MWO Gender Equality Survey

MWO Gender Equality Survey

The MWO is conducting this survey to determine the needs of the Muslim women in our community, and subsequently, create a Gender Equity Handbook with guidelines for establishing inclusive and socially responsible institutions. This survey will focus on the most pressing issues affecting Muslim women, including misogyny, xenophobia, domestic violence, homophobia, sexual harassment, Muslim women representation in leadership, and how inclusive our masjids and centers are to Muslim women. The survey will be used as a resource for leaders within Islamic institutions to be advocates for the most marginalized women in the community that are most in need of support.

1. General
Personal information is collected only for statistical reasons. MWO is committed to protecting your privacy, and will not share your name, email, or any other personal information with any other third party or organization.
What is your zip code?
How long have you been living in Central Florida?

Less than 3 years3-10 yearsMore than 10 yearsI do not live in Central Florida
Age

18- 3435-5051-6970>
Race

African AmericanBlackAsianIndian/PakistaniHispanicMiddle EasternNative AmericanWhite/CaucasianCaribbeanOther
Are you an immigrant?

YesNo
Education

High School DiplomaAssociate DegreeUndergraduate College StudentPostgraduate College StudentBachelor DegreeMaster DegreePh.D.
Employment

EmployedWorking from homeLooking for a jobStudentHousewifeRetired
Employer

Self-employedPrivate SectorGovernmentNon-Profit OrganizationOther
Do you believe women are treated equally to men in the Muslim community?

YesNoNot sure
In the past three years, do you think that the overall position of Muslim Women in Central Florida has:

ImprovedWorsenedRemained the same
Have you ever felt unwelcomed in any Central Florida mosque?

YesNo
What was the cause for your feeling unwelcome?

Racial discriminationGender discriminationSectarian discriminationEthnicity-based discriminationSocio/Economical discriminationPrejudice against immigrantsPrejudice against marital statusDiscrimination against LGBTLanguage spokenOther
Who made you uncomfortable?

The masjid's ImamIndividuals at the masjidThe whole communityOther
Do you stand up against sexism when you experience or see it in the Muslim community?

YesNoI have never experienced or seen sexism in the Muslim communityOther

How do you stand up against sexism?

By writtingBy protestingBy talking with the Imam(s)By educating Muslim women about their rightsBy educating the community about Muslim women's rightsBy joining organizations that stand against sexismOther
Why do you not stand up against sexism?

I am afraidI do not know howIt won't make any differenceSomeone discourages meOther

3. Prejudice and Discrimination
Have you ever been denied a job, promotion or been forced to quit a job because of the fact that you are a Muslim woman?

YesNo
Are you worried that you will be subjected to physical or verbal attacks for being a Muslim woman?

YesNo

Did your anxiety increase after the 2016 election?

YesNo
How often have you experienced verbal attacks for being a Muslim woman?

FrequentlyOccasionallyRarelyNever
Who did you talk to regarding the incident(s) of verbal attack?

PoliceCo-workerSupervisorFriendFamily MemberTeacher / ProfessorCounselorVictim support organizationLawyerImamCAIRNoneOther
How often have you experienced physical attacks for being a Muslim woman?

FrequentlyOccasionallyRarelyNever
Who did you talk to regarding the incident(s) of physical attack?

PoliceCo-workerSupervisorFriendFamily MemberTeacher / ProfessorCounselor/TherapistVictim support organizationLawyerImam/Muslim leaderCAIRNoneOther

Why did you not talk to anyone about the incident?

It never occurred to me to talk to someoneIncident was not serious enoughDid not think it would helpSomebody stopped me or discouraged meWould not be believedI was afraid it would make it worseOther
In what other ways have you experienced discrimination or microaggressions for being a Muslim woman? (check all that apply)

Insulting GesturesDenied ServiceDenied AdmissionTotally IgnoredVandalization of personal propertyNoneOther
In one paragraph, please describe one of the incidents in which you experienced a microaggression for being a Muslim woman.
Microaggression: brief and everyday slights, insults, indignities and denigrating messages sent to marginalized people by well-intentioned people who are unaware of the hidden messages being communicated.
Are you aware of any campaigns aimed at reducing bigotry or violence against Muslim women?

YesNo
Are you aware of any existing or proposed laws aimed at preventing hate crimes against Muslim women?

YesNo
During the past 12 months have you carried with you something that can be used for self-defense (pepper spray, whistle, etc...) as a precaution for threatening situations?

YesNoSometimes
Have you taken a self-defense course?

YesNo
Have you ever been denied housing due to the fact that you are a Muslim woman?

YesNo

4. Racial Discrimination in the Muslim Community
Do you believe that racial discrimination exists in the Muslim community?

