One of China's Most Famous Actresses, Fan Bingbing, Visits Zahir Mosque, Chinatown During Malaysia Trip
New Age Islam News Bureau
23 October2024
· One of China's Most Famous Actresses, Fan Bingbing, Visits Zahir Mosque, Chinatown During Malaysia Trip
· Life Expectancy Reaches 78 Years for Iranian Women
· Two Iranian Women Murdered After Rejecting Marriage Proposals
· Two Trans Women Killed in Their Home inPakistan
· Art, Faith, Family: How These Women Battled Breast Cancer InUAE
· King Abdulaziz University Opens Admission To Maritime Specializations For Women For The First Time
· ABVP’s “Jai Shri Ram” Slogans Near Muslim Women Students Ignite Scuffle AtJamia Millia Islamia
· ARDD Launches Leadership Academy to Train 500 Women Across Jordan
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/china-actresses-fan-bingbing-zahir-mosque/d/133522
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One of China's Most Famous Actresses, Fan Bingbing, Visits Zahir Mosque, Chinatown During Malaysia Trip
Fan Bingbing poses for photos at Zahir Mosque in Kedah state, Malaysia, October 2024. Photo courtesy of her Instagram
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October 22, 2024
By Hoang Phong
Fan Bingbing, one of China's most famous actresses, recently explored several iconic attractions in Malaysia's Kedah state, including AlorSetar Tower, Zahir Mosque, and PekanCina (Chinatown).
Fan shared photos of herself wearing a head covering while visiting the Zahir Mosque in Kedah on Monday.
Located in AlorSetar, the capital of Kedah, the mosque is one of Malaysia's grandest and oldest. Built in 1912, it was constructed on the site of a tomb of a fallen Kedah warrior who died during the Siamese invasion of Kedah.
"After filming for so long, we finally had the chance to take a stroll. While enjoying some delicious food, we also visited Kedah's iconic attractions: the Kedah Royal Museum, AlorSetar Tower, Zahir Mosque, and PekanCina (Chinatown)," Fan wrote on Instagram.
She also visited AlorSetar Tower, a four-story telecommunications tower that was once the third-tallest in Malaysia, and PekanCina, the city's Chinatown area.
In June, Fan toured Melaka state, where she serves as a tourism ambassador, a role aimed at helping Malaysian authorities attract one million Chinese visitors to the state this year.
In 2017, Time magazine listed Fan among the world's 100 most influential people.
Source: vnexpress.net
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/places/actress-fan-bingbing-visits-zahir-mosque-chinatown-during-malaysia-trip-4807373.html
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Life Expectancy Reaches 78 Years for Iranian Women
Photo: Tehran Times
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October 22, 2024
According to a survey conducted in the calendar year 1399 (2020 - 2021), ischaemic heart diseases (caused by narrowed heart arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle), heart attack, stroke, and diseases associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as breast cancer are among the top 20 leading causes of death among women, Mehr news agency quoted Kianfar as saying.
Despite the increase in women’s life expectancy, there are still significant challenges regarding chronic disease and lack of self-care. Raising awareness and promoting social support are essential steps to further boost women’s health, she added.
The latest edition of the World Health Statistics released in May by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend of steady gain in life expectancy at birth and healthy life expectancy at birth (HALE).
The pandemic wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy within just two years. Between 2019 and 2021, global life expectancy dropped by 1.8 years to 71.4 years (back to the level of 2012). Similarly, global healthy life expectancy dropped by 1.5 years to 61.9 years in 2021 (back to the level of 2012).
Improved literacy rate
According to the latest statistics, education space per student in Iran has increased from 5.17 square meters in the calendar year 1396 (2017-2018) to 5.28 square meters in the year 1402 (2023 – 2024).
The literacy rate, as well, has increased from 87.9 percent in 1396 to 90.7 percent in 1402, IRNA reported.
