Afghan women ‘will not be silenced,’ UN envoy says as exiled cricket team takes the field
New Age Islam News Bureau
02 February 2025
• Afghan women ‘will not be silenced,’ UN envoy says as exiled cricket team takes the field
• Two awarded death for rape, murder of minor girl in Thatta
• Arab Parliament Praises Women Role as Key in Society's Development
• No Balochistan govt fund for mother, child nutrition plan, moot told
• Oscar-hopeful 'Emilia Perez' star in row over Islam, George Floyd insults
• Kyrgyzstan bans wearing of Arab-Style Niqab and imposes fines
• Husband nabbed after clip of him openly slapping wife at Kota Warisan mall goes viral
• My grandmother, the emergent Catholic right, and why Massimo misses it
• Female participation in Riyadh camel racing event
• Karzai praises Afghan women’s cricket team, hopes they will shine ‘like their brothers’
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-women-cricket-team-silenced/d/134502
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Afghan women ‘will not be silenced,’ UN envoy says as exiled cricket team takes the field
by Siyar Sirat
02-02-2025
Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, in a message on the exiled women’s national cricket team’s first match said on Friday that with every run scored in Melbourne, Afghan women cricketers sent a clear message that they will not be silenced.
While the team competes in exile, women in Afghanistan have been banned from sports entirely. The match, played Thursday in Melbourne as part of a charity event, was both a symbolic act of defiance and a testament to the players’ determination to keep their sport alive.
Bennett underscored the broader significance of their participation. “Afghan women belong in sports—at home and worldwide,” he said.
The team’s captain described the match as more than just a game. “This is a movement for change and hope,” she said, adding that their goal is to inspire Afghan girls and women to pursue education and sports despite increasing restrictions.
Since seizing control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have banned women from playing sports and severely curtailed their access to education and public life. Many female athletes, including members of the national cricket team, have sought refuge abroad, where they continue to play, advocate, and resist.
For the Afghan women on the field in Melbourne, the match was not just about cricket—it was about sending a message to the world that they refuse to be erased.
Source: amu.tv
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Two awarded death for rape, murder of minor girl in Thatta
February 2, 2025
THATTA: In a landmark verdict, Thatta sessions court on Saturday sentenced two accused to death after finding them guilty of abducting, sexually assaulting and murdering a seven-year-old girl in Gharo in December 2019.
The accused Irshad Mallah, the victim’s own uncle, and Sikandar Shah kidnapped Dua Wasayo Mallah, took her to a jungle where they subjected her to sexual assault and then murdered her in the jurisdiction of Gharo police station. The victim’s body was later found in a banana field, stripped of clothes.
The victim’s father, Altaf Wasayo, registered the case and its investigation was led by former Thatta SSP Shabbir Ahmed Sethar. The accused were eventually arrested and remained in custody at Badin jail throughout the trial period.
The judge Mushtari Khanam delivered verdict on the case on Saturday after a prolonged legal battle. In addition to the death penalty, the accused were sentenced to seven years in prison for concealing evidence and attempting to cover up the crime.
The case was closely monitored by human rights organisations and public, who hailed the verdict as a significant step toward justice for victims of sex crimes in general and child abuse in particular.
Former SSP Mr Sethar, who played a pivotal role in the investigation of the case, told media persons he felt satisfaction at the court’s decision and reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and her family. “This verdict sends a strong message that such heinous crimes will not go unpunished,” he said.
Human rights activists have called for stricter enforcement of laws protecting children and women, as well as faster judicial process to ensure timely justice in sex crimes.
The convicts were present in the court when the verdict was announced. They had right to appeal against the decision in higher courts.
This verdict marks a rare moment of justice served in cases of violence against children, offering a glimmer of hope to countless families awaiting justice for similar tragedies.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
https://www.dawn.com/news/1889180/two-awarded-death-for-rape-murder-of-minor-girl-in-thatta
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Arab Parliament Praises Women Role as Key in Society's Development
Asharq Al Awsat
1 February 2025
Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi emphasized that Arab women are essential partners in the process of construction and development of Arab societies.
