Faiza Rifat, An Indian Muslim Woman, Supported CAA In Her UN Speech
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 Sep 2024
· Faiza Rifat, An Indian Muslim Woman, Supported CAA In Her UN Speech
· Iran's Guardian Council Approves 'Hijab-Chastity' Bill
· UAE: Female Executives Welcome New Mandate Requiring Women On Corporate Boards
· HRW: International Community Fails To Act On Afghanistan’s Ban On Girls’ Education
· Head Of Iran's Supreme Court Rebukes Female Journalist Over Morality Police Remarks
· Malaysian Muslim Mothers: Going To A Confinement Centre Is About Getting Proper Support
· Afghanistan Women’s Summit in Albania: No Consensus on Opening Political Office
· Women in Afghanistan: Efforts Underway to Plant the Seeds of Change
· Fatima Payman Singles Out Rupert Murdoch As She Decries Mainstream Media’s Treatment Of Muslim Women
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/faiza-rifat-indian-muslim-caa-un-speech/d/133236
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Faiza Rifat, An Indian Muslim Woman, Supported CAA In Her UN Speech
Faiza Rifat, a Muslim woman from Jaipur, Rajasthan, supported the Indian government’s CAA
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Sep 19, 2024,
During the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva, a woman by the name of Faiza Rifat, a Muslim woman from Jaipur, Rajasthan, supported the Indian government’s CAA. She claimed that it will help persecuted religious minorities seek asylum in India. Rifat said that the CAA is aimed at providing citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who had migrated from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on or before December 31, 2014.
Delivering her speech, Rifat talked about the present-day oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh and stressed the need for passing the CAA. She said that the Act provides a ray of hope for such people to come out of the violence and discrimination and get a safe refuge in India to lead a dignified life.
Rifat went on to explain about the role of CAA in the process of identifying the difference between refugees and immigrants in the country illegally. She claimed that this is important for the Indian government to properly address issues of migration and other vices, including drug trafficking, in some of the most sensitive borders.
As a legal document that seeks to offer protection to persons who are facing persecution in their home countries, the CAA seeks to offer citizenship to individuals who deserve it. At the same time discouraging the influx of the illegitimate immigrants.
They have caused debates on the CAA and its impact on India’s immigration policy and the country’s commitments to refugees. Although the Act has been criticized by different stakeholders in India and other parts of the world, Rifat’s support shows a view that focuses on the positive impacts of the Act on the persecuted groups who seek refuge in other countries.
Source: dnaindia.com
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-faiza-rifat-muslim-indian-woman-jaipur-rajasthan-supports-caa-united-nations-unhrc-geneva-hindu-muslim-sikhs-3108339
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Iran's Guardian Council Approves 'Hijab-Chastity' Bill
The Guardian Council of the Islamic Republic has approved a controversial draft law imposing more restrictions on the public appearance of Iranians.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
The Guardian Council of the Islamic Republic has approved a controversial draft law imposing more restrictions on the public appearance of Iranians.
The hardline council has approved the controversial new bill of "Hijab and Chastity," according to MP Moussa Ghazanfarabadi.
The 12-member Guardian Council is responsible for interpreting the constitution and supervising elections, and wields significant influence by ensuring all laws and policies align with Islamic principles and the constitution.
MP Ghazanfarabadi said that the Guardian Council has approved the same principles that the parliament had initially proposed.
The bill will now be sent back to the parliament for formal approval to become a law.
It had previously faced objections, particularly regarding articles 47 to 49, which discussed the extent of punishments for violations.
The bill, presented to parliament on May 24 by the government of Ebrahim Raisi, outlines severe penalties for women who violate mandatory headscarf rules.
Non-compliance with the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code is deemed "nudity." Offenders could face fines up to 8 million tomans ($150), with the fines being doubled if not paid within a month, they could also lose their jobs and be banned from social media activities for up to one year.
Repeat offenders would face imprisonment from six months to three years.
The "Chastity and Hijab" bill has gained support from some officials of the Islamic Republic who consider the hijab a "red line."
Detractors argue that the proposed law focuses on punitive measures, restricts personal freedoms, and unjustly interferes with individuals' clothing choices.
The controversial bill was drafted following months-long nationwide protests, sparked by Mahsa Amini's custodial death in 2022, demanding more freedoms and women’s rights.
