Berkley Center

The population of Senegal is 95 percent Muslim, and the effects of Islam are evident in all facets of life here. The aspect that I am having the most personal difficulty with is the role of women in Islam: I do not understand how my friend’s host father has two wives that live next door to one another; I do not understand why, when I go for a run, I am the only female exercising; and I do not understand why women in this culture continue to accept a role in society so obviously inferior to their male counterparts. This phenomenon is particularly interesting in a society that is traditionally matriarchal, and obvious tension is created between the two sets of values—Islam and tradition. I want to explore this issue much more while I am here, and try to reach an understanding of it.

Islam also controls politics in Senegal to a large extent. The marabouts (religious leaders) are seen as extremely influential in determining how large segments of the population will vote. There is a contentious election approaching in February, and I am very interested to observe the pre-election dynamics, particularly relating to the Islamic marabouts and confreries here in Dakar.