In the mentioned six-year period, the ratio of resilient classrooms improved from 0.64 to 0.82, sport space per student grew from 0.17 to 0.20, and the ratio of classrooms equipped with cooling and heating systems rose from 0.48 to 0.68.
The literacy rate has improved in urban areas as well as rural areas. From 1396 to 1402, the literacy rate among men and women amounted to 93.9 percent and 87.4 percent, respectively.
The literacy rate in urban areas was announced to be 92.8 percent, males had a literacy of 95.4 percent and females had a literacy rate of 90.2 percent.
In rural areas, the literacy rate reached 83.5 percent. Men accounted for 88.8 percent and women for 78.3 percent of the figure.
Moreover, the number of out-of-school students in primary, secondary, and high school lowered from 2.17, 6.71, and 18.19 percent in 1396 to 2.10, 5.23, and 16.12 percent in 1402, respectively.
Per capita education space extended
In June, former Education Minister Reza-MoradSahraei said “Per capita education space has extended to five meters and 35 cm as eight schools were constructed on a daily basis on average, ISNA reported.
Also, some 2,700 sports and educational spaces have been built in the same period, the official stressed.
In August 2023, the Organization for Development, Renovation, and Equipment of Schools announced that the number of newly built schools across the country has increased by 104 percent over the past two years.
Literacy growth rate in Iran 2.5 times the world average
In the past four decades, the growth of literacy in the world has been about 18 percent, while in the same period, this figure in Iran has been 50 percent, IRNA reported.
In the past four decades, the growth of literacy in the world has been about 18 percent, while in the same period, this figure in Iran has been 50 percent, IRNA reported.
Nearly one year after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Literacy Movement Organization was established by the order of Imam Khomeini with the aim of eradicating illiteracy.
At that time more than half of Iran's population, over the age of six, was illiterate. Now, Iran is on the verge of removing illiteracy.
To improve the literacy rate in the country, the Literacy Movement Organization has taken several measures.
“In line with the development plans of the Literacy Movement Organization to accelerate the literacy movement in the country, it has been decided to select 10 prioritized provinces of the country as pilots to implement the project,” ISNA quoted Borouji, an official with the Literacy Movement Organization, as saying.
The Literacy Movement Organization also plans to benefit from the capacity of students to improve the country’s literacy rate in the near future.
“In an effort to promote literacy and make illiterates more interested in learning, we will engage students and leverage their capabilities and knowledge in tackling illiteracy,” Pana quoted Borouji as saying.
Source: tehrantimes.com
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/505319/Life-expectancy-reaches-78-years-for-Iranian-women
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Two Iranian Women Murdered After Rejecting Marriage Proposals
OCTOBER 22, 2024
Two Iranian women were killed by men whose marriage proposals they had rejected in separate cases.
IranWire’s investigation reveals that both women had filed criminal complaints against the men due to harassment. Still, negligence by law enforcement and judicial authorities in following up on the complaints resulted in the men’s release, ultimately leading to the murders of these women.
A 31-year-old woman named Shiva Daliri, a resident of northern Rasht, was killed on October 1 for rejecting a marriage proposal.
According to IranWire sources, Daliri and her mother owned a clothing boutique, and the murder was committed by a man whose proposal Shiva had rejected.
PardisRabiee, a women’s rights activist, told IranWire about Shiva: “Shiva had no intention of getting married. After her father passed away and her mother was left alone, she felt a strong responsibility toward her.
She rejected almost all her suitors. A man who lived in their neighborhood, who had lost his parents, had been divorced, and had a history of drug use, had repeatedly asked Shiva to marry him.
The situation escalated to the point of physical assault. One day, he came to the boutique and attacked Shiva with punches and kicks, even threatening to kill her.”
The inefficacy of Iran’s protective laws for women has often led to cases where women, even after filing legal complaints against their harassers, received no meaningful protection.
In this case, despite Daliri filing a complaint with the police against the man who had assaulted her, he was only sentenced to pay a fine in compensation.
