Education Ban Puts Afghan Girls at Risk of Early Marriage: UNICEF Chief
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 Nov2024
· Education Ban Puts Afghan Girls at Risk of Early Marriage: UNICEF Chief
· The fight for women's rights in Afghanistan is a universal one, former minister says
· 200 women, girls faced violence in October: BMP
· 40,000 women lose their lives to breast cancer annually in Pakistan, moot told
· ‘Saudi women becoming key players in boardrooms and Executive Committees’
· Meet second Muslim woman to crack UPSC exam, her family has 9 civil servants with 3 IAS, 1 IPS, 5 RAS officers, with AIR
· VIDEO: Brave woman prevents robbery attempt in Islamabad
· New York woman charged with pepper-spraying Muslim Uber driver as he prayed
· Heated debate between Muslim woman and man!
· Muslim women performed Lord Ram's Aarti!!!
· Female teachers of Bara College awaiting salary for 10 months
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/education-ban-afghan-girls-early-marriage/d/133600
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Education ban puts Afghan girls at risk of early marriage: UNICEF Chief
By Fidel Rahmati
October 31, 2024
The head of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, has warned that Afghan girls deprived of education and their rights face limited prospects beyond early marriage.
In a message shared on Wednesday on the social media platform X, Russell wrote that the voices of Afghan women are being silenced, and their dreams denied.
Her message stated, “Those excluded from schools are confined to their homes and stripped of their rights, with little future beyond early marriage.”
Russell emphasized that no country can progress without the participation of half its population.
She called on the global community to raise its voice in support of Afghan women and girls, urging unified advocacy for their rights and education.
The ban on girls’ education above sixth grade and in universities has severely limited Afghan women’s job and economic opportunities, negatively impacting their lives by suppressing their aspirations and potential.
According to a recent UN survey, Taliban policies have altered family attitudes toward girls’ education in Afghanistan, with fears of the Taliban and strengthened patriarchal norms leading to reduced support for girls’ education.
The survey also confirms that early marriages have increased due to the education ban, leaving Afghan girls with few life options and increasing vulnerability.
The current restrictions on girls’ education and women’s rights highlight a deepening crisis for Afghan society, one that stifles progress and empowerment.
Addressing these issues through sustained global advocacy and humanitarian efforts remains critical to ensure a brighter future for Afghan girls and women.
Source:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/education-ban-puts-afghan-girls-at-risk-of-early-marriage-unicef-chief/
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200 women, girls faced violence in October: BMP
Nov 1, 2024
A total of 200 girls and women suffered various forms of violence in October of this year, according to Bangladesh MahilaParishad's monthly media monitoring report.
The report titled, "Statistics of Violence against Women and Girl Child: October 2024", was based on reports published in 13 daily newspapers.
The statistics shows 44 women, including 30 girls, were raped, while 9 women, including 7 girls, narrowly escaped attempts of rape.
Eight victims, including two girls, fell prey to gang rape. One girl also lost her life after an incident of rape.
Additionally, nine women, including seven girls, faced sexual assault, while four women and girls encountered sexual harassment.
Two women were also victims of acid attacks and one of them died following the incident. Six women were also tortured in dowry-related incidents, resulting in four fatalities.
In separate incidents, ten women faced physical violence. Three domestic helps endured torture resulting in one fatality.
Fifty women, including four girls, were murdered for various reasons, and two narrowly escaped murder attempts.
Fourteen women, including six girls, died by suicide. Additionally, 18 women, including five girls, died under mysterious circumstances.
Additionally, six women, including four girls, were abducted and two encountered cyber violence.
Source:thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/200-women-girls-faced-violence-october-bmp-3741801
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40,000 women lose their lives to breast cancer annually in Pakistan, moot told
November 1, 2024
JSMU, in collaboration with the CME and Surgical Department ‘Unit 4’ of JPMC, and PIMA, hosting the Breast Cancer Awareness Pre-Conference Seminar at the JSMU campus. — Photo courtesy: JSMUCommunications/Instagram
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KARACHI: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 concluded on Thursday, with several universities holding programmes throughout the week to highlight the challenges and stigmas surrounding this critical health issue—a disease that claims an estimated 40,000 women’s lives in Pakistan each year and affects around 90,000 more.
“Early detection and awareness are crucial in the fight against breast cancer,” said Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) Vice Chancellor Prof. AmjadSirajMemon at a recent conference held at the university. He added that the event aimed to equip women with the knowledge to seek timely medical attention.
