New Age Islam News Bureau
17 March 2025
· Afghan Women Launch ‘Let’s Study’ Campaign Against Taliban’s Education Ban
· UAE Strengthens Women's Leadership On Global Stage
· Leap Africa’s Leadership Accelerator Programme 2025 For Young African Women
· Merrachi's Ramadan Campaign Sparks Debate With Hijab-Clad Eiffel Tower Imagery
· Karzai: Ban on Girl’s Education Hinders Afghanistan’s Progress
· Actress Hina Khan performs Umrah during Ramadan
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-women-taliban-education-ban/d/134900
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Afghan Women Launch ‘Let’s Study’ Campaign Against Taliban’s Education Ban
By Siyar Sirat
March 17, 2025
KABUL — A group of women activists has launched a campaign titled “Let’s Study” to protest the Taliban’s ongoing ban on girls’ education, now entering its fourth year.
The Women’s Freedom Movement, which organized the campaign, said in a statement: “For four years, Afghan women and girls have been stripped of their rights under Taliban rule.”
The group emphasized that education is a basic right, yet girls in Afghanistan remain barred from studying beyond sixth grade. Many Afghan families who fled to Iran and Pakistan also struggle to enrol their daughters in school, leaving them without access to education.
The activists called on the international community to take stronger action to restore girls’ right to education in Afghanistan.
The campaign comes as the new school year is about to begin in Afghanistan, but girls beyond sixth grade are still banned from schooling. Moreover, women are also banned from attending universities.
Source: amu.tv
https://amu.tv/163530/
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UAE Strengthens Women's Leadership On Global Stage
17 March 2025
Noura Al Suwaidi, General Manager of the General Women's Union, firmly stated the United Arab Emirates' commitment to women's empowerment since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action back in 1995. This initiative has translated recommendations from global dialogues to practical policies, enabling women to take on leadership roles and play significant parts in decision-making. This was highlighted during the session titled "Achieving Beijing Promises to Enhance Women's Role in Leadership," part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women held from March 10 to March 21, 2025, in New York City.
The session was not only organized by the Arab Republic of Egypt but also saw the involvement of various international entities, including the UAE, the United Nations Women’s Organization, and participant nations like Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Al Suwaidi noted how Emirati women have risen to become fundamental players across government, private sectors, and diplomatic arenas.
During this pivotal session, several initiatives aimed at bolstering women's involvement were presented. For example, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Program for Women aims to solidify a unified Arab vision to support women and expand partnerships among business leaders across the Arab world. This program, adopted at the 2023 Leaders Summit, emphasizes the UAE's dedicated efforts to empower women not just locally but on international fronts.
Remarkably, women now occupy 50% of the seats on the UAE's Federal National Council, placing the country at the forefront of gender representation globally. Women's representation within the UAE cabinet stands at 26%, with female leaders spearheading key areas like international cooperation, advanced sciences, and education.
On the economic front, women contribute over 12% of board members within publicly listed companies. Al Suwaidi emphasized how women's empowerment stretches beyond traditional roles, with significant representation now found within the fields of digital economy and innovative technologies, showcasing the UAE’s drive to promote female participation within areas such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Reflecting the UAE’s expansive efforts, Al Suwaidi stressed the nation's initiatives extend to the world, introducing programs like the Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Target project. This aims to unify Arab nations to bolster women's entrepreneurship, stability, and economic growth.
Switching gears, the emphasis on ethics and social responsibility mirrors the sentiments echoed across social media channels within the UAE. The hashtag #Our_Ethics_Are_Zayed's_Ethics has recently surged on the X platform, emphasizing the need to adhere to values reflecting the UAE's policy anchored on respect and tolerance. This trending topic amassed over 4 million views and saw users passionately advocating for the foundational ethics of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE’s founding father.
Commentators have expressed admiration citing how Sheikh Zayed wasn’t merely a leader but rather exemplifies humanity and generosity, with insights from Dr. Faisal Al-Dosari reminding audiences of his legacy. Posts emphasized how the collective character of Emiratis is intertwined with the ethics instilled by Sheikh Zayed.
Messages encourage national citizens and residents alike to embody these values, particularly emphasizing respect and kindness within the realms of social media interactions. Abdullah Al-Hamadi remarked, “The ethics of our founding father will remain steadfast, guiding UAE citizens and residents alike, especially on platforms where positive engagement and respect are key.”
