Who Opened the Window? Women’s Activism in Islamist Parties
Author(s)
Clark, Janine Astrid; Schwedler, Jillian
Abstract
When Jordan and Yemen entered a phase of political liberalization, the largest Islamist parties in both countries – the Islamic Action Front in Jordan and the Islah in Yemen – opposed the participation of women in government. Even so, within ten years women had assumed places in the highest decision-making bodies, and their representation in the Islamist parties was greater than in any other party in either country. The Islamist parties had not widely opened their doors to women, but women had been active in seeking opportunities when intraparty conflicts created openings for them. Party factions advanced women candidates when it proved to their advantage, and over time women used such structural dislocations within the parties as springboards to greater participation.
