ABSTRACT
The subject of control over women’s bodies as expression of political power has been debated for decades now, and status of Muslim women in parts of Asia has invited particular controversy. This chapter examines positions articulated by Muslim women in comparative perspective, drawing data from primary studies and comparing it with commentaries that appear in popular media and official UN documents. It comprehends complexities of the debates by juxtaposing data from different cultural locations. The clamour for implementation of UN Charter on Universal Human Rights is believed by many to be the modern day mantra to bring gender equity to all women across the world. The human rights of women should form an integral part of the United Nations human rights activities, including the promotion of all human rights instruments relating to women. Gender theories have consistently held the view that oppression of women in some form or the other is prevalent in almost all societies across the world.
