Individual Autonomy of Muslim Married Working Women in India and Iran: A Comparative Study of Mysore and Ahvaz Cities

Abstract This research intends to report the individual autonomy of Muslim working women in government offices in Mysore and Ahvaz cities and discuss the effective factors in increasing the individual autonomy of Muslim working women in their families. The methodology which was used in this comparative study relied on interviewing and questionnaire as the primary data gathering methods. Total sample comprised 300 Muslim women working in the government sectors, 150 in Mysore (India) and 150 in Ahvaz (Iran). Results revealed that although individual autonomy of Muslim working women is low, a change of attitude can be observed among Muslim men towards women and their role in the individual autonomy. Moreover, women are not totally ignored and are consulted. Men’s education seems to play a major role in the involvement of Muslim women in the process of decision-making, and it can reduce erroneous traditions among the Muslims. Overall, the results indicate a shift from one-sided male authority to sharing the power by both husband and wife.