Colonel Sofiya Qureshi in The Room
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 May 2025
· Colonel Sofiya Qureshi in The Room
· Patriarchal Society: Can Iraq’s Women Break Political Barriers in 2025?
· Qatari Women Succeeded in Wide Range of Leadership Positions: NHRC Vice-Chairperson
· Woman Arrested Over ‘Threatening’ Posts About Leicester Mosque Plan
· FIFA to Fill Gender Gap with Women’s Refugee Team, But Afghan FA Remains A FIFA Member
· Hijab Disguise Fails as NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine-Laden Traveller, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, At PH Airport
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/colonel-sofiya-qureshi-room-society/d/135508
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Colonel Sofiya Qureshi In The Room
VANDITA MISHRA
May 11, 2025
It could turn out that Colonel Qureshi’s presence at the high table, and her voice, are not entirely contained by the symbolism that was aimed only at Pakistan, the terrorist, and the international community. (ANI Photo)
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The day after the India-Pakistan ceasefire, a stock-taking of the messages India sent out in the stormy days since Operation Sindoor could miss the possible after-life of one powerful image: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army, at the joint press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence. She speaking in Hindi, her Air Force counterpart, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in English, and the Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, completing the picture.
The framing of that image has not gone unnoticed. It was a message to the terrorist, to Pakistan’s General, to the international community. In the terror strike in Pahalgam, the victims were men, husbands and fathers killed before their wives and children after being selected by their faith. This came only days after General Asim Munir’s particularly vicious recycling of the two-nation theory. Against this backdrop, the name Operation Sindoor, and the decision to seat Colonel Qureshi on that podium, were carefully arrived at — and they were evocative. They invoked the Indian woman’s undaunted spirit. They announced to the world that the design of the terrorists and their handlers to stoke communal faultlines in India would not be allowed to succeed.
That perceptive two-toned message was delivered, and it dominated the frame forcefully. Sure, there were some avoidable distractions. War-like postures were struck in social media and by arm-chair troopers in TV studios, including in government-controlled Doordarshan. There were crude attempts by the BJP to score low blows off the Opposition, which mostly stayed with a sober and supportive script — the demand, now, for a special Parliament session on Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire “first announced by US President Trump”, highlights a so-far kept-in-abeyance questioning.
On the whole, the message was of a unity that, in a difficult time for the country, encompasses citizens of all faiths, Hindu and Muslim. In retrospect, the one-day session of the J&K assembly called by the Omar Abdullah government in the aftermath of Pahalgam, in which the Chief Minister spoke with empathy and in solidarity with grieving families across the nation, set the tone for the image featuring Colonel Qureshi at the government’s press briefings.
Now that peace has broken out, however, it need not be image’s end. That’s the tantalising possibility.
It could turn out that Colonel Qureshi’s presence at the high table, and her voice, are not entirely contained by the symbolism that was aimed only at Pakistan, the terrorist, and the international community, in a time when an external enemy had to be fought, and therefore there was need to project unity. It could be that there is a spill-over, beyond the moment, and in domestic arenas and spaces. After all, symbols are not always, and never fully, in control of those who craft and wield them. And this particular symbol is potentially powerful, it can ripple and resonate and tweak.
Consider the political context it comes in. In its two terms so far, and almost a year into its third term, the Modi government has displayed remarkable political agility and flexibility. Its turnaround on counting caste, by shedding its instinctive reluctance vis a vis the caste-centric politics of social justice, is the latest example. But on one issue it has remained unmoving.
Examples and patterns abound of this grim unchangingness. From framing a new citizenship law that makes religion a criterion, to the thrusting of waqf reform on the Muslim community. From refusing to give BJP tickets and ministerships to Muslim leaders/candidates — making this the first cabinet and council of ministers since Independence with no Muslim — to turning a blind eye to those in the party/government who indulge in minority-baiting. From bulldozer injustice that disproportionately targets the minority to electoral slogans that stoke spectres as they seek consolidation of the “Hindu” vote. As a party, the BJP plays to the Muslim “Other”, and for its government, the Muslim is the “labharthi”, the passive recipient of schemes.
To be sure, a left-over image of Sofiya Qureshi will not change or rewrite that political story. No image can single-handedly do that. But it could move the needle, just a bit.
Source: indianexpress.com
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/colonel-sofiya-qureshi-india-pakistan-ceasefire-operation-sindoor-9996814/
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Patriarchal Society: Can Iraq’s women break political barriers in 2025?
