New Academic Year in Afghanistan will begin with schools remaining closed to girls
New Age Islam News Bureau
20 March 2025
· New Academic Year in Afghanistan will begin with schools remaining closed to girls
· Brief Relief For Afghan Women Students Facing Return To Afghanistan After US Aid Cuts
· Iran: No more hijab street patrols
· Fashion influencers launch 30-day hijab challenge, celebrating elegance and diversity in Muslim fashion
· Activist Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison and 178 Lashes
· Canadian convenience store apologizes and removes ‘culturally insensitive’ lottery ad depicting woman in a hijab
· LETTER: Women in Islam and their rights
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/academic-year-afghanistan-schools-girls/d/134932
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New Academic Year in Afghanistan will begin with schools remaining closed to girls
By Fidel Rahmati
March 19, 2025
The Taliban’s Ministry of Education announced that the new academic year in Afghanistan will start on Thursday, March 20, in colder regions. However, there was no mention of reopening girls’ schools beyond grade six. This marks the fourth year in a row that girls will be excluded from attending schools above this grade.
According to a statement released on March 18, 2025, the Taliban’s Minister of Education, Habibullah Agha, and other officials are scheduled to attend the ceremony to mark the beginning of the academic year at Amaniyeh High School in Kabul. However, there has been no mention of girls’ education at higher levels, signaling a continued ban on girls’ schooling beyond grade six.
The ban on girls’ education has sparked widespread domestic and international reactions. Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, once again urged the Taliban administration to reopen schools and universities for girls, calling this restriction a major obstacle to the country’s progress.
People’s campaigns, such as “Let’s Read Together,” led by the Women’s Freedom Movement, have also called for the removal of this ban, warning that its continuation will have irreparable consequences for the future of the younger generation. UNESCO also announced in August 2024 that the deprivation of 1.4 million girls from education has destroyed the achievements of two decades of education in Afghanistan.
However, some officials of the Taliban regime have shown a different perspective. Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the former political deputy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a controversial speech in January 2025 that led to his escape from Afghanistan, stated that the ban on girls’ education has no religious basis and is merely a personal decision by Mullah HibatullahAkhundzada, the leader of the Taliban.
This internal criticism is described as a reflection of divisions within the leadership of the Taliban, but no changes have been made to the official policy so far.
With the start of the new academic year, it will be the fourth year in a row that girls’ schools have been kept closed for higher education. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have shut down girls’ schools above grade six and banned women from working with NGOs, further curtailing their freedom and opportunities.
The previous government used to mark the beginning of the academic year on the third of March, but the Taliban has now shifted the start to first March, disregarding the traditional Nowruz celebrations. The Taliban claims that they need to ensure “conditions according to their requirements” and adjust the curriculum before reopening schools and universities for girls.
Despite nearly four years in power, the Taliban’s objectives regarding women’s and girls’ education remain unmet. They continue to ignore international reactions, labeling the issue as an “internal matter” of Afghanistan, and refuse to lift the ban on girls’ education. This ongoing situation has led to widespread condemnation from global organizations, yet the Taliban remains resolute in its position.
The continued restrictions on girls’ and women’s access to education in Afghanistan severely limit their opportunities for growth and development. These policies not only violate fundamental human rights but also harm the future of Afghanistan society as a whole.
The international community must continue to exert pressure on the Taliban to reverse these oppressive measures and ensure that girls and women in Afghanistan can access education and contribute to their communities.
Sourcce:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/new-academic-year-in-afghanistan-will-begin-with-schools-remaining-closed-to-girls/
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Brief Relief For Afghan Women Students Facing Return To Afghanistan After US Aid Cuts
20 Mar 2025
A student said that though they are relieved they are still concerned about their future.
Source : Freepik
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Over 80 Afghan women students who are studying in Oman with US-funded scholarships, were relieved to find out that the fund cuts have been reversed temporarily. A US State Department spokesperson said that the scholarship will continue until June 30, 2025.
According to a BBC report, these students are pursuing graduate and post-graduate degrees in Oman under the Women's Scholarship Endowment (WSE), a US Agency for International Development (USAID) program launched in 2018 to fund studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
On February 28, they were informed that their scholarships were ending, and they would be sent back to Afghanistan within two weeks. This came after the US had announced a sudden freeze of funds to the USAID. The decision to cut American aid funding was made under the Trump administration and carried out by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
While speaking about the reprieve a student said that though they are relieved they are still concerned about their future.
