Home / Lifestyle / Kerala's Muslim Women Rewrite Narratives, Defy Stereotypes
Kerala's Muslim Women Rewrite Narratives, Defy Stereotypes
4 Oct
Summary
- Shift from stereotypical "Kunchupathuma" to educated, mobile Muslim women
- Increasing numbers of Muslim girls studying abroad, pursuing professional degrees
- Changing family dynamics, with educated brides challenging traditional norms
In the past, Kerala's Muslim women were often portrayed as stereotypical characters in Malayalam films – the semi-literate, innocent "Kunchupathuma" who spoke a rustic dialect and lived in bewildered submission. However, as of 2025, this outdated image is rapidly fading.
The spread of English-medium education, large-scale migration, and changing family patterns have catalyzed a tectonic shift within Kerala's Muslim community. Girls are increasingly educated and mobile, with many studying in countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Malaysia, and Bangladesh – something unimaginable just a decade ago.
This educational boom is evident in research as well, with Farook College, once a male-dominated institution, now boasting nearly 80% female students and a woman principal. Muslim girls are also excelling in prestigious universities abroad, with stories of their academic achievements making headlines.
Yet, this progress has come with challenges. Young men raised in patriarchal traditions often struggle to adjust to educated, assertive women, leading to a rise in divorce cases. However, the stigma around divorce is also fading, with some Muslim women even organizing "divorce parties" to defy traditional norms.
The old model of rigid, unquestioned masculinity is giving way to a softer, more adaptable version, as more men realize they must change to thrive in this new reality. Kerala's Muslim women are no longer confined to stereotypes – they are rewriting narratives and carving new futures for themselves, with pen, stethoscope, and passport in hand.
