Bhojpuri Actress Amrapali Dubey Converted to Islam, Hijab Video Goes Viral
New Age Islam News Bureau
23 December 2024
· Bhojpuri Actress Amrapali Dubey Converted to Islam, Hijab Video Goes Viral
· "Iran Banoo" (Iran Lady): All-Women Iranian Flight Lands In Iranian Holy City Mashhad For First Time
· Emirati Women Play Key Role In UAE’s 2024 Achievements
· Afghanistan’s Female Central Bank Employees: Complaints Against Former Colleagues and Global Aid Failures
· UN Supports Over 80,000 Women-Led Small Businesses In Afghanistan
· Woman Charged After Allegedly Abusing Muslim Woman In Sydney Kmart
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/amrapali-dubey-converted-islam-hijab/d/134111
------
Bhojpuri Actress Amrapali Dubey Converted to Islam, Hijab Video Goes Viral
23 December 2024
Bhojpuri Actress Amrapali Dubey Convert to Islam? Hijab Video Goes Viral
-------------
New Delhi: Bhojpuri superstar Amrapali Dubey has found herself at the center of social media rumors, with claims suggesting that she has converted to Islam. The speculation began after a video surfaced online, showing the actress wearing a hijab. The video, widely shared with misleading captions, has left fans questioning the truth behind these claims.
Source:munsifdaily.com
https://munsifdaily.com/bhojpuri-actress-amrapali-dubey-converted-to-islam-hijab-video-goes-viral/
--------
"Iran Banoo" (Iran Lady): All-Women Iranian Flight Lands In Iranian Holy City Mashhad For First Time
Dec 22, 2024,
Representative photo
------------
An Iranian airline made history on Sunday with an exclusive all-women flight that landed in the sacred city of Mashhad, situated in the northeastern region, as reported by state media.
The flight, operated by Aseman Airlines and piloted by Shahrzad Shams, a trailblazing female aviator in Iran, transported 110 passengers, according to the official IRNA news agency.
The service, known as "Iran Banoo" (Iran Lady), arrived at Hasheminejad International Airport in Mashhad, the country's second-largest urban centre and location of the sacred Imam Reza shrine, a significant site in Shiite Islam.
"This is the first time a women-only flight, with both female passengers and crew, lands in Mashhad," stated IRNA, though the departure location remained unspecified.
The journey to Mashhad aligned with the birth anniversary of Fatima al-Zahra, Prophet Mohammed's daughter, IRNA reported.
Whilst Iran's aviation sector has witnessed an increase in female pilots recently, they remain a minority in the profession.
In October 2019, aviation history was made in the Islamic Republic when pilot NeshatJahandari and co-pilot ForouzFirouzi became the first women to operate a commercial passenger flight, as documented by local media outlets.
Source:indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/all-women-flight-lands-in-iranian-holy-city-mashhad-for-first-time/articleshow/116568386.cms
--------
Emirati women play key role in UAE’s 2024 achievements
23 Dec 2024
Nearly 40 national strategies and policies have been launched, such as the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
------------
Emirati women have played a vital role in the UAE’s most significant achievements during 2024, a year marked by their growing presence and impact across various fields.
The year has witnessed several milestones that highlight the success of the UAE’s policies to empower and build the capacities of Emirati women. Notably, the UAE advanced to 7th place globally and retained its top regional position in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024, issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Women’s representation in the UAE government increased with the appointment of Sana Bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family, following the establishment of the new ministry.
The UAE launched the National Policy for Improving Women’s Health, aimed at creating a comprehensive, multi-sectoral framework to ensure women have access to the highest levels of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative healthcare throughout their lives.
To strengthen women’s roles in sustainable economic development, the Ministry of Economy has issued a ministerial decision mandating private joint-stock companies in the UAE to allocate at least one seat for women on their boards of directors after the completion of the current board’s term. This directive, part of a national economic empowerment strategy, will be implemented starting January 2025 to promote diversity in business leadership.
In this context, the Ministry of Economy and the General Women’s Union signed a cooperation memorandum to improve communication and unify efforts aimed at advancing economic empowerment and strengthening women’s roles in sustainable economic development.
The agreement aims to advance the economic empowerment agenda and strengthen the role of women in sustainable economic development, one of the distinguishing features of the UAE’s inspiring model for women’s empowerment.