All women in Iran must conceal their hair with a headscarf and wear loose fitting trousers under their coats while in public, but a growing number of Iranian women have appeared in public without head coverings.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/134055-irans-guardian-council-approves-hijab-chastity-bill/
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UAE: Female Executives Welcome New Mandate Requiring Women On Corporate Boards
by Waad Barakat
19 Sep 2024
Many female executives and board members have welcomed the decision issued by the Ministry of Economy where private joint-stock companies must allocate at least one seat for women on their boards starting in January 2025.
They view it as a pivotal move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in corporate structures.
This decision aims to enhance the presence and representation of women in leadership roles within these organisations. Many female executives and board members have welcomed this news, viewing it as a pivotal move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in corporate structures.
Meera AlMheiri, a board member of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, shared her perspective on this initiative, reflecting on the UAE’s commitment to empowering women in leadership. She noted that the decision to promote the participation of Emirati youth on boards, made in June 2019, empowered her to join the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
“This strategic vision reflects the leadership’s trust in the input of young people for future foresight,” Meera stated. She further emphasised that the new mandate for private joint-stock companies to include at least one woman on their boards underscores a continued dedication to inclusivity and excellence.
“The decision recognises the wealth of wisdom and expertise that women bring to organisations and strategic leadership, allowing them to be at the forefront of decision-making,” she added.
Meera also highlighted the significant role that mentorship from women has played in her own career development, contributing to her professional and personal growth.
Executives and co-founders in different industries have welcomed the new law as well. Noni Anand, co-founder of Leva Hotels expressed her enthusiasm regarding the UAE's decision to require women on boards,: “Finally, a boardroom upgrade that comes with a built-in diversity clause! It’s about time the corporates put the ‘we’ in ‘we’re all in this together.”
Anand shared her journey, which began in Toronto, Canada. She faced challenges related to gender bias and work-life balance but successfully navigated these obstacles through mentorship and a commitment to personal growth. “Over the past six years, I’ve witnessed a significant rise in women stepping into their true roles in this industry. The landscape back then was markedly different, with few women in leadership positions,” she told Khaleej Times.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion,” she added.
Impact on corporate culture
Noni believes that incorporating women into boards will significantly enrich corporate culture. “This inclusion will contribute to a more dynamic and well-rounded decision-making process, ultimately driving organisational growth and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.”
She also noted that increased female representation on boards will enhance business performance. “Bringing diverse perspectives leads to more well-rounded and innovative solutions, resulting in more effective decision-making processes,” she explained.
Representation of women in different institutions has always been a priority for the UAE. In 2018, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then-President of the UAE directed authorities to allocate 50 per cent seats for women in the Federal National Council. Women and men in the UAE must also be paid equally for the same job, as per a decree in 2020.
SulochanaBetwala shared her journey to becoming a female executive, emphasizing that her passion for work, rather than a conscious goal, drove her forward. “Every decision, strategy, and challenge was approached with a 'get it done' attitude,” she noted. Despite facing gender bias in a male-dominated tech field, she remained determined and found support through mentorship. “Persistence, determination, and a belief in my work have been my keys to success,” she stated.
Regarding the new mandate, Sulochana believes it is a fantastic step toward fostering true inclusion. “Having diverse perspectives when making decisions is crucial. This initiative is groundbreaking because it breaks barriers that have long existed,” she explained. She views it as a positive move that will create more balanced leadership and foster innovation.
Sulochana also anticipates that the mandate will enhance corporate culture. “Women tend to bring a people-driven approach to leadership, blending strong business acumen with a focus on the human side of decisions,” she said. This shift can create more employee-centric environments where teams' well-being is prioritised.
On the impact of increased female representation on business performance, she remarked, “Increased female representation on boards brings valuable perspectives that complement existing leadership, helping to drive more balanced and comprehensive decisions.” Sulochanaemphasises the importance of collaboration between male and female leaders to ensure diverse viewpoints are considered, leading to more innovative and well-rounded outcomes.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-female-executives-welcome-new-mandate-requiring-women-on-corporate-boards
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HRW: International Community fails to act on Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education
By Fidel Rahmati
September 18, 2024
As the third anniversary of the ban on girls above sixth grade approaches, Human Rights Watch (HRW) states that the international community has failed to take meaningful action to lift Afghanistan’s restrictions on girls’ education.
The organization has urged the global community to apply more pressure on the Taliban to lift the ban on girls’ education.
On September 17, 2021, a month after the Taliban took power, the Ministry of Education announced the reopening of schools, but only for boys and male teachers.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesperson, said the closure of schools for girls above sixth grade was “temporary” and would end once conditions were suitable.
