The 2016 election marks an unprecedented turning point in American politics as the first female in history accepts the presidential nomination. For many women, the nomination alone signifies a crucial steppingstone towards women’s rights and the idea that women can also occupy predominantly male working positions. While some think of the nomination as some kind of a revolution in America, others across the world might be wondering why we’re so late in the game. For quite a while now, women have held powerful positions in government. More specifically, Muslim women have proven to be capable of running a country.  

 

    There have been a total of nine Muslim women leaders, the earliest one dating back to approximately thirty years ago. Ironically, some people are quick to describe the Muslim woman as oppressed and weak. This is largely in part due to a widespread ignorance permeated by the media. Yet, these women leaders emphasize a very important point. Islam does not oppress women. Often, oppressed women don’t have the right to education, a working position, and even the liberty to express their thoughts. If Muslim women are subjugated in Islamic countries, how could they possibly hold such a powerful position as prime minister or president? This clearly demonstrates that oppression is a cultural factor, not a religious one.

 

    Some of the more prominent Muslim women who’ve ruled countries include Mame Madior Boye, prime minister of Senegal from 2001 to 2002. She took a special interest in helping to relieve people in African countries with armed conflict. President of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004, Megawati Sukarnoputri helped to facilitate the relationship between military, executive, and legislative branches of government in a time of turmoil. Finally, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, president of Mauritius from 2015 until present, is a biodiversity scientist who previously worked at the University of Mauritius. Two of her primary focuses include education for girls and climate change. Specifically, she’s aiming for clean and sustainable development for the sake of environmental preservation. Besides their political contributions, these women have helped to dispel gender stereotypes in Islam and to normalize the idea that women can hold powerful positions in government.