Feminism & Decolonization - The presentation explores the complexities of identifying as a feminist, particularly as a Muslim woman in the context of colonial wars and transnational anti-feminist sentiments [2][3] - It examines the tension between feminism and cultural hegemony, seeking answers in the work of Moroccan feminist sociologist Fatiman Mernissi [3][4] - Mernissi's work is significant for "feminizing decolonization" and "decolonizing feminism," challenging both colonial legacies and Western-centric feminist perspectives [4][5] - Islamic feminism is presented as a hybrid theory in conversation with both Islamic tradition and feminist thought, aiming to reclaim the power of interpretation from male dominance [8][9] - Mernissi's intellectual journey involved confronting orientalism and critiquing Western expansionist and militaristic foreign policy [12][13] - The speaker advocates for an intersectional, communal, and decolonial feminism to imagine a better world [16] Fatiman Mernissi's Contributions - Mernissi returned to Morocco to fight the "demon of silence" affecting illiterate women, integrating gender analysis into decolonization efforts [5][6] - She initially held anti-religious views similar to Western feminism but later developed a more sympathetic position on Islam, emphasizing its potential for gender equality [7][8] - Mernissi challenged the notion that human rights and democracy are alien to Islam, arguing that they are values Islam contributed to modernity [10] - She used her platform to criticize American foreign policy and advocate for a non-supremacist, non-brutal, and non-egoistic humanism [13][14]