Empowering Women in Muslim Marriages | Dr Fatima Essop | Episode 15

In this podcast episode, Dr Fatima Essop shares her journey from political activism to becoming an advocate specializing in Muslim family law in South Africa. She reflects on her educational background, including her legal studies and her experiences at Harvard Law School, where she conceived the idea for the Muslim Family Law Hub-a platform designed to bridge legal gaps by providing accessible information on Muslim family law.
Dr Fatima delves into critical issues, such as the lack of legal recognition for Muslim marriages in South Africa, the intricacies of Islamic divorce and inheritance laws, and the challenges these present for the community. She highlights the growing need for civil marriages among young Muslim couples to ensure legal protection and sheds light on the financial vulnerabilities women often face during divorce proceedings.
The conversation also explores her vision for the future, including plans to conduct educational workshops, foster collaboration with community stakeholders, and enhance the resources available on her website. Dr Fatima underscores the importance of empowering individuals through knowledge and advocacy to navigate the complexities of Islamic and South African family law.
Tune in for an episode filled with insightful stories, practical advice, and personal anecdotes.
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Fatima Essop is a founding member of the Muslim Family Law Hub. She has practiced as both, an Attorney and Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, as well as a family law mediator. She has a degree in Islamic law from the International Peace College of South Africa (IPSA), a certification in Islamic Finance from the Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance, UAE, and a PhD in law from the University of Cape Town. She was a Fellow at Harvard Law School in the Program on Law and Society in the Muslim World in 2022-23. She researches and publishes in the area of Muslim family law and advocates for more just, and equitable readings of Islamic law texts pertaining to Muslim family laws. She firmly believes in using law as an instrument for social justice.
Learn more about Dr Fatima Essop:
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