The conference was jointly organised by JSMU, Continuing Medical Education (CME), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), and the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA).
“The conference is part of our efforts to address the growing burden of breast cancer in the country, where over 40,000 women succumb to the disease annually, with an estimated 90,000 new cases reported each year,” said CME Director DrRahatNaz, noting that the disease is treatable, especially if caught early.
At a symposium at Dow Medical College, experts highlighted that Pakistan has the highest breast cancer incidence rate in Asia. “Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed at Stages III and IV, mainly due to avoidance of screening. Timely mammographic screening can significantly reduce breast cancer-related deaths,” said DMC Principal Prof. Saba Sohail.
Prof. Sohail also presented research showing that 63.4 per cent of the Pakistani population wrongly believes that mammography causes breast cancer (due to radiation), another 63.4pc thinks biopsy causes it, and 38.7pc attributes it to the evil eye.
“Over 75pc of women affected by breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease,” she added.
Dr. Raja Rahul later presented statistics from Civil Hospital Karachi, revealing that of the 5,051 cancer patients registered at the hospital between 2020 and 2024, 34pc were breast cancer cases. “In 2024 alone, 731 cancer patients were registered, including 140 cases of breast cancer,” he said.
Ziauddin University concluded its awareness campaign with a poster competition that attracted over 200 submissions from all campuses and colleges within the university. The winners were: MaryaDarugar (first place) from the College of Dentistry, HudabiyaNaaz (second place) from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and KashafDiam (third place) from the College of Medical Technology.
Source:dawn.com
https://www.dawn.com/news/1868965/40000-women-lose-their-lives-to-breast-cancer-annually-in-pakistan-moot-told
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The fight for women's rights in Afghanistan is a universal one, former minister says
31/10/2024
Afghan women are forbidden from praying loudly or reciting the Quran in front of other women, according to a Taliban government minister. It’s the latest restriction on women following morality laws that ban them from raising their voice and baring their faces outside the home. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to former Afghan Minister NargisNehan. She says that women's rights in Afghanistan are a universal issue, not an internal problem of the country.
Source:france24.com
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241031-the-fight-for-women-s-rights-in-afghanistan-is-a-universal-one-former-minister-says
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‘Saudi women becoming key players in boardrooms and Executive Committees’
Nov. 01, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s raft of government initiatives, legal reforms, and Saudisation policies have mandated the inclusion of women not only in the workforce, but also in corporate governance and senior leadership roles in line with its Vision 2030 goal of economic, social and cultural diversification.
Multiple reports released by PwC and Kearney have documented the impact of these reforms, highlighting a surge in the female employment, with participation in the workforce doubling between 2017 and 2023 from 17.4 per cent to 36 percent, which is well ahead of the 30 per cent target set for 2030.
Concurrently, several CMO roundtable conversations have indicated that the brand, marketing, communications and creative industry has witnessed a significant increase in the number of women being appointed to executive committees (ExCos), reflecting a notable shift in inclusive corporate strategies, changing attitudes towards corporate gender roles, the rise of women role models in leadership, and a change in positioning as brands across the Kingdom leverage gender equity as a strategic advantage.
Evaluating on-ground impact of diversity policies
To resonate research findings with progress on the ground, Campaign Middle East spoke to AshwaqAlshathri, GVP General Management MD Country Lead Riyadh, KSA at Publicis Sapient, about the evolving roles and opportunities of women in leadership positions within the field of brand and marketing.
Alshathri said, “Over the past year, Saudi women have gained substantial influence in brand and marketing leadership, becoming key players in boardrooms and Executive Committees. They’re actively shaping brand strategies that balance modern standards with Saudi cultural values. Platforms such as the Creative Women Forum highlight their achievements, celebrating their role in driving innovation and empowering future leaders.
“We’re also witnessing significant progress in the tech and digital consultancy space,” she added. “With an emphasis on inclusion, more women are now joining boards and executive teams, particularly in tech and digital transformation. Saudi women are now at the forefront, making strategic decisions, advancing technology, and promoting inclusive digital growth. Increased female board membership reflects broader goals to bridge gender gaps and leverage diverse leadership, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness in the digital economy.”
Women empowerment and professional development
This progress has also been enabled through a growing wave of women-centric empowerment, education and professional development opportunities such as the MaheerahProgramme, an acceleration initiative designed for women pursuing greater career advancement within Saudi Arabia’s marketing communications industry.