PardisRabiee adds, “Shiva’s suitor didn’t pay a single penny. Instead, he threatened and pressured Shiva into withdrawing her complaint. Shiva, fearing for her life, ultimately agreed.
The man’s threats persisted, and after being released from custody, he even told everyone in the neighborhood, ‘Let Shiva know that I will kill her one day.’
A few days later, while Shiva was alone in the boutique, he entered with a knife, first beating her and then inflicting several deep wounds that caused severe blood loss and led to her death.”
IranWire has also obtained new information about the murder of MahdiehBavaghar - also known as Shohreh - a 34-year-old woman from southern Bandar Abbas, who was killed in August in an “honor-related” incident.
According to sources, Shohreh had been separated from her husband for a year. Twelve years earlier, she had married her cousin, and after their separation, she lived with her two children.
A source told IranWire, “Shohreh had been selling costume jewelry in Bandar Abbas’s market during the nights for several years. She was a street vendor, struggling to make ends meet. She met a 55-year-old man who pressured her to marry him.
He promised to buy her a shop if she agreed, but Shohreh wasn’t interested in marrying and filed a complaint due to his harassment at her workplace. On the night of the incident, after several verbal altercations and police intervention, the man fled the scene.
However, after the market cleared and the police left, he returned with a box cutter, fatally wounding Shohreh in the neck. He also attempted suicide but survived, while Shohreh succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.”
A report by the Etemad newspaper said that 78 women were killed by men close to them over the past six months. The report added that the actual numbers are likely higher, as the data were compiled based on media reports alone.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/135298-two-iranian-women-murdered-after-rejecting-marriage-proposals/
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Two trans women killed in their home in Pakistan
OCTOBER 22, 2024
Members of the trans community in Pakistan have called for urgent action from the police after two transgender women were killed in their home.
The women who lived in Mardan, a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 30 miles east of Peshawar, were reportedly killed on Sunday evening (20 October) by two men armed with daggers. Local police have said they are investigating the crime and a motive is unclear.
Farzana Jan, the president of rights organisationTransAction Alliance, said nine transgender people have been killed in the region since January and none of the killers has been brought to justice.
“We have given a three-day deadline to the police for arresting those behind the latest killings in Mardan,” she said, according to Associated Press. “We will stage rallies if the killers are not arrested.”
Despite trans people in Pakistan being able to self-ID under the 2018 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, they – and the wider LGBTQ+ community – face discrimination, abuse and harassment.
LGBTQ+ also people face the risk of so-called honour killings by family members.
Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or 100 lashes. Married people convicted can face being stoned to death.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
Source: thepinknews.com
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/10/22/trans-women-murder-pakistan/
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Art, faith, family: How these women battled breast cancer in UAE
October 23, 2024
Dubai: Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), Gulf News highlights the resilience and courage of four women, each finding their own way to cope and thrive in their journey, be it through art, family support, and unwavering determination. Their experiences highlight the importance of screening and early detection.
Art for emotional healing
For ReemRadwan Al Lahham, who flew in to UAE from Syria for treatment, art became a lifeline in her cancer battle.
While her annual mammogram done last year was negative, she felt something was amiss, and a biopsy confirmed her worst fears. The 43-year-old mother from Syria was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about my children and family. I was terrified of chemotherapy and the possibility of surgery,” she said.
Her family, especially her aunt in Abu Dhabi, urged her to visit the UAE for better treatment. Reem flew in and consulted oncology specialists Dr Amin M. Abyad and Dr Nadia Abdelwahed at Burjeel Medical City. She underwent 16 chemotherapy sessions and 20 rounds of radiotherapy.
Throughout her treatment, she found solace in painting UAE’s landscapes, its leaders, and the intricate calligraphy of prayers.
“I would sit for hours painting. It was a way to release the pressure and escape the reality of being a cancer patient,” said Reem, who realised the therapeutic power of art and began offering art sessions to other patients. “I’m returning to Syria, carrying memories of resilience and strength.”