2025-05-12
Shafaq News/ As Iraq prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025, the road to political participation remains fraught with challenges for Iraqi women. Despite a constitutional quota that guarantees women 25% of the seats in parliament, deep-seated societal norms, political exclusion, and legislative loopholes continue to undermine the potential for meaningful representation.
Legal Rights vs. Practical Realities
On paper, Iraqi women have equal legal footing with men in seeking parliamentary office. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirms that both genders must meet identical eligibility criteria: Iraqi nationality, full legal capacity, a minimum age of 30, and at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, candidates must have a clean legal record—free of corruption charges or final convictions related to financial misconduct or abuse of public funds.
“The law also prohibits candidacy for anyone still serving in military, security, or judicial positions,” IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told Shafaq News, reiterating the non-discriminatory framework outlined in electoral regulations.
However, experts and rights advocates say the practical experience of female candidates tells a different story—one marked by character defamation, digital harassment, and institutional bias.
Securing the 25% Quota
Under the amended Election Law No. 12 of 2018, women are guaranteed at least 83 of the 329 seats in Iraq’s Council of Representatives. These seats are distributed proportionally by province, based on population. Yet the implementation of this quota has done little to shield women from the cultural and political forces arrayed against them.
“Halabja will remain part of Al-Sulaymaniyah’s electoral district in the upcoming elections,” said Hassan Hadi Zayer, an IHEC media official. Granting Halabja its own seat requires a legislative amendment—one that has yet to materialize, further reflecting the sluggish pace of electoral reform.
IHEC member Saad al-Rawi also pointed out that the latest population census has not been factored into district allocations due to the lack of updated legal mechanisms.
Beyond the Ballot: Social and Political Obstacles
Many female candidates face persistent societal resistance once they enter the political arena. “Smear campaigns begin almost immediately after women announce their candidacy,” said Insam Salman, director of the Isen Organization for Human Rights in Iraq, in an interview with Shafaq News.
According to Salman, these attacks are often personal and disproportionately affect women who lack tribal protection or backing from influential political parties. “Iraqi society is still fundamentally patriarchal and views leadership roles as male domains. A woman’s political ambition is often seen as a challenge to male authority,” she explained.
This gendered hostility not only deters women from entering politics but also erodes their chances of sustaining meaningful political careers. While many women enter parliament under the quota, they are frequently sidelined from leadership roles within parliamentary committees or executive bodies.
Salman emphasized that addressing these challenges requires more than symbolic representation, “We need legislative deterrents to prevent defamation and to protect women in the public sphere. But more importantly, we need a cultural shift that normalizes female leadership.”
Structural Imbalance in Lawmaking
This exclusion of women has broader implications for governance. Political analyst Nawal al-Moussawi told Shafaq News that Iraq’s legislative process continues to suffer from gender and social imbalances, particularly in laws intended to protect women, children, and marginalized communities.
“There’s a deep-rooted distortion in how laws are crafted and who benefits from them,” she said. “Dominant political blocs often push legislation that reflects narrow ideological interests, sidelining issues that affect half the population.”
Al-Moussawi cited repeated attempts to amend the Personal Status Law—a key legal framework governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance—as examples of how conservative forces have attempted to roll back women's rights under the guise of legal reform.
Describing the current (fifth) parliamentary session as “a clear failure,” she warned that public confidence in democratic institutions is waning. “There is growing disillusionment among civil society actors and ordinary citizens. If nothing changes, we risk repeating this failure in the next term—or perhaps something worse.”
With elections drawing near, the conversation around women’s political participation has gained urgency. Yet for many advocates, the 25% quota is no longer seen as a sufficient benchmark. Experts stress that fostering inclusive governance requires both institutional reform and societal transformation.
Source: shafaq.com
https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Patriarchal-Society-Can-Iraq-s-women-break-political-barriers-in-2025
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Qatari women succeeded in wide range of leadership positions: NHRC Vice-chairperson
11 May 2025
Wellington: Vice-chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) HE Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari praised the State of Qatar's efforts to achieve equality effectively, particularly through expanding opportunities for Qatari women’s economic and political participation, and increasing their presence in legislative and executive authorities. He pointed out that Qatari women have achieved significant success in various constitutional positions and have equal access to employment opportunities in the government sector.
This came during His Excellency's meeting in the New Zealand capital, Wellington, with the Chief-Human Rights Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, HE Dr. Stephen Rainbow, and HE Divisional Manager of the United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Angela Hassan-Sharp.
