bodies, resulting in a negligible number of women holding positions of power and influence.