Sania Mirza, Daughter of a TV Mechanic, Became India’s First Muslim Woman Fighter Pilot
New Age Islam News Bureau
22 December 2022
• Nilofar Bayat, Former Captain of Afghanistan’s
Wheelchair Basketball Team Calls Taliban University Ban “Disaster”
• Male Afghan Students Walk Away From Exam To Protest
Taliban's Ban On Women's Education
• Five Trailblazing Arab Female Scientists from GCC
Honoured
• Safety at Night in Dubai: Women Express Thanks To
the City for Feeling of Security
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sania-mirza-muslim-woman-fighter-pilot/d/128688
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Sania Mirza, Daughter of a TV Mechanic, Became India’s
First Muslim Woman Fighter Pilot
File Photo: Sania Mirza
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December 22, 2022
There were total 400 seats in National Defence Academy
2022 exam. It had two seats for fighter pilots. Sania Mirza has to go to Pune
and attend on 27th December.
IAF Fighter Pilot: No destination is difficult if
courage is high, people can achieve any destination with their struggle and
passion. We are talking about Sania Mirza, daughter of a TV mechanic from
Mirzapur NDA test After passing, she went on to become the country’s first
Muslim girl fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. She is the first woman from
Uttar Pradesh to become a fighter pilot. Will join on 27th December.
The daughter of a TV mechanic living in a small
village under Dehat Kotwali police station of Mirzapur district has brought
fame not only to the district but to the entire country. TV mechanic Shahid
Ali’s daughter Sania Mirza cleared the NDA exam and bagged the position. Sania
Mirza has been selected as a fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force.
149th rank in NDA exam
Sania Mirza will be the country’s first Muslim fighter
pilot. Apart from this, Paheli fighter female pilot from Uttar Pradesh also won
the title. He secured 149th rank in NDA exam. Sania Mirza said that she wanted
to become a fighter pilot only after passing her high school exams.
Sania Mirza has achieved this status today inspired by
the country’s first fighter pilot Avni Chaturvedi. First time Sania Mirza did
not succeed, second time passed the exam and brought the name of the district
as well as the country. Sania Mirza is the second girl in the country to be
selected as a fighter pilot.
Studied from UP Board
Sania Mirza said, I want to become a fighter pilot
after passing the high school examination. Sania says that even after studying
from UP board, she is said to have attained this position today. Only CBSE ISC
board kids succeed in NDA, but by achieving this we have shown that UP board
kids can also clear NDA. I had to qualify for two fighter pilots, today I made
it.
Sania studied from primary to 10th at village Pandit
Chintamani Dubey Inter College, after which Sania Mirza passed her 12th
examination at Guru Nanak Girls Inter College, 12th UP Board district topper
Sania Mirza also. After that, Sania Mirza got success with preparation from
Centurion Defense Academy. Sania Mirza said that the joining letter came a day
ago, she has to go to Pune to join on December 27.
Also read this
National Defense Academy The 2022 exam had a total of
400 seats for both men and women, including 19 seats for women, out of which
two seats were reserved for fighter pilots, in which Sania Mirza won. The power
of his genius. Couldn’t pass the exam first time. Qualified for second time in
CPS Medical Fitness Interview.
Source: PKB News
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Nilofar Bayat, Former Captain Of Afghanistan’s
Wheelchair Basketball Team Calls Taliban University Ban “Disaster”
Nilofar Bayat, Former
captain of Afghanistan's wheelchair basketball team and a two-time war victim
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22 December, 2022
Bilbao [Spain], December 22 (ANI): Calling the ban on
University education for Afghan women by the Taliban a “disaster,” Nilofar
Bayat, former captain of Afghanistan’s wheelchair basketball team and a
two-time war victim, said that the next step will be that women are not allowed
to breathe or exist in the society.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Nilofar, who fled
from Afghanistan after the Taliban came into power, said, “Unfortunately,
Taliban said that women are not allowed to go to universities and we saw that
girls couldn’t enter the Universities. It is almost one and a half years that
schools are closed for girls and now it’s time for universities and girls
aren’t allowed to go to universities. This is a disaster. I feel that with
these kinds of restrictions, we see they are pushing women, tightening
everything, the next plan for women in Afghanistan will be to not breathe, and
the next plan by the Taliban for women will be that women are not allowed to
exist or live in this society. Because every day they are adding new rules, new
restrictions and women are no more a part of the society in Afghanistan.”