“Early screening saves lives,” she said.
Emotional, physical challenges
Monika Dhiman, a 36-year-old Indian expat, endured an emotional rollercoaster after she discovered a lump during a self-examination last May. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, her treatment was gruelling: 26 chemotherapy sessions, six blood transfusions, a partial mastectomy, and a month of radiation therapy.
“I was shocked to test positive for the BRCA (Breast Cancer gene), especially with no family history. And with my rare cancer type, chemo was the only option. Doctors were relieved when the treatment was effective as chances were slim,” said Dhiman, an administrative staff of Abu Dhabi’s Phoenix Hospital, but treated at another multi-specialty for cancer care.
Dhiman, a mother of a nine-year-old boy, continued working through this demanding journey.
“If I stayed home, it would have created tension among family members. I got good support from my colleagues.”
Her husband stood by her like a rock, becoming her “best friend” throughout this fight.
“He never left my side. Even when I couldn’t taste anything, he took breaks from the office to have lunch with me and attend every chemo session,” said Dhiman.
New perspective on life
Nilofar Sadikot, a 58-year-old Tanzanian-born Canadian citizen, has spent 38 years in Dubai as a successful jewellery designer. For the mother of two, life took an unexpected turn last year when she was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer after discovering a lump.
“When you hear the word cancer, only those who have experienced it understand. For a month, I was in a terrible state with sleepless nights. I am the first case in my family. They were all shocked,” she said.
Her treatment at Aster Hospital Qusais was led by DrSivaprakashRathanaswamy, a consultant surgical oncology, who performed a breast conservation surgery, and DrPranayTaori, a specialist medical oncology, who managed her chemotherapy. Considered a high-risk case, Sadikot underwent eight chemo and 32 radiation sessions, all while continuing to work.
“I visited my shop after chemo. But the side effects made it harder towards the end. With the help of my family and medical staff, I managed.”
Now, as part of her post-cancer care, she is undergoing hormone therapy for the next five years.
“Earlier, I used to worry about small things, but now I just live my life,” she underlined.
Empowered by faith
At 50, Filipino expat Joy Dumaguing Francisco faced a life-altering challenge after a mammogram done in January detected tumours in her left breast. Francisco was terrified because of a family history of breast cancer involving her mother and aunt. After consulting DrNahedBalalaa, a consultant breast surgeon at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, she learned her diagnosis was cancerous.
“God gives us trials and sufferings for us to be strong. I put my trust in my doctor,” Francisco said.
Her next big hurdle was accepting the need for a mastectomy. “I was in tears. Prayers helped overcome my anxieties.”
Referred for chemotherapy to Dr Dalia Elshourbagy, consultant medical oncologist, she underwent four cycles, enduring side effects like fatigue, nausea and mood swings. “It was a tough journey, but I overcame it with courage and a joyful spirit,” she said.
Transitioning into the maintenance phase, Dr Dalia said Francisco is undergoing treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence.
“Joy has good social and family support from her husband, who used to accompany her during each visit,” DrElshourbagy noted.
Source: gulfnews.com
https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/art-faith-family-how-these-women-battled-breast-cancer-in-uae-1.104357038
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King Abdulaziz University opens admission to maritime specializations for women for the first time
October 22, 2024
JEDDAH — King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Faculty of Maritime Studies, opened admission to female students for the first time in maritime specializations. The university has established an agency for female student affairs at the faculty.
This is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to qualify Saudi women to practice new professions and expand the scope of studies and research in this field. This is also aimed to enhance the growth and development of the maritime transport industry and logistics services in the Kingdom.
Dr. Faisal Al-Dhaibani, dean of the faculty, said that investment in the capabilities of Saudi women in the maritime transport sector has been expanded, and general efficiency has been increased to achieve sustainability. The strategy of the Faculty of Maritime Studies provides globally recognized education and training in the field of surveying and maritime transport to qualify Saudi human resources and develop the national economy.