YesNoI do not know
Do you believe it is more difficult for women of color to be treated equally in the Muslim community?

YesNoI do not know
Do you socialize with people who have a different ethnicity/nationality than yours?

YesNo
Do you socialize with people who have a different race than yours?

YesNo
If you do not socialize with people who have a different ethnic origin or race than yours, why not?

Language barrierI shy away from approaching people I do not knowI do not trust people who have a different race than mineWe do not have anything in commonI do not like people who have a different race than mineI am angry at people who have a different race than minePolitical differencesOther
Is your Islamic center/masjid multicultural?

YesNoI do not know

How welcome do you feel at the masjid?

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Not Welcoming, 5 is Very Welcoming

Have you ever experienced racial discrimination in one of the masjids or at any Islamic event you attended in Central Florida?

YesNoNot sure
Briefly describe the incident in which you felt you experienced discrimination.
Did you report the incident to the Imam/leadership?

YesNo
Describe the response to your complaint.

He/she disregarded my complaintHe/she showed understanding but took no actionHe/she showed understanding and took appropriate actionHe/she was the one who discriminated against meOther
Describe the form of discrimination you experienced.

Racial slursInsulting gesturesTotally ignoredTreated as a suspectOther
Why did you not report the incident of racial discrimination to the Imam/leadership?

He would not understandIt won't make any differenceI thought it is not too seriousI was afraid of the Imam/leaderI'm used to that type of treatmentI'm too tired of itThe Imam/leader was the offenderOther
Have you ever experienced any of the following in the Central Florida Muslim community?

Been treated with less respect than other peopleBeen treated unfairly at restaurants or storesPeople ridiculed your accent or the way you speakPeople acted as if they think you are not smartPeople acted as if they are afraid of youPeople acted as if they think you are dishonestPeople acted as if they’re better than you areNone of the aboveOther

5. Muslim Women in Masjids
How often do you go to a masjid?

RegularlySometimesRarelyOnly on EidsOnly during RamadanI do not go
If you do not regularly go to the masjid, what is the cause?

Just busyI feel unsafe because of Islamophobia in my areaThe masjid does not satisfy my spiritual needsOther
What is the name of the Masjid you most often go to?
Does the masjid have a separate section for women?

YesNo

Is the entrance and location for the ladies section of the masjid easily accessible and well-maintained?

YesNo
Describe why?
Are women allowed to pray in the main prayer area in your masjid?

YesNoSometimes
Does your masjid offer educational classes pertinent to women's issues?

YesNoSomtimes

Name three educational topics pertaining to women issues that you would like to see your masjid offers?
How often does your masjid invite Muslim female scholars or speakers?

NeverRarelyFrequentlyRegularly
Do men and women have the same access to the masjid's resources and services?

YesNoI do not know
Does your masjid have a Board of Directors or Trustees?

YesNoI do not know
Does the Board of Directors or Trustees include women?

YesNoI do not know
Is the number of women on the Board of Directors or Trustees restricted?

YesNoI do not know
Does your masjid encourage women to take a leadership role?

YesNoTo some extent, but I would like to see more encouragement
Does your masjid accommodate mothers' needs (such as having a nursing area, a changing table, etc...)?

YesNo
Do children always stay in the women's section in your masjid?

YesNo

6. Domestic Abuse
Have you ever been subjected by a family member to any of the following:

Physical hurtLocked in the house and denied communication with othersDenied the right to workDenied educationDenied access to food, health care or other basic needsFrequently belittled or humiliatedPressured or forced to choose particular careerShamed for choosing a careerNone of the aboveOther
Who did you talk to?

ImamPoliceFriendAnother family memberCounselor/therapistLawyerSupport organizationNo oneOther

Was the issue resolved after you spoke up?

YesNo
Have you ever been denied help from the imam or masjid leaders?

YesNoNo, but the help was not enough
Why did you not talk to anyone?

FearShameNo one to talk toTo preserve my family's honor and privacyOther
Are you aware of the signs of emotional abuse?

YesNo
Are you aware of organizations that assist victims of domestic abuse?

YesNo

7. Sexual Abuse
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
How many times have you been subjected to sexual harassment?

FrequentlyOccasionallyRarelyNever
Have you been sexually harassed by a stranger?

YesNo
Have you ever consented to any activity of a sexual nature because you were afraid of what the pursuer might do if you refused?

YesNo
Check all the places where you experienced or witnessed sexual harassment:

SchoolWorkplaceMasjidHomeOther
Who did you talk to regarding the incident(s) of sexual harassment?

PoliceCo-workerSupervisorFriendFamily memberTeacher/professorCounselor/therapistSupport organizationLawyerImamMuslim leaderMuslim organizationNoneOther

Was any action ever taken against the person who sexually harassed you?

