Women’s Rights and Status in Different Religions and Civilizations: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The status of women in society is one of the crucial topics and dominant themes in the modern era, which theologians have been studying in terms of different perspectives. The aim of this research is to  present  a  comprehensive  study of  women’s  rights  and  status  in different societies (modern and ancient) and religions in the world. In addition,  one  major  objective  of  this  paper  is  to  provide  a  fair evaluation of what Islam contributed (or failed to contribute) toward the restoration of women’s dignity and rights in society in terms of different aspects of life. In order to achieve this objective, it may be useful  to  review  briefly  how  women  were  treated  in  general  in previous civilizations and religions, especially those which preceded Islam (Pre-610 C.E.). After the review of all sides of religions and societies, it has been seen that Islam regards men and women as being of the same essence created from a single soul where a woman has a completely independent personality.