Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Megawati Sukarnoputri

I want to encourage our people, to educate our people to have the courage to understand and fight for their rights.

—Megawati, CNN.com, “Despite heavy rains, millions of Indonesians turn out to vote” June 7, 1999

photo of Megawati Sukarnoputri

Known For: President of Indonesia, 2001-2004
Dates: Hijri 1366 – Present (AH)
Common Era 1947 – Present (CE)
Country: Indonesia

About

Megawati Sukarnoputri is the former president of Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world. The daughter of Indonesia’s first president and liberation hero, Sukarno, Megawati was born into one of Indonesia’s most politically powerful families.  In 1967, her father was overthrown by a military coup led by Suharto. 

In 1987, Megawati joined the politically sanctioned opposition party, PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party), and was elected to the People’s Representative Council (DPR), even though her party did not fare well in the legislative elections.  She became such a popular figure that she was elected to lead the PDI, representing not only the legacy of her father, but general opposition to the military government.  In 1996, Suharto tried to dispose her as head of the party, but protests forced him to back down.  This national incident only increased her popularity, while adding to his political downfall.

In 1998, Suharto resigned and Megawati’s PDI party won the majority of votes in the parliamentary election.  She became Vice-President under Abdurrahman Wahid and then president in 2001 after Mr. Wahid was removed under corruption charges.

In 2004, she ran for re-election but was defeated by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. She is running for re-election in July 2009. 

Sources

BBC News, ”Profile: Megawati Sukarnoputri,” 3 July 2004

Encyclopedia Britannica, ”Megawati Sukarnoputri, President of Indonesia, in full Dyah Permata Megawati Setiawati Sukarnoputri,”

More Information

NYTimes, “Topics – Megawati Sukarnoputri,” 

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.