MTahaGhaznavi
I agree with this quote:
"The Shari'ah is a continually evolving system of laws and regulations, based on a core set of values derived from Qur'an and Sunnah."
So, to discuss 'evolving the sharia'h' into something meaningful for the 21st century is acceptable! If the shria'h can be evolved then why have they been "frozen for all eternity" since 7th century? Care to bring up the subject of revising/evolving certain islamic laws and see how the majority reacts?
Re: Your mix-up between sharia'h laws vs.civil & secular:
The point that was being made is If the Shria'h laws on women & divorce were equitable then there would NOT be a need for a side Contract.
A contract is reqd. to insert protection for women because it is not available in the Sharia'h. The wordings of a Marriage Contract as suggested by massoma is of secular nature and can only be enforced in a civil court.
Anyways, only a tiny minority of well-off & educated muslim women can avail of this side Contract to better protect themselves.