Feminist Advocacy, Family Law and Violence against Women

"This revolutionary book offers a blueprint for reform of oppressive family laws in a variety of global contexts, secular and religious, progressive and traditional. This is a handbook to be dog-eared by activists and a fascinating read elucidating how change happens even in the most traditional societies." Madhavi Sunder, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center, USA "Born out of Womens Learning Partnerships (WLP) global campaign for family law reform, this anthology represents the richest compendium of comparative research on family laws. It combines rigorous research with clear objectives, drawing upon lessons learned and developing tools for advocacy and action. An essential resource for academics and activists alike." Deniz Kandiyoti, Emeritus Professor of Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK "This collection of comparative studies provides a valuable road map through the labyrinth of family laws as they define the status of women in some countries of the global south, and of the feminist battles to reform them. The aim of these battles, though different from country to country, is ultimately one: to create new laws designed not only to provide gender equality in all matters, but also to protect women from the violence to which they are so often subjected." Jean Said Makdisi, Writer "Enlightening and heart-wrenching simultaneously, Feminist Advocacy is a truly cross-cultural tour de force, bringing together best of research and advocacy. It covers systematic violence and human rights abuses against women across many cultures and goes directly to the roots: it is all in the family laws. It is a must read." Shahla Haeri, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Boston University, USA

Mahnaz Afkhami is Founder and President of Womens Learning Partnership, former Minister for Womens Affairs in Iran, and author of Faith and Freedom: Womens Human Rights in the Muslim World. Yakn Ertrk is retired Professor of Sociology, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, its causes and consequences, former Director of the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), and author of Violence without Borders: Paradigm, Policy and Praxis Concerning Violence Against Women. Ann Elizabeth Mayer is Associate Professor Emeritus of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and author of Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics.

1. Introduction Mahnaz Afkhami PART I Country Case Studies 2. Feminist Advocacy for Family Law Reform: Cross-country overview Yakn Ertrk 3. Brazil Maria Barsted, Leila Linhares, and Jacqueline Pitanguy 4. India Kalpana Kannabiran 5. Iran Mehrangiz Kar and Azadeh Pourzand 6. Lebanon Ziyad Baroud and Ghadir El-Alayli 7. Nigeria Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri 8. Palestine Luna Saadeh, Fidaa Barghouthi, and Fatmeh Muaqqet 9. Senegal Alpha Ba and Aminata Bousso Ly 10. Turkey Gkeiek Ayata and Ayen Canda PART II Interviews Introduction to the interviews with Leaders in the Egyptian, Jordanian, and Moroccan Campaigns to Reform Family Laws and Eliminate Gender-based Violence Haleh Vaziri 11. Interview with Hoda Elsadda 12. Interview with Asma Khader 13. Interview with Raba Naciri 14. Conclusion: Reflections on Recent Progress and Reversals in the War to Curb Violence against Women Ann Elizabeth Mayer