A Different Cloth - by Dania Suleman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This concise and accessible essay offers a fresh perspective that acknowledges the empowering role religion can play in a woman's life, while exploring meaningful ways to reconcile gender equality with freedom of religion. Dania skillfully weaves together legal analysis, feminist theology and sociological studies and analyses legal challenges in terms of the necessary balance between protecting women's rights and religious freedom. She draws on the work of postcolonial feminist theologians who explore how religious texts have been reinterpreted to be more inclusive of women. She shows the positive impact of faith-based communities within western societies, especially the social integration of immigrant communities that fight biases and prejudices against religious minorities and religious women. Originally published in French by Éditions du Remue-Menage.

Review Quotes

"In a world where everything is political, this book presents a nuanced and fresh perspective, viewing women as pillars rather than billboards. A must read." --Mimo Mgri, Multidisciplinary artist and author of Amour de soi sous les étoiles

"In this masterful essay, Suleman weaves through the maddening narratives and contradictions of being both Muslim and woman and Quebecois with self-examining curiosity and personal insights." --Pacinthe Mattar, Award-winning independent journalist, writer and TV/audio producer

"An eye-opening interrogation of harmful status-quo narratives." --Hans Lueders, Writer and content creator

About the Author

Dania Suleman was born and raised in Montreal, where she witnessed firsthand Quebec's recurring societal debates over religious accommodations, discussions that have resonated across Canada. She holds a master's degree in international law from UQÀM and currently practices as an immigration lawyer. In parallel, she has built a career in media as a researcher and fact-checker, contributing to several investigative journalism podcasts that have been recognized as finalists for the Peabody and Pulitzer Prizes. A Different Cloth is her first book.,