Al Kuwari affirmed NHRC’s readiness to cooperate with all human rights institutions in New Zealand through the exchange of experiences, expertise, and best practices, as well as through coordination and mutual support in United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, in addition to sharing perspectives on both countries’ international commitments and the Universal Periodic Review mechanisms.
During his meeting with HE Chief-Human Rights Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Al Kuwari gave a presentation on NHRC's roles nationally, regionally, and internationally, highlighting the latest developments with regard to human rights in the State of Qatar, including labor law reforms such as the introduction of a minimum wage, the dismantling of the sponsorship (Kafala) system, and the establishment of a Labor Dispute Resolution Committee, among others.
Both parties agreed on the importance of working together on human rights, especially in protecting workers' rights in Qatar and migrant workers in New Zealand. They emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties and develop national human rights institutions' efforts in facing current challenges.
As for his meeting with HE the Divisional Manager of the United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Al Kuwari called for cooperation in exploring the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence on human rights, noting that this issue will be addressed by NHRC during its upcoming international conference scheduled for May 27-28.
His Excellency also stressed the importance of cooperating on issues related to freedom of expression, women’s and workers’ rights, sustainable development, and supporting initiatives of mutual interest within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both sides emphasized the importance of exchanging visits and experts in the field of human rights, cooperating in technical training, and organizing joint workshops and seminars.
In a separate context, HE the Vice-chairperson of NHRC praised New Zealand's balanced role in supporting international efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Gaza Strip, calling for the protection of civilians, compliance with international humanitarian law, an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and the immediate and safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
Al Kuwari expressed his appreciation for both Qatar and New Zealand's roles in maintaining international peace and security and mediation for peaceful conflict resolution, highlighting their contributions in promoting dialogue among cultures, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/11/05/2025/qatari-women-succeeded-in-wide-range-of-leadership-positions-nhrc-vice-chairperson
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Woman Arrested Over ‘Threatening’ Posts About Leicester Mosque Plan
11 MAY 2025
A woman has been arrested after allegedly posting threatening social media comments about a new mosque planned for Leicester. The 23-year-old was detained on suspicion of sending threatening communications concerning the conversion of a former pub.
The arrest comes after Leicester City Council approved plans to transform the derelict Glen pub in Hillsborough Road, Eyres Monsell, into a place of worship. Police say they are now monitoring social media after identifying posts reportedly encouraging illegal actions to prevent the development.
Officers said yesterday (Saturday, May 10) that while the planning decision itself is not a police matter, inciting criminal activity is an offence. Reassurance patrols have been launched in the area following the controversial decision.
A force spokesperson said: "A small number of these comments appear to be encouraging or inciting people to engage in criminal activity in order to stop the plans from going ahead. While the discussion relating to the use of the building is not a police matter, it is an offence to encourage or incite people to break the law."
Leicestershire Police said the woman has been bailed pending further enquiries. They added that reassurance patrols are taking place in the area and residents are encouraged to raise any concerns to local officers.
The planning application divided residents before being approved by councillors on Wednesday (May 7). Police said they will continue to monitor online discussions related to the development.
Source: leicestermercury.co.uk
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/woman-arrested-over-threatening-posts-10172578
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FIFA to fill gender gap with women’s refugee team, but Afghan FA remains a FIFA member
12th May 2025
May 12 – FIFA is to establish an Afghan women’s refugee football team, allowing exiled Afghan players to compete in matches recognised by the sport’s global governing body, but which will not count towards the country’s ranking.
The decision, hailed by FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino as a “landmark” decision, represents a first step in the exiled players’ demand for the recognition of Afghanistan’s women’s national team, which the Taliban regime has shut down.
Afghanistan has not played an official women’s competitive game since 2018 and the team does not feature on the FIFA women’s ranking.
Every member association has the statutory obligation to “promote the development of women’s football and the full participation of women at all levels”. Even so, Zurich has not suspended Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the FA. FIFA says that the team with Afghan nationals with refugee status would initially be part of a one-year trial.
“The FIFA Council equally approved the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, which foresees the establishment of the Afghan women’s refugee team (AWRT) and provides the FIFA administration with a mandate to organise and facilitate its operations to start its activities as soon as possible,” FIFA wrote in a statement. “FIFA is engaging directly with the relevant players.”
It’s understood, however, that FIFA didn’t consult with relevant stakeholders before the announcement.
The Afghanistan women’s team were excluded from participating in the Asian Cup qualifiers, which feed into the World Cup qualifiers, but calls have been growing to recognise the team.
