Cairo Islamic Conference Underlines Women’s Role In Promoting Cultural, Religious Awareness
New Age Islam News Bureau
26Aug 2024
· Cairo Islamic Conference Underlines Women’s Role In Promoting Cultural, Religious Awareness
· Hema Committee Report Presents A Damning Indictment Of The Pervasive And Systemic Sexual Harassment Within The Malayalam Film Industry
· MinisterOf Islamic Affairs Hails Women’s Rights Progress In Saudi Arabia
· Women Entrepreneurs Expect More Support From Islamic Emirate
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/cairo-islamic-conference-cultural-religious/d/133044
Cairo Islamic Conference Underlines Women’s Role In Promoting Cultural, Religious Awareness
August 25, 2024
CAIRO: Participants of the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, hosted by Cairo on Sunday, stressed the importance of women’s role and status in building cultural and religious awareness and promoting values of coexistence and tolerance. Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Abdullatif Al-Sheikh said in his speech during the opening session of the two-day conference, held under the slogan ‘Women and Building Awareness’, that “Islam has given women great attention that has never been seen in history.”
He added that “women’s rights and duties were explained by Allah Almighty in His Holy Book and His Messenger (PBUH) in his Sunnah. Islam preserved their dignity and ordered them to be dutiful as mothers, protect them as sisters and daughters, and fulfill their rights as wives and partners in building the family on which the structure of society is based.
He stressed that “those who contemplate the religious texts will find in them a sophisticated treatment of women and an order to take care of them without arbitrariness or injustice,” warning that it is not permissible to apply personal practices or societal customs and traditions that involve injustice or arbitrariness against women.
Al-Sheikh expressed his pride in the Saudi experience in this field, saying that Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and with the support and follow-up of the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has preserved the rights of women who have been honored and have received their share in education, health, financial rights, job opportunities, and leadership, noting that today they “compete in the fields of construction.”.
He reviewed a number of prominent models that Saudi women have achieved in various fields, whether governmental, scientific, medical, in the field of space, as well as in the field of human rights, at the level of ambassadors, in international forums and organizations, and also at the level of the Shura Council and in the economic fields.
In his speech, Omar Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, and Zakat in the Emirates, said that women are “the impregnable dam against sweeping currents,” stressing that “the role of women is essential and must be activated to be a bridge of thought throughout history, as they are the guardians of moderation, tolerance, and education and transmit the national identity to generations. He added that “extremist groups target women not because they are the weaker party, but because their determination is strong and their will is strong,” stressing that to achieve the purpose of this awareness, “we must bring to mind pioneering female scholars in various fields” so that these models can be inspiring.
Al Darei stressed the need to support women and their issues and confront customs and traditions that diminish their value, pointing to the importance of digital worlds, which “have become a complex reality that targets our families and people with unsuitable intellectual and religious content. He stressed the importance of being aware of the dangers facing women.
For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Dr Muhammad Najm, said in his speech that Palestinian women have a role in spreading religious awareness, stressing that Palestinian women are inspiring and have taught their sons to love their homeland and will not submit no matter how many of their sons, fathers, or husbands are killed.
They are an example to be emulated in the Islamic nation and a great model for women. Najm stressed the importance of qualifying scholars and preparing them for the science of fatwa, especially preachers or exhorters, adding that “the Prophet (PBUH) showed us that we should focus on the role of women and that they should be qualified for every specialty required of them by legal or other authorities.
He explained that a preacher should understand the objectives of Sharia and its consequences and should understand that love of the homeland is part of faith, pointing out that women have a role in achieving local security and peace, whether in their homeland or in the entire nation. The 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is being held in Cairo over two days under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with the participation of about 60 countries and more than 100 dignitaries, including ministers, muftis, representatives of Islamic bodies, councils, and institutions in countries around the world. — KUNA
Source: kuwaittimes.com
https://kuwaittimes.com/article/18240/kuwait/other-news/islamic-conference-underlines-womens-role-in-promoting-cultural-religious-awareness/
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Hema Committee Report Presents A Damning Indictment Of The Pervasive And Systemic Sexual Harassment Within The Malayalam Film Industry
ShamnaSherin
23 Aug 2024,
Workers holding a board at a liquor shop in Jung Pura in New Delhi.(File photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)
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Nude scenes. Explicit acts. Criminal gangs. Midnight knocks. Online harassment...
The plot is disturbing, or to be more precise, shocking.
Unfortunately, this is not cinema. No, not a crime thriller. This is real.
The Justice K Hema Committee report which looked into the working conditions of women in Malayalam film industry presents a rather bleak picture.
Nevertheless, the findings of the report have evoked a mixed response. While some expressed shock, others sighed in resignation dubbing the findings "an open secret."
And, as always, the political blame game began.