With calls for moderateness existing throughout the platform, users are reminded of their responsibility to uphold these ethical standards through constructive engagement and communication practices. Commentators also echoed support for the National Media Office's recent message advocating for positive engagement models related to the UAE's online manners.
Overall, the UAE's powerful strides toward women's empowerment align with its ethos guided by the teachings of Sheikh Zayed. With community focuses on ethical representation and values espousing respect and integrity, the nation's engagements spotlight its commitment to fostering inclusive relationships both within and beyond its borders.
Source: evrimagaci.org
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/uae-strengthens-womens-leadership-on-global-stage-265246
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Leap Africa’s Leadership Accelerator Programme 2025 For Young African Women
March 17, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 LEAP Africa’s Leadership Accelerator Programme. The Leadership Accelerator Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to address the gender disparity in women’s leadership on the African continent. Specifically tailored for high-potential young African women in corporate settings, this program aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to ascend to leadership positions.
Programme Phases
Free Online Course
The online course is a combination of 10 short-paced online modules which can be completed in 3 weeks for high-potential young African women on topical issues affecting women in the workplace and hindering them from thriving professionally.
In collaboration with the expertise of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Team, a need for assessment was shared and responses from over 200 respondents led to our modules.
1-Week Paid Intensive Bootcamp
The Bootcamp is a physical event that spans over 1 week and targets a cohort of young African women aged 23 – 35, who have completed the online course within the designated time frame of 3 weeks upon onboarding. These aspiring leaders are seeking to advance their careers and secure leadership roles within their respective organizations or fields.
Capstone Projects
Following the completion of a leadership training BootCamp, participants will undertake a capstone project they have identified. This project serves as a culmination of their post-Bootcamp plans, showcasing the application of insights gained from the program. Participants will demonstrate their ability to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the BootCamp. The capstone projects will be shared widely across LEAP Leadership Institute communication channels, aiming to inspire and engage female career professionals to actively participate in or replicate the showcased initiatives.
3-Months Intensive Mentorship
Participants will be paired with mentors, the selection will be based on the specific needs identified in the forms they have filled out. The mentorship program will be for 3 months. Meeting times will be based on the agreed scheduled time with participants and their mentors meeting once or twice a month. These mentorship conversations will encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including career development, leadership, and personal growth. Additionally, there will be a monthly check-in to ensure that the objectives of the mentorship are being met.
Source: opportunitiesforafricans.com
https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/leap-africas-leadership-accelerator-programme-2025/
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Merrachi's Ramadan campaign sparks debate with hijab-clad Eiffel Tower imagery
By KaraboLedwaba
17 Mar 2025
Dutch modest fashion brand Merrachi has ignited a heated debate in France with its latest advertisement for Ramadan, featuring the iconic Eiffel Tower adorned with a hijab.
The campaign, unveiled on 12 March 2025, intended to promote inclusivity and the freedom to wear the Islamic headscarf. However, it has been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the country's ongoing tensions surrounding secularism and religious expression.
The controversial imagery
The advertisement showcases the Eiffel Tower enveloped in a hijab and abaya, symbolizing modest fashion. Merrachi shared the image on their official Instagram account, captioning it: "Spotted: The Eiffel Tower wearing MERRACHI, mashallah! Looks like she just joined the modest fashion community."
Political and public reactions
The depiction has drawn sharp criticism from French political figures, particularly those aligned with right-wing ideologies. Lisette Pollet, a member of the National Rally party, expressed her disapproval on social media, stating: "Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which has covered it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement. An ideological and commercial instrumentalisation which offends our republican values and our heritage."
Similarly, Jérôme Buisson criticized the ad as a "dangerous political move," while economist Philippe Murer suggested closing Merrachi stores in France and blocking its website.Conversely, some social media users have defended Merrachi's campaign, viewing it as a creative expression that challenges prevailing narratives about Muslim women's right to wear the hijab. Comments on the brand's Instagram post include sentiments like, "From Eiffel Tower to Hijabi Power! The Eiffel Tower says: 'My tower, my choice.'" and "When even the Eiffel Tower looks better in modest fashion."