Powered by PublicisGroupe, the MaheerahProgramme is being held on 5-6 November at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention Center, alongside the highly anticipated Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, Saudi Arabia’s largest gathering of the creative marketing industry.
When asked about how the programme, which is currently in its second year, helps women within the marketing and communications industry, Alshathri said, “Initiatives such as the Maheerahprogramme and partnerships with educational institutions are helping women gain leadership skills. They are immensely important. It enables mid to senior-level professionals to empower and inspire one another as they rise through the ranks and take on leadership roles.”
“I’m particularly passionate about participating in such initiatives that help other women within Saudi Arabia pursue their career aspirations. It’s vital that we collectively recognise the abundance of talented women professionals within the Kingdom’s workforce. I hope to bring my knowledge of the industry and experiences learnt throughout my career to guide participants to elevate their skills and take those all-important significant steps in their careers to realise their true potential,” she added.
Impact of tech and AI on diversity
Amidst a human-first mentorship and training approach to diversity, questions have also been raised about how this corroborates with a digital-first world where AI bias and data integrity have become genuine concerns.
But what a few others view as a challenge, Alshathri views as a nascent opportunity to use AI and novel tech to champion diversity, equity and inclusion.
“The growing awareness of AI basis and data integrity has sparked a valuable opportunity to use AI as a tool for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion by identifying and reducing bias in hiring, pay, and promotion. Through data analysis, AI can highlight patterns, supporting fair representation,” Alshathri said.
“AI can help create inclusive recruitment processes by refining job descriptions to reduce bias and improve accessibility. With ethical design and diverse data, AI can also enhance personalised learning and transparent communication, offering organisations a clearer view of DEI progress and areas for growth,” Alshathri concluded.
Source:campaignme.com
https://campaignme.com/saudi-women-becoming-key-players-in-boardrooms-and-executive-committees/
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Meet second Muslim woman to crack UPSC exam, her family has 9 civil servants with 3 IAS, 1 IPS, 5 RAS officers, with AIR
Oct 31, 202
Farah Hussain, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has inspired many with her journey of determination and resilience. Growing up in a Muslim family in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Farah defied stereotypes about limited education for Muslim girls, many of whom are expected to marry young. With her family's strong support, she tackled India’s toughest civil service exam, the UPSC, in 2016 and achieved the 267th rank at the age of 26.
Her accomplishment made her the second Muslim woman from Rajasthan to join the IAS. Farah achieved this remarkable feat on her second attempt without any coaching, setting an example for young aspirants across the country. Before her, Aslam Khan from Jaipur was the first Muslim from Rajasthan to join the All India Services.
Farah was born in Nawa village, Jhunjhunu, and came from a family of administrative officers within the Kayamkhani Muslim community. Members of this community, primarily in central and northern Rajasthan, have a legacy of working in administrative roles. Growing up, Farah was encouraged by her family, who held various government positions. Her father, Ashfaq Hussain, was a District Collector, her elder brother is a lawyer in the Rajasthan High Court, and several other family members also work in prestigious roles.
After studying law at Government Law College in Mumbai and working as a criminal lawyer, Farah dreamed of serving her country as an IAS officer, inspired by her father and family’s dedication to public service. Today, more than 14 members of her extended family hold high-ranking government positions. These include her uncle Liaquat Khan, who served as an IPS officer and chairman of the Waqf Board, and her father, Ashfaq Hussain, who became an IAS officer and served as a special government secretary in the education department.
Reflecting on her journey, Farah shared her gratitude for being part of an educated family that values the importance of learning. Her father taught her that education is the real wealth that can elevate anyone in life. She expressed concern about the lack of focus on girls' education within the Muslim community, emphasizing that true progress comes from self-effort rather than solely relying on government support.
Farah’s extended family also has an impressive record in public service. Her uncle Zakir Khan is an IAS officer serving as a district collector in Sriganganagar, and her cousin Shaheen Khan is a senior RAS officer. Other family members include Monica, a DIG jail officer, Shakib Khan, a Brigadier in the Indian Army, and Colonel Ishrat Khan. Farah is currently posted in Jodhpur, serving her country with pride and commitment.
Through her achievements and dedication, Farah Hussain continues to break barriers and inspire countless young people to pursue their dreams with determination and self-belief.
Source:dnaindia.com
https://www.dnaindia.com/education/report-meet-second-muslim-woman-to-crack-upsc-exam-her-family-has-9-civil-servants-with-3-ias-1-ips-5-ras-officers-3115851
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VIDEO: Brave woman prevents robbery attempt in Islamabad
October 31, 2024
In an act of bravery, a woman successfully prevented a robbery attempt by clinging onto the driver's door of her car and stopping the snatcher from running away.
