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Abstract

This paper examines the emerging roles of Muslim women, particularly young ethnic Qazaq women, in social activism and civic engagement in Mongolia. Since the post-socialist era, the liberalization of religion and the rise of civil society have opened new avenues for women to engage in public life beyond traditional domestic roles. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews in Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia, this study explores how Muslim women mobilize religious and cultural values to create spaces for civic participation and social engagement.

Far from being passive or marginalized, these young Qazaq women leverage their networks to organize social events, lead women’s associations, and advocate for local development within their ethnic communities and the broader Mongolian society. While their activism often avoids overtly political agendas, it challenges conventional gender norms by fostering women’s visibility and leadership in community affairs.

Situating these developments within Mongolia’s transition from socialism to democracy, this paper considers how the weakening of state welfare systems has shifted social responsibilities to grassroots organizations. It also explores how global Islamic discourses intersect with local traditions, shaping women’s approaches to civic engagement. By analyzing these social initiatives, the paper contributes to anthropological understandings of gender, religion, and social activism in post-socialist societies.