Context of the hijab debate in France
France has a history of regulating religious symbols in public spaces, rooted in its principle of laïcité (secularism). The country banned hijabs in schools in 2004 and face-covering veils in public spaces in 2010. More recently, in August 2023, the government prohibited abayas in state schools, asserting that such garments violate secular laws in education.
Merrachi's position
As of now, Merrachi has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The brand's campaign continues to spark discussions about the intersection of fashion, religious expression, and cultural identity in contemporary society.
Source: bizcommunity.com
https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/merrachi-ramadan-campaign-sparks-debate-with-hijab-clad-eiffel-tower-imagery-814853a
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Karzai: Ban on Girl’s Education Hinders Afghanistan’s Progress
By Fidel Rahmati
March 16, 2025
The former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, has called for the reopening of schools and universities for girls on the eve of the new academic year. He considered the ban on girls’ education a major obstacle to Afghanistan’s progress and stated that continuing this policy would lead to the country’s backwardness.
On Sunday, Karzai wrote on his X account, stating, “For years, the girls of our country have been waiting to hear the school bell, but they have been deprived of this happiness.” With the start of the new academic year, the educational deprivation of women and girls will enter its fourth year.
Karzai emphasized that education is not just a right, but a vital need for the welfare and survival of the country and its people. He also warned that the continued educational ban would force young people and families to leave the country.
In response to repeated international calls to lift the ban on girls’ education, the Taliban has referred to it as an “internal matter” of Afghanistan and has not taken any steps back from their position.
The ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade has led to 1.4 million girls being deprived of further education over the past three years.
Despite strong and serious criticism from religious scholars and the Islamic world, the Taliban have not only maintained their policy towards girls’ education but have also intensified it.
The Taliban leader recently issued an order, through the Minister of Public Health, banning the education of girls and women in all medical fields.
The ongoing restrictions on education continue to harm the future of many young girls in Afghanistan. The international community and leaders like Hamid Karzai are pushing for a change, urging the Taliban to reconsider their stance and allow girls the opportunity to attend school and university. Education is critical not only for the development of Afghanistan but also for the empowerment and growth of future generations.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/karzai-ban-on-girls-education-hinders-afghanistans-progress/
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Actress Hina Khan performs Umrah during Ramadan
March 17, 2025
Actress Hina Khan performed another Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan. She took to her IG stories to announce the exciting news.
She dropped a video of herself in Mecca and wrote, “DilMai Aarzoo Jagi, Allah Ne QuboolFarmaayiAlhamdullilah..#RamadanUmrah2025.”
She time-stamped the post “6:03 AM”.
Hina posted another clip from the Holy City and penned, “Tahajjud and Farj in mataaf this morning..Alhamdullilah.”, along with a “5: 13 AM” time stamp.
She also shared that going to Umrah was a last-minute decision.
Yesterday, Hina revealed the mystery behind her alleged colored nails. She took to her Insta stories and shared a close-up picture of her nails.
The ‘YehRishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actress disclosed that she has not painted her nails, but her nails have been discoloured due to chemotherapy.
Hina wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Ok a lot of you asking about my nails, including some people in my building..I am not wearing any nail polish hahahhaha..How can I pray with a nail paint on. ThodaDimaagLagaao mere pyaaresaathiyon.”
She added, “Nail discolouration is one of the most common side effect of chemotherapy..My nails have become brittle, dry and, some times lift up from the nail bed..But But Buththth…You know what’s the good part…All of this is temporary..And remember we are healing…Alhamdullilah.”
It is to be noted here that one is not allowed to pray with colored nails in Islam.
Talking about her work, Hina recently appeared on an episode of the reality show, “Celebrity MasterChef India”.
During the episode, Hina talked about her supportive partner Rocky Jaiswal, who has been her rock during her battle with cancer.
Hina shared, “I have scars. I have been treated surgically. He is the one who soothes those scars. He looks at them more closely than I do. He asks me, ‘How is it today? Is it any better?’ It’s hard for me to look at myself, but he does—instantly. He goes to the bathroom, cries, and comes back. He doesn’t even cry in front of me. He has started loving me even more than he did before.”
Source: thestatesman.com
https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/hina-khan-performs-umrah-during-ramadan-1503408624.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-women-taliban-education-ban/d/134900