Female Agency in Rajaa Alsanea’s Girls of Riyadh

Abstract

This research thesis explores the theme of female agency in Rajaa Alsanea’s novel Girls of Riyadh through the lens of Islamic feminism. The analysis draws on the theoretical frameworks and insights of prominent Islamic feminists, including Haidech Moggissi, Margot Badran, Fatima Mernissi and Nazira Zayn al-Din, among others. The novel, set in contemporary Saudi Arabia, offers a compelling narrative that highlights the lives, struggles, and aspirations of young Saudi women. This study investigates how these characters negotiate their identities, assert their agency, and challenge traditional gender norms within a patriarchal society. Haidech Moggissi’s critique of Islamic fundamentalism, in Feminism and Islamic Fundamentalism, provides a critical framework for understanding the restrictive socio-religious contexts within which the characters operate. Nazira Zayn al-Din’s work Unveiling and Veiling offers historical and theological perspectives on the practice of veiling, which is a recurring motif in Girls of Riyadh. Margot Badran’s analysis in Feminism in Islam emphasizes the diverse and evolving nature of feminist discourses within Islamic contexts, highlighting the interplay between tradition and modernity. Fatima Mernissi’s contributions to Islamic feminist thought underscore the potential for reinterpretation of Islamic texts to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. By synthesizing these theoretical perspectives, this thesis aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how Girls of Riyadh articulates a vision of female empowerment that is rooted in, yet challenges, traditional Islamic values. This study also explores how the novel contributes to the broader discourse on Islamic feminism by showcasing the agency of Saudi women in navigating and transforming their socio-cultural realities. Keywords: patriarchy, status quo, agency, Islamic feminism, gender stereotypes