YesNoI do not know
Why did you not talk to anyone about the incident?

Fear of offenderShameI believe it would not have made any differenceI do not know who to talk toI thought it was my faultSomebody stopped me or discouraged meToo emotionally upset to tell anyoneFear of no one believing meOther
Have you been sexually harassed mostly by Muslim men or by non-Muslim men?

Mostly by Muslim MenMostly by non-Muslim MenI've been equally harassed by both
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without that person’s consent.
Have you ever been raped?

YesNo
Was the rapist someone you knew or a stranger?

Someone I knewA stranger
Was the rapist a:

Family memberCo-workerSupervisorReligious leaderFriendOther
Who did you talk to regarding the rape?

PoliceCo-workerSupervisorFriendFamily memberTeacher/professorCounselor/therapistLawyerImam/Muslim leaderMental health professionalMuslim organization/masjidSocial service organizationDoctor/health care centerNoneOther

Was any official action ever taken against the rapist?

YesNoI do not know
What caused you not to report the rapist?

Fear of the offenderShameIt wouldn't have made any differenceI did not know who to talk toI think it was my faultSomebody stopped me or discouraged meToo emotionally upset to tell anyoneFear that no one would believe meOther

8. This Section is for Married Women
How long have you been married?
Did you receive pre-marital counseling by an imam?

YesNo

Would you have benefitted from it, had it been offered?

YesNoMay be
How did you meet your husband?

My family forced me into this marriageMy family arranged our meeting, but did not force meIn the workplaceIn collegeThrough a mutual friendOnlineOther
Does your masjid offer marriage counseling?

YesNo
If the masjid offers marriage counseling would you use the service?

YesNoMaybe
Why not?

My husband refusedWe could not afford itI believe it would not make a differenceI do not like to speak of private mattersOther

Have you ever dealt with any of the following challenges in your current or any previous marriage? (check all that apply)

Prevented from working or furthering your educationPrevented from seeing or having contact with your familyPrevented from socializing with friendsPrevented from spending money independentlyPrevented from having a say in the use of the household incomeLocked in the houseBelittled or humiliated in front of peopleBelittled or humiliated in privateFelt scared or threatenedPressured to watch pornographyThreatened to be kicked out of the houseForced into sexual intercoursePhysically hurt by husbandInfidelity of husbandThreatened to have your children taken from youHusband pursued another marriage without your consent or knowledgePressure to agree to husband's other marriageNone of the aboveOther
Did your husband try to justify the way he behaved Islamically?

YesNo
What was the Islamic reason(s) he cited?
Who did you talk to regarding the challenges you faced in your marriage?

PoliceFriendFamily memberCounselor/therapistVictim support organizationLawyerImamMuslim leaderNoneOther

After seeking help, were any of the issues resolved?

YesNoI do not know
Why have you not talked to anyone?

I was afraid of my husbandShameIt would not have made any differenceI do not know who to talk toI am afraid to cause a scandalI am afraid that he may take my children from meOther
Are you aware that you can have a straining order to protect yourself from an abusive husband?

YesNo
Are you aware of any shelter for Muslim women in Central Florida?

YesNo
Was your father abusive of your mother?

YesNoSometimesDo not know
Was your father-in-law abusive of your mother-in-law?

YesNoSometimesDo not know

9. This Section is for Divorced Women
Did you get a divorce before or after the marriage was consummated?

BeforeAfter
Did you get a legal divorce or only verbal divorce?

VerbalLegal
Where were you married?

In the United StatesIn another country
Was your ex-husband a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident before you got married?

YesNoI did not know his citizenship status
Did you sponsor your ex-husband to become a permanent resident before or after you got married?

YesNo
Did he divorce you after he became a citizen or permanent resident?

BeforeAfter
How many years did your marriage last?

Less than a year1-5 years6-15 yearsMore than 15 years
Do you feel you got enough family support during the time of your divorce?

YesNo
Do you feel you got enough community support during the time of your divorce?

YesNoOnly a few friends helped
As a divorcee, what kind of support did you feel you needed?

FinancialEmotionalSocialEducationalAll of the aboveOther
Did you receive any kind of help from any Islamic organization?

YesNo
Are you aware of organizations that may offer help for divorcees?

YesNo
Are you aware of your Islamic rights as a divorcee?

YesNo
As a divorcee, are you aware of your legal rights under U.S. laws?

YesNo
Did your ex-husband fulfill your Islamic or court-defined post-divorce financial rights?

YesNo
Is your ex-husband fulfilling his child support obligation?

YesNoNot applicable

If you are currently pursuing a second marriage, rate the difficulty you have found in your search for a Muslim husband.