The statement highlighted women's significant achievements across various fields and their proven ability to hold top positions both regionally and internationally, representing Arab nations in major forums.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Arab Women's Day on February 1, Al Yamahi called for strengthening legislation that supports women, ensuring the preservation and protection of their rights and gains while enhancing their empowerment and vital role in building future generations. He reiterated the Arab Parliament's commitment to support Arab women in all their endeavors, SPA reported.
He noted the efforts of the Arab Parliament in this regard, particularly the launch of the Arab Charter on Women's Rights, which serves as a legislative framework and reference for Arab countries in enacting and updating laws related to women's rights. This initiative recognizes and appreciates the critical role of women in society.
He specifically acknowledged the resilience and strength of Palestinian women in the face of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
Source: English.Aawsat.Com
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No Balochistan govt fund for mother, child nutrition plan, moot told
February 2, 2025
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has not allocated funds for the last over 10 years for the malnutrition programme to feed mother and child in the province and it is only depending on the aid of Unicef and other donors which have been working in 31 districts of the province and providing food and medicines to families suffering from food deficiency.
This was disclosed by experts of health and other fields at a media advocacy workshop organised by Save the Children International (INGO) in collaboration with Unicef, here on Friday.
The event brought together experts and representatives of various government departments, UN agencies, media professionals and nutrition development partners.
Senior health officials expressed their concern over the increasing number of patients with food deficiency which also increased the mortality rate of mother and child during pregnancy and after the birth of a child.
“The Balochistan government has not allocated funds for the malnutrition programme and it completely depends on the donors’ funding. Since 2014, no funds have been received from the government,” Dr Gaffar Baloch, director of Balochistan Nutrition Directorate, said during a question-answer session of the event.
In his speech, he highlighted the region’s alarming malnutrition indicators and stressed the need for an intersectional approach to address these challenges effectively.
Mr Ameeri, ECD manager at Unicef in his speech appreciated the media’s vital role in raising awareness about the issue.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
https://www.dawn.com/news/1889211/no-balochistan-govt-fund-for-mother-child-nutrition-plan-moot-told
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Oscar-hopeful 'Emilia Perez' star in row over Islam, George Floyd insults
02-02-2025
Karla Sofia Gascon, the transgender actress and history-making Oscar nominee for musical film "Emilia Perez," has apologized after old social media posts resurfaced in which she denigrated Islam and George Floyd.
The controversy, which erupted days after Gascon became the first openly trans acting nominee in Academy Awards history, threatens to overshadow Netflix's campaign for a movie that procured a leading 13 Oscar nominations.
Many of the social media posts, which date back to at least 2016, specifically criticize Islam and Muslims. Gascon described Islam as "an infection" and "a deeply disgusting type of humanity."
Another post referred to Floyd -- the Black man killed by U.S. police, whose death in 2020 sparked mass anti-racism protests -- as a "drug addict and a scammer."
Spanish star Gascon, 52, was launched to global fame at the Cannes film festival last May, where "Emilia Perez" -- in which she plays a Mexican narco boss who becomes a woman -- won multiple prizes.
It was bought by streaming giant Netflix, and earlier this month "Emilia Perez" shattered the record for the most Academy Award nominations for a non-English-language film, with 13 nods.
That success came despite criticisms leveled at the film from certain quarters, for its depictions of Mexico and its drug war, its representation of trans issues, and its use of artificial intelligence to increase Gascon's voice range in musical scenes.
As the film's release and award campaign has ramped up, Gascon has spoken of her sadness and exhaustion at becoming a target for vicious online transphobic attacks.
Gascon also became embroiled in a row last week after accusing "many people working around" her best actress rival nominee, Brazil's Fernanda Torres, of talking "badly about me, and Emilia Perez."
But at least until now Gascon has been considered a front-runner for best actress, and the film is viewed by pundits as a strong contender to win best picture.
Gascon also joked that a "Chinese vaccine" for Covid-19 would come with "two spring rolls" and "a cat that moves its hand," and said a recent Oscars ceremony looked like "an Afro-Korean festival" or "a Black Lives Matter demonstration."
"I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt," said Gascon's statement. "As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.
Source: Japantoday.Com
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Kyrgyzstan bans wearing of Arab-Style Niqab and imposes fines
By Fidel Rahmati
February 2, 2025
Foreign media reports have revealed that the government of Kyrgyzstan has recently imposed a ban on wearing the Arab-style veil (niqab) in the country. The government has also introduced fines for individuals who wear this clothing in public spaces.
