Are there no major differences between Muslim and Hindu women?
Ritu Menon: Differences between Muslim and Hindu women are minuscule. Despite the triple-talaq, less than 2% of Muslim women are divorced or deserted. In fact, bigamy is equally common among Hindus. Hindu men may not have a unilateral divorce facility but they do not need it. Who is checking whether they keep one or more mistresses? With more state initiatives in the south, the Muslim community remains much better integrated in the south than in the north or east. The Muslim community, both in the south and in Gujarat and Maharashtra, has retained its trade links. They therefore present a much better economic picture than their counterparts in UP or West Bengal. Of course there has been a rise of conservative forces in Maharashtra, as shown by the attempt of the Bohra community to try and restrain their women. But such pockets of conservative influence are limited. How can this situation be rectified? Ritu Menon: These women need very serious affirmative action in the areas of educatio