Earlier, on Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers
banned university education for women nationwide, provoking condemnation from
many countries over another assault on human rights. Despite promising a softer
rule when they seized power last year, the Taliban have ratcheted up
restrictions on all aspects of women’s lives, ignoring international outrage.
“We all know the Taliban will never change. All around
the World, people understand that they will not change. They are the same
terrorists they were 25 years ago. When they came for the first time to
Afghanistan, they destroyed the huge country and killed thousands of people. I
left Afghanistan when the Taliban came because I was in danger because of my
activities in Afghanistan. All the speeches that I gave against the Taliban. Of
course, as a woman, I wasn’t safe in Afghanistan. I decided to leave
Afghanistan after the Taliban came. It has been one year that I am living with
no home. I left everything behind and saved my life,” she said.
When the Taliban were in power in the late 1990s, a
rocket hit Bayat’s family home when she was two years old. In the attack, her
brother was killed, her father was injured and she lost a leg and injured her
spinal cord. This incident changed the life of Nilofar and the Taliban left an
impact early on Afghan basketballers. Years later, the young woman started
practising basketball in a wheelchair and became one of the outstanding players
in her country’s national team. The return to power of the Taliban forced Bayat
to leave Afghanistan on 18th August 2021 and she landed in Spain later.
“I am a two-time victim of war by the Taliban. They
destroyed my life and took all my achievements that I had. To live, to improve
my society, to work as a normal person like all others around the world. But
they didn’t allow us to continue. Everything happened suddenly, and the Taliban
took everything that I had. I could not even say bye to my dear ones I had in
Afghanistan. I left everything behind I worked my whole life. It has been more
than a year that we have been carrying a huge pain that is not ours. We are
fighting with a group of terrorists that they came because of the decision of
other countries in Afghanistan. It has been one year that we are paying the
price of this war. Unfortunately, this is not about me. It is about the life of
34 million people in Afghanistan”, she added. (ANI)
Source: The Print
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Male Afghan students walk away from exam to protest
Taliban's ban on women's education
Dec 21, 2022
Male students at Afghanistan’s Nangarhar University
walked away from their exams in a show of solidarity with the female students
to protest the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education.
The male students in Nangarhar and Kandahar
demonstrated with placards against the Taliban diktat.
The Taliban's higher education ministry ordered an
indefinite ban on university education for women in Afghanistan in the latest
crack down on women's rights and freedoms, drawing strong international
condemnation.
The announcement came as the United Nations Security
Council met in New York and the US State Department announced the release of
two Americans detained by the Taliban.
The Taliban have widely implemented their strict
interpretation of Islamic law since seizing control of the country last year.
They banned girls from middle school and high school, restricted women from
most employment, and ordered them to wear head-to-toe clothing in public.
Women were also banned from parks and gyms and
prevented from travelling without a male relative.
Source: India Today
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Five trailblazing Arab female scientists from GCC
honoured
December 22, 2022
In its ninth year, the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in
Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Programme, in partnership with
Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has honoured five visionary women
from the GCC. The honour recognises and supports their groundbreaking research in
the fields of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer
Science.
The regional programme is part of the L’Oréal-Unesco’s
global For Women in Science initiative that has already recognised over 3,900
phenomenal researchers and more than 100 Laureates from more than 110 countries
and regions since its inception in 1998.
This year, grants were awarded to Post-doctorate
Researchers Dr Maha Zakariya Yahya Al-Riyami (Oman), Dr Raefa Abou Khouzam
(UAE) and Dr Fatiha M. Benslimane (Qatar), who received EUR 20,000 ($21,305)
each; and PhD students Hessa Ebrahim Ali Alfalahi (UAE) and Ayesha Abdulla
Alkhoori (UAE), who were awarded EUR 8,000 each in their category. These women
are playing a pivotal role in addressing critical global issues and paving the
way forward for more young women to enter STEM fields. Since its inception in
the region, the programme has recognised 45 researchers from the UAE, Oman,
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Healthy increase
The programme continues to receive the endorsement for
the fourth year in a row of Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public
Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, who
said: “Foundation L’Oréal and Unesco’s initiative to recognise young women scientists
continues to create an enabling environment for diversity in STEM. Over the
past few years, we have seen a healthy increase in the representation of women
in these fields, we know that there is a lot more work that needs to be done to
foster career progression across organisations. Creating opportunities such as
this is the essential first step to encouraging more young women researchers to
push ahead and make a mark in the science and technology fields.”
She added: “The Arab world has its share of pioneering
women scientists, and their work has played a key role in addressing issues
that impact global society. We can see examples of driving forward with
diversity in the UAE, providing women with access to funding, career
progression and equal-pay.”
