Muslim women at work : the connection between familial support and the level of public sphere activity of Muslim women in Sydney

One of the most striking features of Muslim communities is the importance attached to the family. The family unit is regarded as the cornerstone of a healthy and balanced society. Family approval and support appear to be essential to Muslim women's participation in the public sphere in Sydney. The data for this study was drawn from fifteen interviews with Muslim women that explored the topics education, employment, volunteer work, gender roles and political activity. Several ethnic groups were interviewed including Palestinians, Malaysians, Lebanese, Pakistanis and Singaporeans. This paper argues that family support is integral to Sydney Muslim women's activity outside the home and that increased activity by Muslim women in the public sphere is becoming more apparent in some cases to counter misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. The level and frequency of these activities are reliant mainly on family encouragement and approval.