In a letter dated March 21, FIFA general-secretary Matthias Grafstrom outlined a three-pillar strategy as part of the FIFA’s support for Afghan women’s football: project-specific support to women and girls in Afghanistan, advocacy and diplomacy, and support to players outside Afghanistan.
“This first step from FIFA to create an Afghan Women’s Refugee Team is a testament to the tireless advocacy and persistence of the Afghan women players,” said Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, in a statement. “Yet it is important to note that this does not fully address the ongoing gender discrimination by the Afghanistan Football Federation as it continues to ban women from playing and the matches of the AWRT will not count toward their official ranking.”
Mursal Sadat, a national team player, called on FIFA “to stop enabling the ongoing gender discrimination against the Afghanistan Women’s National Team.”
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Sadat is one of many players who relocated. With the help of FIFPro, the global players union, more than 75 players, staff, and family members linked to Afghanistan’s women’s team were evacuated to Australia. Other players found refuge in the United Kingdom and Europe. FIFA has also claimed it helped with the evacuation of Afghani nationals.
Source: insideworldfootball.com
https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2025/05/12/fifa-fill-gender-gap-womens-refugee-team-afghan-fa-remains-fifa-member/
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Hijab Disguise Fails as NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine-Laden Traveller, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, At PH Airport
12 May 2025
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, who disguised herself with a hijab to export large consignments of cocaine concealed in her private parts, stomach, and the false bottom of her handbag to Iran at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.
Obehi, dressed in a hijab to evade security checks, was intercepted at the departure hall of the Port Harcourt airport on Sunday, May 3, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Iran via Doha, following credible intelligence.
During her search, she was found to have inserted three wraps of cocaine in her private parts, concealed two large parcels in false compartments of her handbag, and swallowed 67 pellets of the Class A drug.
As a result, she was placed under excretion observation, and after four excretions spanning several days, she expelled the 67 wraps of the substance. She claimed she intended to swallow 70 pellets of cocaine but could not ingest the remaining three, which she decided to insert into her private parts.
The total weight of the three consignments concealed in different parts of her body was 2.523 kilogrammes.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, May 9, intercepted a 22-year-old British national, Campell Kaizra Kofi Johannes Slifer, arriving from Thailand via Doha on a Qatar Airways flight. He was found with two suitcases containing 35 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 37.60 kilogrammes.
Campell, who admitted to having been twice convicted in the UK for drug trafficking and robbery, stated he was recruited in London to travel to Thailand, collect the illicit consignment, and bring it to Nigeria.
In Niger State, NDLEA officers, acting on intelligence, intercepted a fuel truck marked ABJ 693 XU and three other vehicles carrying 246 bags of skunk, a cannabis strain, with a combined weight of 3,047 kilogrammes along the Suleja-Kaduna road on Wednesday, May 7.
Four suspects arrested with the exhibits are Christopher Onyema, 47; Benedict Etineruba Young, 54; Chukwudi Ujue Jerry, 30; and Mohammed Abdullahi Danasabe. Vehicles recovered from the suspects include a fuel truck and three others: a Honda Odyssey bus marked YAB 667 CZ, a Gulf bus with registration number GWA 125 TQ, and another Honda Odyssey bus marked ABJ 230 CN.
In Lagos, at Oja Amukoko in the Ijora area, two suspects, Eze Chekube Emmanuel and Ike Samuel Chinyerem, were arrested on Thursday, May 8, with 109,914 pills of tramadol, swinol, and nitrozepam seized from them.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, 52.5 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered from two suspects, Lukman Sabo Umar, 23, and Tukur Ammadu, 20, in a bus at Gwantu, Sanga Local Council, on Tuesday, May 6. On Monday, May 5, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Bode Saadu-Jebba expressway in Kwara State arrested Rufai Nasiru with 45,400 pills of tramadol 225mg.
In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Bauchi-Gombe road on Tuesday, May 6, intercepted a Toyota Tundra jeep marked RBC 111 DW carrying 526 blocks of skunk weighing 505 kilogrammes. Two suspects, Isaac Onogure, 37, and Ikechukwu Peter, 44, were arrested.
In Kano State, 31 kegs containing 775 litres of codeine syrup were recovered from two suspects, Hafizu Isa Uman, 34, and Ismail Shehu, 48, during a raid at their hideout in the Rijiyar Zaki area on Saturday, May 10. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives also intercepted 1.1 kilogrammes of Loud, concealed in a pillow from Thailand, at a courier company on Tuesday, May 6.
Source: guardian.ng
https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/hijab-disguise-fails-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-laden-traveller-at-ph-airport/
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