According to Radio Free Europe, Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim country in Central Asia, has now joined the ranks of other nations in the region by prohibiting the wearing of the niqab, a long garment that covers the body, hair, and face except for the eyes. This ban went into effect on February 1st, with a fine of 20,000 som (about $230) imposed on women who wear the veil in public.
Kyrgyz lawmakers have argued that the ban is necessary for security reasons, as it allows people’s faces to be visible and helps with identification. However, opponents of the ban argue that it strips women of their freedom to choose their attire, viewing it as a limitation of personal rights.
Previously, Kyrgyzstan was the only country in Central Asia that allowed the niqab in schools and government institutions. However, with the new legislation, the country has followed in the footsteps of its regional neighbors, such as Tajikistan, which also passed a similar law last year that prohibited the niqab in public spaces, labeling it as foreign attire.
In recent years, Central Asian countries have been focusing more on reviving their indigenous cultures and traditions, particularly in clothing and cultural celebrations. These nations have taken steps to limit the influence of foreign cultures, such as the Arab-style clothing, in favor of promoting local customs and heritage.
The ban on the Arab-style veil in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian nations reflects broader efforts to preserve cultural identity and regulate foreign influences. While governments argue that such measures are necessary for security and social cohesion, they also raise debates about individual freedoms and the role of tradition in shaping modern society.
Source: Www.khaama.Com
https://www.khaama.com/kyrgyzstan-bans-wearing-of-arab-style-niqab-and-imposes-fines/
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Husband nabbed after clip of him openly slapping wife at Kota Warisan mall goes viral
02 Feb 2025
SEPANG, Feb 2 — A video clip that went viral showing a 50-year-old man slapping his wife at a shopping mall in Kota Warisan near here, resulted in the man being arrested yesterday.
Sepang district police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman said the man was arrested in front of a clinic in Kota Warisan at 10am yesterday morning.
The media had earlier reported that a man slapped his 35-year-old wife and his actions were recorded and uploaded live on social media.
Earlier, a 29-second ‘live’ video went viral showing a woman walking out of the mall and upon arriving at the exit of the premises, the man suddenly slapped the woman in the face in public.
On Jan 26, Norhizam through a statement had confirmed receiving a report lodged by the women’s younger sibling and produced the video clip showing the woman being slapped by the man.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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My grandmother, the emergent Catholic right, and why Massimo misses it
By Peter Wolfgang
Feb 01, 2025
My grandmother died yesterday at the age of 96. There is no single person to whom I owe a greater debt for imparting to me my Catholic faith than her. I have explained why in numerous Facebook posts over the years and in a Catholic Herald piece commemorating the centennial of Our Lady of Fatima.
One thing she did not pass on to me (at least not permanently) was her lifelong support for the Democratic Party. My grandparents were the “ancestral white Catholics” mentioned in passing in a recent First Things podcast. Immigrant Catholics in places like Southern New England with a deep historical attachment to the Democratic Party in general and a feudal-like loyalty to the Kennedys in particular.
During the 2020 Democratic convention, when “Scranton Joe” Biden turned on the old working-class Catholic piety, I scoffed. 2020 was a year of Peak Wokeness. Covid lockdowns, George Floyd riots, statues of our founding fathers vandalized, and so forth. Surely “ancestral white Catholics” were wise to the Democrat Party’s false claim to speak for them by now, I thought.
I was wrong. Or, rather, I was early. Biden’s 2020 campaign turned out to be the last gasp of the old ruse. He hadn’t the strength to pull it off again in 2024, before he was yanked from the stage. And there is no longer anyone else left who can do it. With Biden’s exit from public life, an era has finally ended.
That, in fact, was the point of the “ancestral white Catholic” mention in the First Things podcast. They voted to put Trump back in office. And by a significant swing from four years earlier. As George Marlin explains in The Catholic Thing, “The Numbers Show the Catholic Vote Still Matters.”
I might tweak that thesis a little. Not that the Catholic vote still matters but that it matters once again. That there was a period where the Catholic vote mattered, followed by a period where the Catholic vote became indistinguishable from voters in general, followed by a new era beginning just in 2024, where Catholics are once more voting in a way distinguishable from the public at large.