Still, such a committee is the first of its kind in India. It was formed by the Kerala government following the sexual harassment of a leading actress in 2017 to look into the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee submitted its report to the government in 2020.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) established in 2017 has been instrumental behind the constitution of the committee. It's a story of resilience. A different story.
Coming four years later, the committee report’s dissemination has been marked by significant redactions; specifically, 55 pages detailing personal accounts of sexual harassment have been obscured. Despite this, the report was made accessible to select journalists under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, revealing only a fraction of its findings. Of note, 13 pages and 30 points have been excised from the publicly available document.
As mentioned, the report presents a damning indictment of the pervasive and systemic sexual harassment afflicting female professionals within the Malayalam film industry. The committee has identified at least 17 distinct forms of exploitation experienced by women across 30 different categories. These include overt sexual demands for entry, sexual harassment, and various forms of physical and emotional abuse.
In a startling revelation, among others, the report describes instances of coercion where actresses have been forced to perform nude scenes and engage in explicit acts, often with little or no prior warning. One particular case involves a director who, after three months of preparation and shooting, demanded an actress perform nude scenes and a lip-lock. Despite her objections, she was compelled to expose her body. The following day, she was further pressured into a bathtub scene, prompting her to abandon the film and forfeit her unpaid remuneration.
The Hema Committee was the first in the country set up to conduct a comprehensive study of gender issues in the film sector.
Filmmaker Aashiq Abu says sitting on Hema committee report was not expected from Kerala govt
In another egregious revelation, the report describes instances where female actors were subjected to harassment, including nocturnal disturbances by inebriated industry figures. The report indicates that survivors are reluctant to come forward due to threats of severe repercussions, not only to themselves but also to their families.
Quite significantly, the report has raised grave concerns about the pervasive influence of a so-called "criminal gang". It unequivocally asserts that this entrenched group—comprising prominent directors, actors, and producers—wields significant control, effectively monopolising the industry and stifling dissent. This "mafia," as characterized by the report, is allegedly capable of obliterating the careers of individuals who dare to challenge its authority, including top-tier actors within the industry.
It also elucidates the egregious practice of coercive “adjustments” demanded from women seeking roles. Moreover, the report sheds light on the prevalent issue of online harassment, encompassing sexually explicit comments and threats. These sections have been redacted, but the report transitions to advocate for the establishment of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) within every production unit and the Association of Malayalam Artistes (AMMA). The committee observes that there is considerable reluctance among women to approach these bodies, due to fears of bias and breach of privacy, given that many members are entrenched within the industry’s power structures.
The report shows that despite decades of independence, the systemic inequalities that women face—particularly in sectors like the film industry—are deeply rooted in a patriarchal structure that systematically undermines their autonomy and agency.
The Protection of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, though a progressive step, remains inadequately broad to address the complexities of both formal and informal workplaces such as the film industry. Recent incidents, like the tragic case involving a Kolkata doctor, serve as stark reminders of the pervasive violence against women, amplifying the urgency for comprehensive reform.
The proposed specialized legislation for the film industry by the Kerala government, in tandem with an expansion of the POSH Act, marks a pivotal shift towards addressing sector-specific challenges and enhancing protections where they are most needed. Establishing robust internal complaint mechanisms, creating welfare funds and implementing mandatory gender awareness training are essential measures to foster a more equitable and respectful work environment.
The Hema Committee was the first in the country set up to conduct a comprehensive study of gender issues in the film sector.
After four days, AMMA speaks up and denies any wrongdoing in Mollywood
The four-year delay in the release of the Hema Committee’s report highlights a troubling lapse in proactive measures by the State Women’s Commission. This delay reflects a broader issue of insufficient vigilance in tackling systemic problems. Despite the perception of film actresses as a privileged group, the report reveals that they are not exempt from exploitation and abuse. The reluctance of victims to come forward due to stigma and fear of retribution further underscores the need for a robust institutional framework to support them. It is imperative that women assert their voices against these injustices, with the active involvement of men being crucial in this fight for gender equality.
Parvathy Thiruvothu’s call to shift the discourse from “casting couch” to recognizing sexual harassment as a grave human rights violation aligns with international standards, such as those established by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) framework.
Historically, women’s issues were often sidelined as secondary concerns rather than being acknowledged as fundamental human rights issues. This reflects a pervasive bias that must be addressed.
The male-dominated Malayalam cinema industry has long perpetuated chauvinistic and misogynistic portrayals, with actors previously making derogatory remarks and strong female characters being vilified. This illustrates a broader societal issue where cinema, far from being mere entertainment, actively influences and reflects social attitudes. To counteract this, regular gender awareness programs on film sets, supported by state women's development bodies, are essential to ensuring that the industry fosters a climate of respect and equality.
