ABSTRACT
The contemporary Muslim world is facing unprecedented internal and external challenges. Entering the twenty-first century, Muslim societies are struggling in their confrontations with enormous cultural dilemmas as they are rethinking, renegotiating and in some instances re-inventing traditional society but with unique, modern tones. Where women fit into this process is critical, since Muslim social order revolves around the concepts and values associated with izzat (respect) and sharafat (honour), in which women’s actions are pivotal. Kandiyoti (1991) argues that the social construction of women is a communal symbol within Muslim society. Therefore, conflicting notions regarding the place of women in the new social order is resulting in profound social, economic and political consequences.
