Abstract
This research examines the intersection of religion and gender within the lives of marginalized Meo Muslim women, a community situated at the crossroads of cultural and socio-economic marginalization in India. The study seeks to uncover the invisible narratives that shape their identity, agency, and lived experiences in a context marked by patriarchal norms, religious conservatism, and socio-economic deprivation. Using a qualitative methodology, this study draws on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation conducted in the Mewat region of India, a region predominantly inhabited by the Meo community. By employing intersectionality as an analytical framework, the research explores how the interplay of gender, religion, and marginalization informs the everyday lives of Meo women, focusing on themes such as access to education, employment, healthcare, and participation in community decision-making. MAXQDA data software was utilized to analyze qualitative data, exploring participant narratives to uncover themes on religion, gender, and marginalization data. The findings highlight how religious and cultural practices simultaneously empower and constrain Meo Muslim women, shaping their strategies of resistance and adaptation. These narratives provide critical insights into how marginalized identities are negotiated and reproduced in a rapidly transforming socio-political landscape. This research contributes to the broader discourse on minority rights, gender studies, and human geography by centering the experiences of a largely underrepresented group.
Presenters
Avadhesh Kumar MeenaJunior Research Fellow, Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Marginalization, Intersectionality, Gender, Religion, Meo Muslim women