The video of the robbery has come to the light in which the woman could be seen stepping out of the car to close the gate of her house.
As she moved away from her car, the thief got inside the vehicle and tried to drive away with it. However, his attempt failed as the woman first stood in front of the car to stop the man from running away.
Later, she opened the car's door and soon, people nearby came to help the woman after she started shouting. The robber was then pulled outside of the car as another man, who came to help the woman, started hitting him.
The incident took place in Islamabad's Sector B-17. The police have arrested the man.
Last month, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi directed law enforcement to ramp up efforts to eliminate crime from the federal capital, underscoring the need for strict crime prevention and security measures.
The IGP reviewed the city’s crime statistics and preventive measures, giving firm instructions for swift arrests of suspects involved in serious offenses like robbery, murder, and street crimes.
He stressed the importance of gathering strong evidence in ongoing investigations to ensure successful prosecutions. IG Rizvi highlighted the need for intensified efforts to tackle high-priority issues, urging officers to focus on areas notorious for crime and to uphold the safety and dignity of Islamabad’s residents.
Source:thenews.com.pk
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1245972-video-brave-woman-prevents-robbery-attempt-in-islamabad
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New York woman charged with pepper-spraying Muslim Uber driver as he prayed
November 1, 2024
A New York woman has been charged with assault as a hate crime after she allegedly pepper-sprayed her Muslim Uber driver as he praying at a red light, prosecutors said Thursday.
Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, allegedly launched the “anti-Muslim” attack on July 31, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said in a news release Monday.
She was in the backseat of an Uber with another individual at 12:15 a.m. when she allegedly lunged forward towards the driver seat with a can of pepper spray and sprayed the driver, 45, in the face after he began praying in Arabic at a red light near East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue in the Upper East Side, officials said.
The spray caused “burning, redness and pain,” the release said. A few minutes later the driver called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested at the scene.
Guilbeault has been charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime, and second-degree aggravated harassment.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges at her arraignment on Monday, and was released with non-monetary conditions, according to court records. She’s due back in court on Jan. 13.
Her attorney did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment Thursday morning.
“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job,” District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg said in a statement. “The victim is a hardworking New Yorker who should not have to face this type of hate because of his identity.”
He said the office's hate crime unit will continue to address bias-motivated attacks and support victims.
Since the Hamas-Israel war, there’s been a rise in antisemitic and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim incidents reported in the U.S.
The Council on American Islamic Relations said in an April report that in 2023 it received the highest number of bias reports in its 30-year history. Those complaints ranged from verbal discrimination in the classroom or workplace to incidents of physical violence reported to police.
Source:nbcconnecticut.com
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/new-york-woman-charged-pepper-spraying-muslim-uber-driver/3423023/
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Heated debate between Muslim woman and man!
01/11/2024
A video outside Tata Hospital in Mumbai, maharashtra is going viral on social media. In this video, a man is seen distributing food to people. But, it is alleged that while distributing food, this person is asking people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'. It is alleged that this person also asked a Muslim woman to chant slogans. After this, when some people saw the man doing this continuously, they started making a video.
In the video, people are saying that they are distributing food and asking to say 'Jai Shri Ram', there is nothing objectionable in it. At the same time, some people are also saying that it is wrong to make people chant such slogans in the name of distributing food. This is discrimination and cannot be imposed on a person of another religion. Meanwhile, a woman wearing a hijab is protesting that she was asked to chant slogans. She says that if she did not chant slogans, she was chased away and was not given food. The elderly man himself believes that he is distributing food to people by raising slogans, there is nothing wrong in it.
This is the whole matter
It can be seen in the video that a person is distributing food, in which he is telling the people standing in the queue that whoever wants to take food will chant 'Jai Shri Ram'. Those who do not want to say 'Jai Shri Ram' will not come in the line. There is also a Muslim woman in the queue, who objects to this. The elderly man starts chasing her away and then a heated argument starts between the two.
Meanwhile, the person making the video intervenes, to which the woman says, "The elderly man is saying that I will give you food only if you say jai Shri Ram, otherwise run away from here." On this, the person says that when he is saying this, you should not take the food. If he is giving food after making you say 'Jai Shri Ram', then you should not take it.
