Educational Status of Muslim Women in Malabar Region of Kerala

Abstract

The educational advancement of Muslim women in the Malabar region of Kerala has seen considerable development over recent decades. This study examines the current educational status of Muslim women in this region while contextualizing their progress within broader socio-economic and religious frameworks. Despite Kerala being recognized for its relatively high literacy rates and progressive educational achievements, disparities persist, especially in rural and backward areas where traditional norms and religious conservatism limit women's active participation in education and public life. The research highlights the duality within the Muslim community in Kerala—while urban centres demonstrate significant improvements in female literacy and academic participation, remote rural pockets continue to reflect marginalization and illiteracy. The study also references historical perspectives, including observations by Logan (1989), and explores how socio-religious factors, family background, and economic conditions influence educational attainment among Muslim women. The paper underscores the need for targeted policy measures, grassroots educational reforms, and community awareness initiatives to bridge these gaps. Ultimately, it argues that empowering Muslim women through education is crucial for their personal development but also essential for the overall socio-economic upliftment of the community. The findings call for a multi-pronged approach involving government, educational institutions, and community organizations to ensure inclusive and sustainable educational progress for Muslim women in Kerala's Malabar region.