This partnership focuses on increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in commercial activities and promoting their economic contribution both locally and regionally.
The General Women’s Union launched the second phase of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, aimed at equipping Emirati women with skills in various sectors, particularly entrepreneurship.
The programme supports women starting or expanding small and medium-sized businesses.
During the 2024 UAE Government’s annual meetings, an agreement was signed between the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and the UAE Gender Balance Council to enhance Emirati women’s participation in the private sector through joint initiatives and programmes.
Women made up 70% of university graduates in the UAE, constituted 46% of the total workforce, and 68% of them were employed in the public sector.
They held nearly one-third of ministerial positions and comprised 50% of the Federal National Council’s seats.
Recently, ReemAlsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, said that gender balance and equality between men and women are top priorities for the UAE.
“This steadfast and clear approach enjoys the full support of the country’s leadership, government, citizens, and residents,” she said in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of a press conference held at the conclusion of her official visit to the UAE.
Alsalem highlighted that the UAE’s programmes and policies are designed to empower women and promote their active participation across all sectors.
She further emphasised that the UAE has accomplished significant milestones in this area, creating a solid foundation for continued progress in women’s empowerment, reinforcing their role in society, and ensuring the support and protection of girls from violence.
Alsalem stated that this visit marks the sixth she has undertaken to various countries to examine their policies on protecting women and girls.
She emphasised that her official visit to the UAE was among the most organised and cooperative, with her numerous meeting requests being accommodated and the programme being executed with great flexibility and ease.
Source:gulftoday.ae
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/12/23/emirati-women-play-key-role-in-uaes-2024-achievements
---------
Afghanistan’s Female Central Bank Employees: Complaints Against Former Colleagues and Global Aid Failures
Dec 23, 2024
Some women who previously worked at the Central Bank of Afghanistan before the Taliban’s takeover are speaking out about their challenging living conditions and the mistreatment they endured from former government employees under the Taliban regime. They claim that the Central Bank, which receives over $40 million weekly in humanitarian aid from the international community, has not paid the salaries of around 80 of its employees. According to these women, instead of hiring women for service positions, the Taliban has appointed male relatives of the women, and Taliban-affiliated men have replaced other employees. They also report that when they go to sign the attendance sheet, both the Taliban and former government employees treat them like “criminals,” and no one listens to their concerns. These women further explain that hiring at the Central Bank now depends on having a long beard, a history of combat, or a recommendation from a Taliban commander. They assert that widespread discrimination against women has not only harmed their economic situation but also resulted in the loss of women’s expertise in Afghanistan’s banking system. Additionally, these employees are forced to pay off the loans of their colleagues whom they had guaranteed.
In an interview with Hasht-e Subh Daily, the women voiced their concerns about the dire situation for women in Afghanistan, particularly for those employed at the bank. They revealed that, following an order from Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the salary for all female housewives has been set at 5,000 Afghanis per month, with all special allowances canceled. Women at the bank now receive salaries ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Afghanis.
These former Central Bank employees note that, while the bank staff once received additional allowances twice a year, women have been deprived of this benefit. They describe the worst treatment coming from former government employees, who now align with the Taliban’s views. They explain, “The necktie-wearing agents of the Republic, who once arranged foreign trips for large delegations, now suggest to the Taliban that women’s work is unlawful. A decree from Hibatullah is followed by more decrees from his subordinates, including former government officials who issue these orders to please the Taliban and suppress women.”
The former employees also state that, in addition to the 5,000 Afghanis salary cap for women, parallel positions have been created for them. Instead of hiring female service employees, male relatives of these women have been appointed in their place. However, many women have not introduced male relatives as substitutes because they need to work themselves, or they do not have male first-degree relatives.
One bank employee explains, “Some women reluctantly introduced men in their place. We were asked to hand in our computers and were not allowed to take our personal data with us. At the bank, we women are treated like criminals. When we enter, the guard demands our identity cards and escorts us every step of the way. They set up a desk and chair in the courtyard and prevent us from entering the building or signing the attendance sheet. We have tried repeatedly to speak with leadership, but no one will meet with us.”
This employee accuses former government staff of mistreating women, stating, “These behaviors are mostly carried out by the necktie-wearing agents of the Republic to please the Taliban. While illegal activities occur daily, no one speaks out. Appointments are based on having a beard, a history of war, and recommendations from Taliban commanders. But decisions regarding women are made quickly to satisfy the Taliban.”