The latest Unesco Science Report recognises the effort
of many countries in the Arab world for achieving gender parity at the
university level. The gap, however, widens as women enter the workplace with
several barriers that set them back in their careers. Women researchers were
found to have shorter, less well-paid positions, and were given smaller grants
than their male counterparts.
Driving ethos
The driving ethos behind the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women
in Science Programme is ‘The world needs science and science needs women’. The
programme was created to break down barriers to progress for women in STEM and
provide them with the tools to succeed.
Laurent Duffier, L’Oréal Middle East Managing
Director, said that the initiative has been instrumental in unearthing the
brightest minds and inspiring careers for future generations.
“The programme has grown from strength-to-strength and
so has the number of women scientists who are leading people-centered research
and development. At L’Oréal Groupe, science and innovation are at the heart of
everything that we do. Enabling and empowering emerging female scientists and
their cutting-edge research is a mission that we are committed to, especially
in this region where contributions by women scientists are vital to solutions
for the emerging world.
“Our winners represent the most ambitious and
passionate women in the region who are not deterred by any hurdle in their
pursuit and commitment to finding novel solutions to problems that impact our
communities, while also being a beacon of empowerment for young girls embarking
on their careers in STEM.”
Immense potential
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President,
Khalifa University of Science and Technology said: “We only need to look within
our own research-intensive academic institution to gauge the immense potential
among the region’s women researchers who are ready to seize every opportunity
to make a difference in our societies.
“Khalifa University is proud to boast several
high-profile women scientists among our faculty and researchers. Now more than
ever, we need women to take the lead in driving the industry 4.0 revolution and
are proud to partner with the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science in the Middle
East for the fourth year in a row to nurture their career development. The UAE
has made great strides in ensuring equality and representation across the
board, right from the education level to women spearheading key scientific and
technological advancements, which has enhanced its global competitiveness. More
such initiatives across the region and globally will secure a diverse and
talented workforce in science and technology. “
Professor Mouïn Hamzé, President of Programme’s Jury,
added: “Equity, diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of science and
research. Women bring to the table perspectives and diverse viewpoints that are
imperative to finding innovative solutions for pressing global issues, such as
climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, future tech and cybersecurity. This
programme has successfully built a network of bright minds who have contributed
to many advancements in these areas and continues to turn the tide on
underrepresentation in the STEM fields by encouraging young women to pursue
careers that respond to the needs of the society.”-- TradeArabia News
Service
Source: Trade Arabia
http://tradearabia.com/news/IT_404533.html
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Safety at night in Dubai: Women express thanks to the
city for feeling of security
by Nasreen Abdulla
21 Dec 2022
From the tallest building to the largest shopping mall
to the best hotels, the UAE is home to some architectural wonders. With its
futuristic mindset, tourist-friendly policies, and ease of living conditions,
it is home to over 200 nationalities. But the one thing that everyone
unanimously loves about the country is its safety.
According to Gallup’s Global Law and Order report
2022, 92% of people feel safe walking alone in the country. Last year, the
Georgetown University released its Women, Peace & Security Index. In a
survey of women aged 15 and above, 98.5% respondents said they feel safe
walking alone at night in the area where they live.
Safety and security have been a top priority for the
rulers of the country. With constant police patrols, security cameras at every
nook and cranny and a strong justice system, the UAE has become a safe haven
for the millions who call this country home. Recently, Dubai Police also
announced that it had reduced its response time to extreme emergencies to 6.74
minutes in 2021.
With so much being done to safeguard the city, how do
women in Dubai feel about walking out and about in the city at night? Team City
Times scoured the streets of the city and asked a few women their thoughts.
Dianne Margarette N. Baldoza
Nationality: Philippines
Profession: Corporate Lawyer
We caught up with Dianne as she rode a Careem bike
home from Barasti after watching a football game with her friend. “I live in Al
Twar but I am staying with my friend in Dubai Marina,” she said. “We wanted to
watch the game at the fan zone in Barasti. So I stayed over with her. We rode
here and are now going to ride back.”
Having lived in the UAE for over eight years, Dianne
says she often has to work long hours as a corporate lawyer but it has never
even crossed her mind to feel worried for her safety. “It didn’t even occur to
me that I was riding a bike at night until you asked me,” she said. “For me, it
was like as if I was riding a bike during the daytime. I think that is what I
love about Dubai, no matter which place you are in and what time, there is this
incredible sense of safety.”