“If the scholarship is not renewed, we will be left with no option but to return to Afghanistan, where we cannot study, and our safety could be under threat as well," the student said.
After the Taliban took over Afghanistan nearly four years ago, women fled to continue their studies abroad. However, the US decided on a sudden freeze of USAID funds and this has put them at the risk of being sent back. The Taliban has enforced severe restrictions on women, including a ban on university education.
Taliban Working To Resolve Issue Of Women's Education
Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Taliban government claims to be working on resolving the issue of women's education but continues to defend its supreme leader's orders, citing adherence to Islamic Sharia law. The regime has also suppressed women protesting for education and employment, with many activists facing beatings, detention, and threats.
Before the funding extension, a WSE staff member told the BBC they were urgently seeking alternative funding sources. Describing the situation as "dangerous and devastating," the staff member warned that the students risked persecution and forced marriages if returned to Afghanistan.
The women, mostly in their 20s, had qualified for scholarships in 2021 before the Taliban seized Afghanistan. Many continued their studies in Afghan universities until December 2022, when the Taliban banned higher education for women.
After spending 18 months in limbo, they fled to Pakistan last September. USAID later facilitated their visas to Oman, where they arrived between October and November 2024.
Sourcce:abplive.com
https://news.abplive.com/news/world/afghanistan-women-students-brings-brief-relief-facing-return-after-us-aid-cuts-1759009
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Iran: No more hijab street patrols
2025-03-19
Shafaq New/ Iran has officially disbanded its morality police, which enforced the country’s mandatory hijab laws, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad BaqerQalibaf announced.
Qalibaf confirmed that the revised law eliminates the "Guidance Patrols", but he emphasized that hijab laws remain in effect, according to local media. The amendments, he said, aim to change enforcement methods and foster public consensus on the issue.
The decision follows years of public defiance against hijab mandates, particularly after the 2022 death of MahsaAmini in police custody, which sparked mass protests and international condemnation, pressuring the government to modify its approach.
In February 2025, a woman in Mashhad staged a dramatic demonstration, undressing and climbing onto a police car to protest dress code enforcement. Her act followed the December passage of the Chastity and Hijab Law, which introduced harsher penalties for violations.
Human rights organizations have denounced Iran’s continued enforcement of hijab laws. Human Rights Watch criticized the legislation for introducing severe punishments, including fines, imprisonment, and even the death penalty for repeat offenders. Amnesty International described the law as an effort to "suppress opposition to compulsory veiling."
A United Nations report revealed that Iran has expanded electronic surveillance, using drones and facial recognition technology to monitor compliance, raising global human rights concerns.
Sourcce:shafaq.com
https://shafaq.com/en/World/Iran-No-more-hijab-street-patrols
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Fashion influencers launch 30-day hijab challenge, celebrating elegance and diversity in Muslim fashion
20 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — Wearing a hijab doesn’t stop Muslim women from looking elegant and stylish, especially on special occasions like Hari Raya. With less than two weeks until Syawal, more social media users are exploring hijab styles that suit them best.
Recognising the growing demand for chic yet comfortable hijab styles, content creator and Muslim fashion enthusiast Sufiah Hani Ahmad Zamberi has launched the ‘30 Days, 30 Hijab Tutorials’ series on TikTok and Instagram (@sufeeyah).
The 24-year-old’s tutorials provide step-by-step guides on styling various hijab types, including bawal and pashmina, crafted from fabrics such as satin and chiffon.
She also shares tips on accessorising to elevate each look.
“I started this initiative in 2020, but I became more committed last year to help women wear their hijabs with confidence, especially for Hari Raya. Every year, people look for inspiration, so I create tutorials that are easy to follow,” she told Bernama recently.
Sufiah’s 30-Day, 30-Tutorial challenge not only helps her followers discover fresh ideas but also allows her to explore different hijab styles.
“I love experimenting with my own hijabs. Sometimes, I spend one to two hours perfecting a look, often drawing inspiration from celebrity hijab styles crafted by professional stylists.
“Last year, I focused on short, silent video tutorials. This year, I explain each step while demonstrating, making it easier for viewers to follow along,” said Sufiah, who also plans to collaborate with others to showcase diverse hijab styles.
