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sofia_reading's review
4.0
Having a great interest in Islamic feminism (yes this exists. No it's not an oxymoron), I've read a lot of academic works which are more theological or an Arab-centric historiography. But being of Pakistani origin, I've always wondered what about our history? Were there really no women in our heritage who said "no, this is not good enough!"? Thankfully, there were and this little gem of a book provides a wonderful and rich portrait of two incredible women, one Hindu Sarala Delvi Chaudhurani, and the other Muslim, Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain. While born in the same era and from the same socio-economic class, their experiences of life were very different and thus their central driving motivations too. While Chaudhurani was driven by a nationalistic vision, Sakhawat was driven by a vision for gender-equality, believing that nationalism alone would not bring about a better life for women, but that gender equality would not only achieve this goal but it would make for a stronger force towards nationalism too.
They were both clearly incredible women, and it felt something of a privilege to read come to know of them and to read their stories. I'm saddened that my mother didn't know of them, but I will ensure my daughters do.
They were both clearly incredible women, and it felt something of a privilege to read come to know of them and to read their stories. I'm saddened that my mother didn't know of them, but I will ensure my daughters do.
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