Gender-based inequality is a global phenomenon that transcends culture, religion, and income. Although Muslim women’s lives are influenced by a complex interaction of religious, cultural, social, economic, and political factors, religion wields a disproportionately large impact on each of these other factors. In many places, personal bias against women’s equality or distorted religious interpretations lead to violations of women’s rights, adversely affecting the lives of women and girls.

WISE fills a much-needed gap for Muslim women by setting its own agenda by using an egalitarian framework that Muslim women hold dear so that this work can penetrate deeper into the grassroots communities where sustainable social change is most needed. By utilizing core values of Islam as a rallying cry WISE seeks to empower Muslim women to fully participate in their communities and nations, and to amplify their voices at all levels of political, economic, religious, and social discourse.

In 2023, WISE will launch a new publication, 30 Rights of Muslim Women, which dives into the details of Qur’anic and historical support for Muslim women rights to education, careers, religious leadership, testimony, marriage and divorce, all classified according to the six objectives of Shariah – right to: life, intellect, religion, dignity, family, and wealth.