I have been hoping for this new Catholic Moment in Catholic voting for almost 20 years. Again, as I laid out here, the Democratic Party really had to go out of its way to lose me. But by 1996, I was there. The day after Bill Clinton’s reelection I subscribed to Crisis Magazine, joined the Catholic Alliance (a Catholic auxiliary of the Christian Coalition) and something called the Catholic Campaign for America. Wherever Catholicism and conservative political action overlapped, count me in. I was there.
Most of those entities are largely forgotten now. But again, I was not wrong. I was early. The goals those 1990s Catholic groups sought to achieve are now being accomplished—with far greater effectiveness—by CatholicVote.
In contrast to the bishop conference’s overall sentiments, CatholicVote heralded those same executive orders as evidence of God answering the prayers of this emergent Catholic right. “And I wanted to remind you: this is what we fought for,” CatholicVote vice president Joshua Mercer said in an online post on Jan. 21. “By the grace of God, we have been given an opportunity that’s been vanishingly rare in modern history: to bring our Catholic political worldview to the halls of the world’s greatest power.”
But the “emergent Catholic right”—whether it be CatholicVote or Vice President J.D. Vance or any of the other recent figures who so terrify the leftist anti-Catholic press—are advancing a project of which the old Catholic Left hasn’t quite gotten its head around yet. The emergent Catholic right is not simply trying to Republicanize the Catholic Church. They are trying to Catholicize the Republican Party. And they are succeeding.
That is the point of Vice President Vance calling out “radical individualism” at the March for Life. And his situating the pro-life cause in a larger pro-family framework. And his telling Catholic critics of Trump’s immigration policies to Google Ordo Amoris. When Massimo Faggioli criticizes the emergent Catholic right for having a “more libertarian, more focused on individual freedom” focus, he is completely missing it. Vance is mixing traditional American social conservatism with an economics more rooted in Catholic social solidarity. Watch Josh Mercer rightly roast Faggioli for his blindness on this point in the last four minutes of this video.
This new convergence between Catholicism and conservatism comes too late for my grandmother. She cast her final vote—alas, for Kamala Harris—about twelve weeks before her death. She died wearing her scapular and, this being the first Saturday after her death, I pray the Mother of Grace is, even now as I type these words, freeing her from purgatory. I know how much she loved God and his Mother.
Source: Www.Catholicculture.Org
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Female participation in Riyadh camel racing event
Arab News
February 02, 2025
RIYADH: The number of women taking part in camel racing at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival this year has doubled compared to 2024, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the festival’s second edition kicked off on Jan. 27 at the Janadriyah Camel Race Track in Riyadh. It will end on Wednesday, Feb. 5 with total prize money of more than SR70 million ($18.7 million) awarded.
During last year’s festival, 15 female camel riders competed, representing Britain, France, Germany, Iran, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
This year has seen 30 female riders from 12 countries take part: Algeria, Bahrain, Britain, France, Germany, Oman, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the UAE, US and Yemen.
The increase has contributed to a rise in the prize pot, with the first-placed female rider receiving SR60,000.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2588696/saudi-arabia
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Karzai praises Afghan women’s cricket team, hopes they will shine ‘like their brothers’
by Setara Qudosi
Former President Hamid Karzai has praised the formation of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team in exile, calling it a source of pride and inspiration.
In a statement on X on Saturday, Karzai expressed his support for the team, saying, “The women’s cricket team will shine in international competitions just like their brothers and bring honor to Afghanistan.”
The remarks come as the Afghan women’s cricket team played its first match in exile since leaving the country following the Taliban takeover.
On Thursday, the Afghan women’s team played a match in Melbourne, Australia, as part of a symbolic event. The team’s captain described the reunion as a movement for change and hope, aiming to inspire Afghan girls and women to pursue education and sports despite the restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
According to reports, 22 of the 25 players who previously had contracts with the Afghanistan Cricket Board have sought asylum in Australia in recent years.
During Thursday’s match, the Afghan women’s national team played wearing the uniform of Cricket Without Borders, a charitable organization that supports women’s cricket.
Source: amu.tv
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-women-cricket-team-silenced/d/134502