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Not difficult at all, 5 is Very difficult

Have you thought of or considered marrying a non-Muslim man?

YesNo
Why?
What was the cause for divorce?

My ex-husband was physically abusiveMy ex-husband was emotional abusiveMy ex-husband was not financially supportive of my basic needsMy ex-husband was a substance abuserMy ex-husband was addicted to pornographyMy family's interferenceMy in-laws' interferenceMy ex-husband took another wife without my consentI discovered that my ex-husband was already married to another womanI lost love for my husbandMy husband lost his love for meWe were always fightingWe had intimacy and sexual problemsOther
Did you seek marriage counseling before divorce?

YesNo
Why not?

10. This Section is for Women who have Never Been Married
Are you seeking marriage?

YesNo

Does your masjid offer matrimonial services?

YesNo
If the masjid offers matrimonial service would you use the service?

YesNoMaybe
Do you experience pressure from your family to get married?

YesNo
Does your family or Muslim community shame you for being single?

YesNo
Does your family give input in your choice of marriage partner?

YesNo

Have you been pressured by your family not to marry the man of your choice?

YesNo
What was the cause of your family's disagreement with your choice?

The man was of different raceThe man was of different ethnicityThe man was not MuslimThe man was poorThe man was not highly educatedThe man was unemployedOther
Does your family pressure you to only marry someone who belongs to the same race or ethnicity as you?

YesNo
Have you thought of or considered marrying a non-Muslim man?

YesNo
Why?

11. This Section is for Widows
Do you have children?

YesNoI am pregnant
Are you seeking marriage?

YesNo

What type of support do you feel you need?

FinancialEmotionalSpiritualSocialOther
Do Central Florida masjids offer you the support you need?

YesNoSometimes, but not enough
Have you thought of or considered marrying a non-Muslim man?

YesNo
Why?

12. Gender Equality and Sexual Orientation
What is your sexual orientation?

HeterosexualOther
Have you ever met a Muslim individual of the LGBT community?

YesNo
Do you have friends who belong to the LGBT community?

YesNo
Do you believe that mosques should welcome Muslim individuals of the LGBT community?

YesNoNot sureI do not care
What is the ruling in Islamic law regarding homosexual orientation?

I do not knowThere is no rulingIt is impermissibleIt is permissible
What is the ruling in Islamic law regarding homosexual relationships?

I do not knowThere is no rulingThey are impermissibleThey are permissibleOther
Do you believe there is a punishment, in Islamic law, of homosexuality?

Yes, it is punishable by deathYes, it is punishable by floggingNo, only if they are involved in sexual crimes or lewdnessI do not knowOther
If you are an employer or have hiring authority, would you hire a homosexual person?

YesNo because I believe I will be guilty of encouraging something wrongNot sure
If you are an employer or have hiring authority, would you hire a transgender person?

YesNo because I believe I will be guilty of encouraging something wrongNot sure
Do you believe there is ruling, in Islamic law, regarding transgender individuals?

Yes, it permits gender reassignment surgeryYes, it permits gender reassignment surgery only for hermaphroditesYes, it does not permit gender reassignment surgeryNo, there is no rulingI do not knowOther
Do you believe there is a punishment, in Islamic law, for transgender individuals?

Yes, it is punishable by deathYes, it is punishable by floggingNo, only if they involve in sexual crimes or lewdnessI do not knowOther
Do you believe that Islamic law allows gay men and transgender women to see Muslim women without hijab?

YesNoI do not knowOther
Are you hiding your sexual orientation from your family?

YesNoOnly certain family member(s) know

Are you hiding your sexual orientation from the Muslim community?

YesNo
Describe the response you received from the Muslim community.
Do you experience suicidal thoughts related to your sexual orientation?

YesNo
Have you talked with any Imam or Muslim leader in Central Florida about your sexual orientation?

YesNo

Why did you not talk to an Imam or Muslim leader?

I do not need to do soI am ashamedI am afraid of his/her judgmentI am afraid that he/she may tell my familyI prefer talking to a female Muslim leaderOther
Do you have a family member who belongs to the LGBT community?

YesNo
If you are struggling with the situation, did you speak to any of Central Florida Imams or leaders about your struggle?

YesNo
Being a family member of an LGBT Muslim individual, how do you feel?

AcceptingAshamedConfusedAngrySadGuiltyOther

Why haven't you talked with an Imam or leader about your struggle?

FearShameIt would not make any differenceThe Imam refused to talk with meI do not need to talk to an ImamOther
Are you hiding that you have a family member who belongs to the LGBT community from the Muslim community?

YesNo

Why do you think you are hiding that fact?

It is not anybody's businessI am afraid I will be shamedI am afraid I will be judgedOther