Meanwhile, SitiSabarina Abdul Halim, 33, launched the #30Hari30GayaRaya initiative on TikTok (@sabarinahalim) at the start of Ramadan to offer more hijab style options, particularly for women who wear long hijabs.
Throughout Ramadan, SitiSabarina has produced 30 different tutorial videos to inspire Muslim women to wear long hijabs stylishly without compromising Islamic modesty guidelines.
“My focus has always been on Muslim fashion, and long hijabs are my niche. Most tutorials on TikTok cater to standard hijabs, so I feel it’s important to provide alternatives for those who prefer long hijabs.
“There are countless ways to style a hijab without compromising modesty. I want to help women feel confident in their fashion choices while adhering to Islamic principles,” she said.
In addition, SitiSabarina, who helps manage her family’s gold jewellery business, has also created tutorials specifically for hijab wearers who wear glasses.
“Some people appreciate my tutorials because I wear glasses-unlike most other content creators. This makes it easier for those with glasses to follow my styles,” she said, adding that she also plans to create content on Muslim fashion pairings, including complete outfit styling from head to toe. — Bernama
Sourcce:malaymail.com
https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/03/20/fashion-influencers-launch-30-day-hijab-challenge-celebrating-elegance-and-diversity-in-muslim-fashion/170066
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Activist Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison and 178 Lashes
MARCH 19, 2025
Branch 2 of the Rasht Criminal Court has sentenced Iranian activist and former political prisoner HamidehZarei to one year and six months in prison and 178 lashes.
The sentence includes nine months of imprisonment and 74 lashes for “disrupting public order,” nine months for “resisting law enforcement officers,” 74 lashes for “insulting an officer on duty,” and 30 lashes for “causing non-visible injuries.”
Zarei was arrested on February 3 after appearing at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Rasht as part of her forced residency sentence.
She was detained for not wearing the mandatory hijab, which led to new charges. She spent 29 days in detention at Rasht Central Prisonbefore being released on bail on March 3, according to a report from the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.
During her detention, Zarei was reportedly physically assaulted by two officers from the Rasht Prosecutor’s Office Protection Unit, resulting in wrist injuries.
Zarei had previously been arrested on June 5, 2024, after being summoned to Rasht Court.
In November 2023, she was sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” later reduced to nine months.
Sourcce:iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/139895-activist-sentenced-to-18-months-in-prison-and-178-lashes/
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Canadian convenience store apologizes and removes ‘culturally insensitive’ lottery ad depicting woman in a hijab
March 19, 2025
A convenience store franchise has apologized after one of its locations posted an image of a woman in a hijab to advertise gambling.
The ad, images of which were posted to social media, depicts a woman wearing a hijab with the Lotto Max and Lotto 649 logos in a thought bubble above her head, even though gambling is haram, or “forbidden,” in Islam. (Islam deems playing the lottery laghw, a “wasteful” act.)
“It has come to our attention that an image located at one storefront (out of 130 locations in Canada) containing lottery content was found to be inappropriate and culturally insensitive to some community members,” the retailer, INS Market, said in a statement to the Star, noting the store took “immediate action” to remove the image. It’s unclear where the store was located.
“There was no intention to draw connection between lottery and members of the Muslim community — this was an oversight and error on behalf of our graphic design team,” the statement said.
“We sincerely apologize for any offence that this may have caused,” added INS Market. “Our goal has always been to provide a safe environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected, regardless of their background or heritage. We are actively reviewing our internal processes to ensure all materials reflect the diversity and respect we uphold.”
Though the ad depicts Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) products, the image was not created by OLG, clarified OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti.
“OLG was made aware of a poster at one of our lottery retailers … that may be considered offensive,” Bitonti told the Star on Wednesday. “But the specific window ad was created by the retailer, not by OLG, and was not approved by OLG. We have spoken to the retailer and asked them to remove the posters from their stores as soon as possible, and were told that they were removed as of yesterday afternoon.”
All retailers selling OLG lottery products need to adhere to strict guidelines for marketing initiatives and get approval before they use the OLG brand imagery, he said. But INS did not do this, Bitonti said, noting it’s “fairly common” for retailers to create their own ads for OLG products.
“OLG apologizes to anyone who might have been offended by these advertisements,” he said.
Instagram users shared their views on the ad.
“They tried to be inclusive but failed,” commented one user.
The poster was “inclusivity gone wrong,” another Instagram user added.
