Feminism in the MENA: Unraveling Local and Global Dimensions

This talk explores the diverse and dynamic landscape of feminism and women's movements in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a particular focus on over two decades of research in and on Iran. While grounded in my work on Iran, I will zoom out to examine both the commonalities and differences in women's movements across the region. These movements have emerged and evolved at the intersection of several forces: state authoritarianism, global entanglements—including wars, sanctions, and international interventions—domestic and regional rivalries, and the influence of Islam. I will discuss the convergences where feminists across the region find common ground, as well as the divergences that reflect the unique socio-political landscapes of each country. By exploring these variations, I aim to illustrate the ways in which women’s movements in the MENA region are not monolithic but are deeply shaped by local, national, and global forces, demonstrating their resilience, adaptability, and strategic responses to the multiple layers of power they confront.