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Fatema Mernissi

Morocco · 1940–2015

Mernissi was a sociologist and writer who examined gender, political authority and interpretations of Islamic history. Her work challenged the idea that women’s exclusion could be understood outside struggles over power.

She also used narrative to explore the boundaries shaping women’s everyday lives. Her books invite readers to distinguish religious traditions from the interests of those who claim authority over them.

“Writing is one of the most ancient forms of prayer.”

As quoted and translated from French by Katherine Marshall, Georgetown University (2015).