Al-Dhaibani said that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has given priority to activities leading to increasing women's representation in various businesses, including maritime transport, in recognition of the need to develop women's participation in the maritime industry in order to bridge the gap within the workforce and in line with the global trend.
For her part, Dr. MahaHegazy, vice dean of the College of Maritime Studies for female students, said that the college’s specializations include marine engineering, maritime navigation, marine surveying, supply chains and maritime transport. The graduates can work in the port sectors, maritime transport companies and related entities in the public and private sectors. She noted that the acceptance of female students in some of these specializations came within the framework of bridging the gap in the field of manpower in this sector.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/646437/SAUDI-ARABIA/King-Abdulaziz-University-opens-admission-to-maritime-specializations-for-women-for-the-first-time
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ABVP’s “Jai Shri Ram” slogans near Muslim women students ignite scuffle at Jamia Millia Islamia
October 23, 2024
A scuffle broke out at Jamia Millia Islamia University on Tuesday amid Diwali celebrations organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Tensions escalated when ABVP members allegedly shouted “Jai Shri Ram” slogans near Muslim women students, prompting a confrontation with intense sloganeering from both sides.
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) condemned the violence, placing the blame on ABVP and its leadership. A spokesperson for NSUI stated, “We hold ABVP responsible for the unrest on our campus. Their goon culture must end!”
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) also spoke out against the incident, claiming that an ABVP-affiliated group, Rashtriya Kala Manch, invited outside individuals, including well-known ABVP leaders, who worsened the situation. They said, “Muslim women students were targeted with communal slogans, which led to violent clashes.”
Police intervened with lathi charges during the chaos, resulting in injuries among university students. Critics noted that the alleged perpetrators escaped without consequences. A member of SFI remarked, “The police’s actions were disproportionate, and many students were hurt while those responsible got away.”
The Fraternity Movement strongly disapproved of the university administration, accusing it of supporting ABVP members. They stated, “Non-student ABVP leaders were allowed on campus, disrupting the peaceful environment and intimidating students under the administration’s protection.”
Source: muslimmirror.com
https://muslimmirror.com/abvps-jai-shri-ram-slogans-near-muslim-women-students-ignite-scuffle-at-jamia-millia-islamia/
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ARDD Launches Leadership Academy to Train 500 Women Across Jordan
23 October 2024
Amman – The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development Organization (ARDD) has launched the first phase of the Arab Women Leadership Academy, as part of the "Leadership Skills and Women's Participation Enhancement Program - Tawazon."
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the three-year program aims to develop leadership skills for 500 women across Jordan, enhancing their roles within their families and communities.
In a statement on Tuesday, ARDD highlighted that the first phase involves 70 women from five governorates Amman, Irbid, Balqa, Aqaba, and Ma'an divided into three groups. Each training program will span six months, focusing on boosting women's leadership abilities to promote their engagement in civil, political, and governance roles across both public and private sectors, as well as civil society. The program is also designed to empower women to take on leadership roles in their personal and professional spheres.
Roselle Agner, Chief of Party of the Tawazon Program, underscored the initiative’s objective of creating lasting change by amplifying women's voices and influence. This will be achieved by advocating for gender-sensitive legislative frameworks, fostering social attitudes that support women's participation, addressing barriers to their inclusion, and developing their leadership capabilities.
Program organizers emphasized the importance of preparing a new generation of female leaders by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge, creating a supportive environment for women, and fostering collaboration across sectors to promote women’s leadership.
The Arab Women Leadership Academy stands as one of Jordan's leading programs dedicated to empowering ambitious women by providing practical training in leadership and life skills, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and empowered society.
Source: jordannews.jo
https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/ARDD-Launches-Leadership-Academy-to-Train-500-Women-Across-Jordan-38046
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/china-actresses-fan-bingbing-zahir-mosque/d/133522