Sourcce:thestar.com
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canadian-convenience-store-apologizes-and-removes-culturally-insensitive-lottery-ad-depicting-woman-in-a-hijab/article_592d30ea-744b-4039-91f6-22d9d99b3bb9.html
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LETTER: Women in Islam and their rights
By Khalid Khan
20 Mar 2025
Less than 50 years ago, in 1977, the United Nations recognized March 8 as International Women's Day. In fact, in the modern world, many milestones in women's rights were achieved during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
As a reference, in matters of education, it was not until 1886 that women were permitted to sit exams at Cambridge University, and it was not until 1948 that the university conferred academic degrees on them. Women were first admitted to Oxford University in 1920.
But when we go further back in history and study women's rights, we find that in fact – and perhaps surprisingly to some readers – Islam granted these very same rights over 1,500 years ago.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, "It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge" (Ibn Majah).
Furthermore, it is proven from Islamic history that, while women in most parts of the world were unlettered and denied basic education, early Muslims ensured that their daughters and wives knew how to read and write, as they gave great importance to reading the Holy Quran.
This was nothing short of a revolution, especially in Arabia, where before the advent of Islam, women did not have any status or rights in society. They were considered second-class citizens. For example, some tribes in Arabia at the time went so far as to bury newborn girls alive, as they were considered a liability and not a blessing for the family.
However, it was with the advent of Islam that the status of women was elevated, and their importance in society was emphasized. Islam awarded women their basic human rights in a society that did not consider them human and also gave them social and economic rights that no religion had ever given women before.
For example, Islam is the first religion – and the only one of the three major religions – that grants women the right to initiate a divorce. This right, by the way, was first introduced in some USA states around 1960, and it was not until a decade later that it was implemented in the majority of the country.
When it comes to economic freedom, looking back into the history of women's rights, we see that thanks to a series of legal changes and the broader women's rights movement, women in the United States gained the legal right to open bank accounts in their names without needing a male co-signer in the 1960s and 1970s.
This right was also granted to women in Islam much earlier and is perhaps the greatest right given to Muslim women. According to Islamic teachings, a husband must give his wife a dowry at the time of marriage, and he has no rights over this money once she receives it.
Furthermore, any property that a woman acquires of her effort or that she inherits (the right of inheritance was also granted to them by the Holy Quran) or receives as a gift is exclusively hers. No one has a right to a woman's property.
A husband does not even have the right to interfere in his wife's management or administration of her property. A woman does not have to contribute anything to the upkeep of her household; that responsibility is solely of the husband, even if the wife is in financially better circumstances than the husband.
As we see, Islam was the first religion to formally grant women a status never known before, as recorded in the Holy Quran, which says: "And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity" (2:229).
The Holy Qur'an also teaches that women are to be treated with respect, kindness, and love, and it especially gives mothers a high status in Islam. The Holy Prophet of Islam has said, "Paradise lies under the feet of your mother." (Nisai)
Similarly, he said about daughters: "A person who is blessed with a daughter or daughters and makes no discrimination between them and his sons and brings them up with kindness and affection, will be as close to Me in Paradise as my forefinger and middle finger are to each other." (Sahih Muslim)
When it comes to marriage, in Islam, a husband and wife have an equal role to play in providing support, comfort, and protection for one another, fitting each other like a garment that fits the body. As the Holy Quran states: "They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them." (Ch. 2:188)
The Holy Prophet has said, "The best among you is he who is best in his treatment towards his wife." (Abu Daud)
In conclusion, when we look at historical data and Islamic literature, we find—undoubtedly—that no other religion has safeguarded the rights of women as Islam has. I have presented just a few examples from the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet that demonstrate the elevated status of women in Islam, challenging many misconceptions that people of this day and age have about the Muslim religion.
The Promised Messiah, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has said that in terms of rights, both [men and women] are the same. Addressing the men, he says: "If his relationship with his wife is not good, how can he be at peace with God?"
How grand is this statement, in favor of women, that if men do not have a good relationship with women, then it is not possible to be at one with God either.
And that is the thought I would like all of us -- men -- to remember: If we want to please God Almighty, we must fulfill women's rights. May God help us to do so.
Sourcce:guampdn.com
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/letter-women-in-islam-and-their-rights/article_45a4c53a-02d1-11f0-b55f-4304e853e89f.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/academic-year-afghanistan-schools-girls/d/134932