Central Bank employees insist that the international community must hear their voices. They say, “The world sends millions of dollars to help women, but at the Central Bank, women receive only 5,000 Afghanis and are treated like criminals.”
One employee, wishing to remain anonymous, shares, “These issues must reach the international community. Every week, $40 million is sent to the Central Bank, yet only 80 women are employed there. The Taliban exploit our situation, and we receive only three to five thousand Afghanis as salary. Some even receive less than 5,000 Afghanis because both men and women at the bank have loans.”
This employee goes on to describe how the bank offers various loans, such as personal loans, marriage loans, and home purchase loans, which were once deducted from employees’ pensions but are now deducted from their monthly salaries. Previously, retirement pensions were used to pay off these loans.
The former employee explains that some colleagues who went abroad have been asked to repay their loans, not from their retirement savings, but from the people who guaranteed their loans. “Some colleagues went abroad, and instead of using their retirement savings to pay off loans, we are now told that since public pensions have been stopped, this policy has changed. Anything that harms the people is swiftly implemented. Guarantors are being forced to pay off the loans of those they guaranteed. The law does not specify what should happen if the Taliban reduce salaries or abolish pensions. How should loans be paid then?”
The women claim that during the first Taliban rule, they took out loans, but with the rise of the previous government, Taliban loans became “bad deals.” Now, under the current Taliban regime, they are forced to repay these loans. They say that women live in constant fear of rape, imprisonment, and disgrace at the hands of the Taliban. Due to these harsh circumstances, they remain silent and accept the oppression.
Afshid (pseudonym), another former employee, explains that the Taliban’s decision to set female employees’ salaries at 5,000 Afghanis has tied salary payments to employees’ loans. Women now typically receive between 3,000 and 4,000 Afghanis, which is insufficient to meet their needs, given the economic difficulties, unemployment, poverty, and rising prices in Afghanistan.
She adds, “Salaries are now based on the loans employees have taken. A typical woman receives about 3,000 Afghanis. With this meager amount, how can we support ourselves? We have loans, and now these loans are being deducted from our monthly salaries instead of our pensions.”
Afshid explains that some colleagues who guaranteed loans for others are now forced to repay those loans because they no longer have contact with the borrowers. “This is a serious issue because we cannot pay off other people’s loans, and our financial situation is extremely difficult.”
This employee, who is now confined to her home, explains that the Taliban has allowed female service employees to appoint male family members to their positions but has not granted this privilege to other employees. The Taliban has instead replaced female employees with their own affiliates.
Afshid urges the media to raise awareness in the international community, saying that global aid intended for women does not reach them, as the Taliban control all resources. She calls on the Taliban to allow women to return to their roles at the bank, as this is crucial for their survival and the well-being of their children.
Central Bank employees also criticize the heads of finance, IT, and human resources at the bank, who play a key role in enforcing the Taliban’s discriminatory decisions. They say these officials offer misogynistic advice to please the Taliban and are supporting the regime’s anti-women policies within the bank.
Mir Shekib Mir, the former head of financial services development at the Central Bank, shares in an interview with Hasht-e Subh Daily that female employees once represented a large portion of the bank’s human capital. However, due to the Taliban’s systemic discrimination, many of them are now housebound. He adds that the reduction in their benefits has worsened their economic struggles, and there is no justifiable reason for this situation.
Mir concludes, “The Central Bank should fully pay the salaries of female employees and suspend their loan installments due to the drastic reduction in their salaries. Eventually, these installments should be removed from their debts.”
In May of this year, the Taliban Supreme Leader, as part of his ongoing discriminatory policies, decreed that the salary of all female employees in both government and non-government institutions be reduced to 5,000 Afghanis. This decision was to be implemented uniformly across all sectors, with no exceptions. However, after some time, female teachers who were actively teaching were exempted from this rule.
Source:8am.media
https://8am.media/eng/afghanistans-female-central-bank-employees-complaints-against-former-colleagues-and-global-aid-failures/
---------
UN supports over 80,000 women-led small businesses in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
December 23, 2024
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced its support for over 80,000 small businesses led by women in Afghanistan, contributing significantly to the growth of local families.