Constitutional principles such as the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, and Right to Life and Personal Liberty underscore the imperative nature of these reforms. By aligning with these principles, we can ensure that all professionals in the industry, particularly women, receive the dignity, safety and fairness they deserve. Moving forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—government bodies, industry leaders, and individuals—to transform the industry into a model of gender equity and professional integrity. The Justice Hema Committee report provides a critical blueprint for this transformation.
As we move forward, both the industry and its audience must reject outdated norms and adopt a culture that champions the rights and dignity of all individuals. The Justice Hema Committee report places us at a crucial juncture for reform within the Malayalam film industry and beyond.
Source: newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Aug/24/which-indian-states-spend-the-most-on-liquor-a-new-study-attempts-to-give-the-answer
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MinisterOf Islamic AffairsHails Women’s Rights Progress In Saudi Arabia
August 25, 2024
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh attends the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Cairo on Sunday. (SPA
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RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said that under King Salman’s leadership, and with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support, Saudi Arabia has protected women’s rights and dignity.
He noted that women have gained significant opportunities in education, health, finance, and leadership roles and are now competing in various fields domestically and internationally.
Speaking at the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Cairo on Sunday, titled “The Role of Women in Building Awareness,” Al-Asheikh highlighted that Saudi women have reached high leadership positions, including ministerial and ambassadorial roles, representing the Kingdom globally.
He also pointed out that the number of female members in the Shoura Council has increased to around 30, with one serving as an assistant speaker, showcasing the progress in women’s rights.
Al-Asheikh emphasized that Saudi women have achieved global prominence, holding positions such as director general of the Center of Excellence for Nanomedicine and Engineering at the University of California, excelling in various fields, including economics, education, health, technology, and space exploration.
He further mentioned that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has empowered over 6,000 women in leadership and administrative positions, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The minister stressed the importance of Muslim women’s roles in building an Islamic society based on justice, mercy, and tolerance and expressed hope that the conference would lead to actionable recommendations to further empower women within the framework of Islam’s values.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568783/saudi-arabia
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Women entrepreneurs expect more support from Islamic Emirate
August 26, 2024
Businesswomen have not been ignored after the resumption of the Islamic Emirate to power, three years ago. They have even been encouraged in the way towards their business stronger than ever under the ruling Islamic system, as many of them resorted to the establishment of small businesses as a source of income to support their families, besides providing work for a wide number of unemployed women and girls across the country. They engaged in tailoring, embroidery, running shops and restaurants and other fields as they say they have felt no impediments along their way to their works over the last three years, after the power takeover by the Islamic Emirate in 2021. In a corner of the capital, Kabul, Fatema said, she had set up a tailoring workshop driving attention from tens of women and girls and encouraging them to join her work field, as they need to support their families. She is the breadwinner of four of her family members, as she lost one of his brothers in the brutal war during the past governments. “I have to not sit at home, as including my ailing mother, I have to support four members of my family. So, I have to work hard to earn some cash. She has now stood on her feet economically and has rented a house through her daily income. She trained 15 girls in her small tailoring workshop, where they had in the past used their own tailoring machines to develop their works. Her customers are very much satisfied with her work, behavior and the way she trains well, as she prepares colorful traditional clothes which have good markets in many parts of the capital. Fatema wants her business expanded to help other women resort to the same work to support their families. “My expectation from the organs concerned is to facilitate more job opportunities for women as I see no restriction on women work in the country,” she said asking the government’s related institutions to facilitate their outside home, to further refurbish their skills and business. She had initially invested only fifty thousand Afghani to run the workshop. “My gross income of each month from the workshop is 22,000 Afghani as revenue after I ran one year ago,” she said adding this was enough for her both to support her family and save some cash as well. Some women are also running small restaurants offering, local and traditional dishes with an initial investment of only 15 thousand Afghani; first to support their family and then widen it to recruit more and more personnel. They asked the government for providing them with an amount of subsidy and financial assistance to initially strengthen their business and then enlarge their work by hiring more female workers. So, if the government provides them with larger space and funds their work, they can further expand their work and support their families, as of now girls are no longer going to schools and universities and they can make progress through their own small businesses. Earlier the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate pledged that it was making efforts to support women entrepreneurs all over the country and provide them with enough facilities to develop their businesses. This is not a new pledge from the Islamic Emirate to support women to access industry and commerce, but the relevant organs have made efforts to focus on them both in terms of providing them with markets and strengthening their handicrafts, for which women can play a significant role, as the chamber of commerce and industry recently reported the active role of over 2,500 women entrepreneurs who have received business licenses within the past three years. Inam Hashemi
Source: thekabultimes.com
https://thekabultimes.com/women-entrepreneurs-expect-more-support-from-islamic-emirate/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/cairo-islamic-conference-cultural-religious/d/133044