However, there is a mixed response to this. When the person making the video takes people's reaction, one person says that I also chanted Jaikara and there is nothing wrong in it, but another person present there objects to this and says that the hospital people are not discriminating, then if someone is distributing food, then distribute the food and go. If the hospital does not discriminate, then why are you doing it. On this, the person distributing food says, "This is not a matter of religion. This is Ram's land."
Source:indiaherald.com
https://www.indiaherald.com/Politics/Read/994759457/Heated-debate-between-Muslim-woman-and-man
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Muslim women performed Lord Ram's Aarti!!!
Balasahana Suresh
01/11/2024
On the occasion of deepawali, a grand aarti of Lord Shri ram was performed by Muslim women in Lamahi area of varanasi on thursday (31 October). In this regard, the religious leader said that this tradition started after the SankatMochan temple bomb blast in varanasi in the year 2006. The religious leader said that on Ramnavami and deepawali, the aarti of Lord Shri ram is performed with rituals by Muslim women. Its main objective is to convey the message of peace, brotherhood and peace to the people of the country.
'Lord Shri ram is everyone's ideal'
During this, the women present on the occasion also said during the conversation that Lord Shri ram is an ideal for all of us. His life has been full of dignity. Therefore, the evil world should leave bad deeds and follow the path shown by Lord Shri Ram.
Muslim women performed aarti
The festival of deepawali is being celebrated with great pomp and show all over the country. In the same sequence, Muslim women in Kashi performed the Aarti of Lord Shri ram, Laxman and Mata Janaki with rituals. During this, they had a plate decorated with lamps in their hands. women also sang bhajans like 'Hey raja Ram Teri AartiUtru'. Hundreds of women were present in Lamahi area during the Aarti. people present in the Aarti said that Lord ram is an ideal for the whole world. He has shown the way to move forward in life with unity, brotherhood and dignity and there is a need to follow the path shown by him today. women said that at present there are many countries in the world who are fighting against each other, but the reality is that if we follow the path shown by Lord ram, then we will get success in life and the purpose of life will also be fulfilled.
'This deepawali is special'
The religious leader present in the aarti said on a question from ABP news that this deepawali is very special for all Sanatanis because after waiting for hundreds of years, Lord ram has been seated at his real place. Today, not only for the people of ayodhya but wherever there are people of Sanatan dharma in the whole world, there should be a different enthusiasm and excitement for them on this Deepawali. All the people present on the occasion wished each other on the festival of light, Deepawali.
Source:indiaherald.com
https://www.indiaherald.com/Politics/Read/994759533/Muslim-women-performed-Lord-Rams-Aarti
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Female teachers of Bara college awaiting salary for 10 months
November 1, 2024
KHYBER: Nine female teachers of the recently established Government Girls Degree College in Bara are awaiting payment of their salaries for the last 10 months.
The aggrieved staff told Dawn during a visit to the college in Alamgudar area in Bara that they were faced with serious financial issues as they have now started borrowing money for their personal expenses from their relatives and friends.
All the nine female subject specialists, having the required educational qualification in their respective subjects, were hired on contract basis over a year ago when the college started functioning, with assurances from officials from the provincial education department that their services would soon be regularised.
“We are now running from pillar to post for several months while pleading the concerned officials for release of our suspended salaries,” a visibly perturbed chemistry lecturer MsAsmat Ara told Dawn.
Hailing from Swabi district, she said that she had rented a room in a private hostel in Peshawar along with bearing other necessary expenses while anxiously awaiting her salary for the last 10 months.
She said that her father was now retired from his government service while three of her brothers were still jobless and three otherunmarried sisters, she was desirable of supporting her impoverished family prior to joining her new assignmentat the Bara degree college for girls.
MsUfaqIshaq, a mathematics teacher, was equally affected by the prolonged delay in payment of her salary and said that now she was relied highly on her father, who is also a teacher.
She said that she alongwith other affected female staff members were continuing with their ‘duties’ under compulsion as they were not in a position to quit the current jobs due to non payment of salaries as they would be rendered jobless forever due to a saturating situation in government departments.
“I face difficulties now inpaymentofmy transport fare as i have to hire a private vehicle to come to the college on a daily basis with very little money in my purse”, she added.
The aggrievedfemale staffers of the Government Girls Degree College in Bara made a passionate appeal to the chief minister, minister for education and the concerned secretaries of education and finance to immediately release their ‘stuck’ salaries and provide them with much needed financial relief.
Source:dawn.com
https://www.dawn.com/news/1869018/female-teachers-of-bara-college-awaiting-salary-for-10-months
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/education-ban-afghan-girls-early-marriage/d/133600