Ahmadi Muslims are criminalised for practising their faith in Pakistan which has resulted in widespread discrimination and continuous, sporadic acts of violence leading many to flee their cities or their country altogether. This is not always an option for those who are poor and socioeconomically excluded.
A recent study into the experiences and issues faced by socioeconomically excluded women from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has found that Ahmadi Muslim women in particular are marginalised, targeted, and discriminated against in all aspects of their lives, including in their lack of access to education and jobs, their inability to fully carry out their religious customs, day-to-day harassment, and violence and lack of representation in decision-making spaces.
This policy briefing draws on the paper, ‘Gender-Based Perspectives on Key Issues Facing Poor Ahmadi Women in Pakistan’ published ‘Discrimination against Women of Religious Minority Backgrounds in Pakistan‘. It was produced by the IDS-led Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development (CREID).