In a video message shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, December 22, Stephen Rodrigues, head of the UNDP office in Afghanistan, stated that their initiatives had not only supported these businesses but also provided employment opportunities for 900,000 people across the country. Additionally, he highlighted that 4.5 million people had benefited from these programs.
Rodrigues emphasized that UNDP’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs have been crucial, especially after the restrictions placed on women and girls’ education following the events of August 2021. As a result, many women and girls have turned to small businesses to support themselves and their families.
Despite the challenges and restrictions placed on them, female entrepreneurs continue to thrive. The recent handicrafts and production exhibition in Kabul, where many women had a prominent presence, is a testament to their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
There has been a noticeable increase in interest among Afghan women, especially young girls, in business activities. Many are starting small and medium enterprises, seeing entrepreneurship as a viable path to financial independence and social contribution.
Meanwhile, the recent survey showed that women in Afghanistan are still facing severe discrimination and violations of their human rights, including profound discrimination, operational limitations, and a severely weak financial system, which has significantly limited women’s access to loans from banks. According to the report, out of 41% of more than 3,000 women who were interviewed, only 5% stated that they had received loans from banks or small financial institutions.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reported that 73% of these women are unable to travel to local markets without a male guardian (mahram).
The report further states: “When asked about the limitations of running a business as a woman, 32% of women-led small and medium enterprises believed that gender discrimination created barriers to accessing markets for their businesses, 28% cited difficulties in procuring supplies, and 19% referred to challenges in securing formal loans.”
This data highlights the many barriers women in Afghanistan face in both personal and professional spheres. These restrictions not only hinder women’s economic independence but also contribute to their ongoing marginalization in society.
Addressing these issues requires significant reforms, particularly in the financial system and legal framework, to enable women to fully participate in the economy and regain their rights to equal opportunities.
International support and advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan remain critical, as they can help amplify the voices of Afghan women and work towards policy changes that can empower them to overcome these limitations.
Source:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/un-supports-over-80000-women-led-small-businesses-in-afghanistan/
---------
Woman charged after allegedly abusing Muslim woman in Sydney Kmart
Dec 23, 2024
A woman has been charged over a heated western Sydney shopping centre confrontation in which she allegedly verbally abused and intimidated a Muslim woman.
Video posted to social media of the Friday incident in Bankstown Kmart showed a woman taking issue with the "from the river to the sea" slogan on a T-shirt.
"Are you proud of wearing 'from the river to the sea'?" the woman in the video yells.
The Muslim woman – identified as Mariam, a "very active participant in the Palestinian rights movement" – claimed the other woman also made hand gestures threatening to slit her throat and threw boxes at her and her daughter.
"She threatened to end my life. My daughter was there as well, which was really appalling," she said, in an interview conducted and shared by pro-Palestinian activists.
"I didn't know how to protect her, and she marched at me. Came straight to my face, just straight here."
There were no boxes thrown or threats heard in the video itself.
Yesterday morning, supporters rallied outside Bankstown police station and police confirmed they were investigating.
They said officers were called to the shopping centre about 4pm on Friday "following reports a woman was allegedly verbally abused and intimated (sic)".
Last night, they revealed a 39-year-old woman had been charged with publicly threatening violence on grounds of religion.
She was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.
Amid Israel's devastating war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' bloody October 7 attack, "from the river to the sea" has become a battle cry with the power to roil Jews and pro-Palestinian activists.
Many Palestinian activists say it's a call for peace and equality after 75 years of Israeli statehood and decades-long, open-ended Israeli military rule over millions of Palestinians. Jews hear a clear demand for Israel's destruction.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised the statement as inflammatory and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was strongly criticised by some for comparing it to Nazi ideology.
Greens senators and independent senator Lidia Thorpe voted against a motion in May to condemn former Labor senator Fatima Payman's use of the slogan when she broke ranks with her party to declare Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The ministry's count doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants, but it has said more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
The war was sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack on southern Israel, where the militant group killed 1200 people and took 250 hostages in Gaza.
Source:9news.com.au
https://www.9news.com.au/national/woman-charged-over-allegedly-racist-abuse-against-muslim-woman-in-sydney-kmart/d9136139-e283-4e35-9ce0-bca63224c4a8
----------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/amrapali-dubey-converted-islam-hijab/d/134111