As a corporate lawyer, Diane said her work hours were
very haphazard. “There are often times when I have to work late into the
night,” she said. “But whenever I take the public transport or taxis home, I
have never felt any fear. I am grateful to be living in this country.”
Melissa Gomes
Nationality: Canadian
Profession: Cabin Crew
Having grown up in the UAE, Melissa loves the safety
and security of the country. “I work in the airline industry so I have very
haphazard work hours,” she said. When we met her at 1:30am, she was just
alighting from the taxi while returning home after a flight. “I am never
worried about catching a taxi or being followed home. When I reach home, I
don’t feel any fear walking to my building either. CCTV is everywhere. I have
my phone with me with the police on speed dial, should something happen.”
According to Melissa, it’s not just the police and law
enforcement that makes her feel safe in the country. “The people here are very
friendly,” she said. “Usually any one is willing to help especially if they see
you distressed. That is always a comfort. In the 33 years I have lived here, I
have seen Dubai transform from a small town to the melting pot that it is today
but the friendly nature of people has remained the same.”
However, Melissa says taking precautions has been
ingrained in her due to her extensive travels. “I am always alert and stay in
well lit areas,” she said. “I always make sure I am around people and I have a
rough plan in my mind on how to deal with extreme situations. Thankfully I have
never had to action them.”
Nehal Bhatia
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Homemaker
Nehal Bhatia was out for a walk at 3am around the Kite
Beach when we caught up with her. “Usually when I don’t feel sleepy, I come out
for a walk like this,” she said. “Sometimes I come alone and sometimes I come
with my husband. I have never felt worried or scared about being out late at
night. I think UAE is the safest country in the world.”
Mother to a teenage daughter, Nehal said she is happy
to be raising her children here. “My daughter takes the metro and goes to
university,” she said. “She also travels around the city for her studies and to
meet friends. I am so grateful that I never have to worry about her safety and
security.”
Julnar Hilly
Nationality: Iraqi
Profession: Student/ Freelance designer
18-year-old Julnar Hilly has lived in three countries
but she considers Dubai her home and the safest place she has ever been in. “I
love this city,” she said. “No matter how late it is there are always people
around and it’s always busy. I love the buzz and vibe in this city.”
Julnar was returning home after a martial arts class
and dinner with a friend when we met her at midnight. She admitted that despite
the safe environment, she still sometimes felt scared. “I know it’s safe,” she
said. “However, having lived in the UK and having heard from my parents who
grew up in Iraq about the challenges they have faced, I do have a little bit of
paranoia.”
Julnar said she was always cautious even though she
has never faced the need for it in the UAE. “I have been out and about in the
city at all times but I have never felt any fear or danger,” she said. “My
cautiousness stems more out of habit than need. Sometimes I feel I might not be
able to survive in other countries because of how Dubai has spoilt me,” she
chuckled.
Areej Kameh and Melissa Ibrahim
Nationality: Lebanese
Profession: Retail sector
The housemates and friends were sitting below their
building on Sheikh Zayed Road, chatting when we met up with them. “Wallah,
Dubai is the safest place,” said Areej. “Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I get up
and walk towards the Downtown area. No one will follow you, no one will stop
and honk at you, no one will disturb you. It is one of the things I am the most
grateful for in this country.”
Melissa agreed. “I have been out late at night in
Satwa as well as around the Downtown area,” she said. “However, I have never
once feared for my safety. Whether it is travelling by taxi and public
transport or walking long distances, there is no issue whatsoever.” Areej said
that they don’t take this safety for granted. “This time when I went back to
Lebanon and I was going out in the afternoon, my mother asked me to be careful
about my bag,” she said. “So obviously the safety and security that this
country offers us is something we value very much.”
Noor, Zainab and Riham
Nationality: Kuwaiti
Profession: Students
The Kuwaiti students were getting out of a restaurant
near the beach at 2am when we caught up with them. “We don’t usually go out
this late at night,” said Riham, while supporting Zainab between herself and
Noor. “However, we were played padel this evening and Zainab slipped and fell.
We spent the next few hours in the hospital. Luckily it was just a sprain.”
“After getting out of the hospital, we were all hungry
so we came here to eat something,” said Zainab. “I really wanted a little
pick-me-up so we had some nice burgers and desserts.”
The three girls said they had been living in the UAE
for almost a year and loved the country. “It is very safe and we can go
anywhere fearlessly,” said Noor. “Our parents are also comforted knowing that
we are always protected. Of course, we always tell them where we are going as
well so as not to worry them.”
Source: Khaleej Times
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