However, nearly 1,096 days have passed, and girls above sixth grade have yet to return to school.
HRW stated on September 17 that the Taliban, as during their first regime, are now depriving girls of education, wasting crucial years of their growth and development, with lifelong and intergenerational consequences for those affected.
Despite widespread global debates on the ban, HRW emphasized that governments and international institutions still need to take significant steps to lift the restrictions on girls’ education.
HRW has called on the Taliban to provide safe and quality education for all girls. The organization also urged donor countries to support communities advocating for girls’ right to education and fund online and underground education programs led by women.
As the world watches, meaningful global action is crucial to ensure Afghan girls do not lose their future to this prolonged ban, and support for alternative education must grow more robust.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/hrw-international-community-fails-to-act-on-afghanistans-ban-on-girls-education/
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Head of Iran's Supreme Court rebukes female journalist over morality police remarks
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
The head of Iran's Supreme Court has made a veiled threat after a female journalist mentioned the morality police at President Masoud Pezeshkian’s inaugural press conference.
Mohammad Jafar Montazeri stated, "If the morality police are to be addressed, then the 'inappropriateness' of that journalist should also be considered," seemingly alluding to Maryam Shabani's headscarf, which revealed a small portion of her hair.
Iran has been named by Freedom House as the world's most oppressive nation for press freedom, with dozens imprisoned in the wake of the 2022 uprising.
At Pezeshkian's press conference on Monday, held a month after his coming to office, Shabani began her question by mentioning that she had to navigate various alleys and back routes to avoid encounters with the morality police on the streets.
In response, Pezeshkian downplayed the seriousness of her remarks, saying, "Are they still bothering you? They were supposed to stop that. We’ll tell them to stop."
Criticizing Pezeshkian's approach, Montazeri remarked that while Pezeshkian emphasizes national unity as his slogan, such “unity should not come at the expense of relinquishing our core beliefs and fundamental principles.”
During his pre-presidential campaign, Pezeshkian had criticized the presence of the morality police. However, the police have reaffirmed their commitment to Project Nour, the establishment's hijab enforcement initiative that has been in effect since April, insisting that it remains a binding law.
Despite scaling back for a short time after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 - a tragedy that sparked months-long protests in Iran known as the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement - the morality police continue to maintain a presence on the streets.
Following Amini's death, more than 550 Iranians were killed as the government responded with full force to what has been the most significant challenge to the establishment's legitimacy since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979.
The most recent publicized instance of the ongoing pressure on women in Iran involves 31-year-old ArezouBadri. After allegedly violating hijab rules, she was shot by police and suffered severe injuries to her spine and lungs. While hospitalized in extreme pain and unable to sit or eat, she was coerced into making a confession.
Two years after the protests ignited by Mahsa Amini’s death, a UN Fact-Finding Mission report released on Friday highlighted the persistent human rights violations in Iran, particularly targeting women.
Ahead of the anniversary, Amnesty International also raised alarms, condemning the Iranian authorities' brutal crackdown on the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. The organization emphasized the establishment's ongoing "war on women and girls," noting the intensified repression of those defying stringent veiling laws and the increased use of the death penalty to stifle dissent.
The rights group highlighted the country's persistent culture of impunity for crimes under international law.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202409178097
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Malaysian Muslim Mothers: Going To A Confinement Centre Is About Getting Proper Support
19 Sep 2024
By Soo Wern Jun
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — So what is the difference between staying at a confinement centre and having a confinement lady come to your home for a few hours each day?
And what about Muslim mothers who may want to sign up for a confinement centre package to carry out their pantang period?
Pantang or berpantang in Malay for confinement is where a Muslim mother, after giving birth typically undergoes confinement for 40 to 44 days.
Iliana Mohamad, 35, had her second child in May 2022, and decided to take up a confinement package stay at a Muslim confinement centre.
Some may wonder why she did not get her mother or mother-in-law to help, or hire a confinement lady to help out with the post-delivery care.
“I know naturally, most mothers will fall back on their mother or mother-in-law, but in some cases like mine, my mother is no longer around, and my in-laws are too fragile to handle both me and my baby.
“If I were to hire a confinement lady I still have to take over when she goes back and I didn’t have the energy to do so, especially late at night,” Illiana said.
In recent years, the idea of a confinement centre — common among non-Muslim mothers in Malaysia — has been adopted by Muslim mothers. Some even stayed in non-Muslim confinement centres that cater halal meals.
“The demand for Muslim confinement centres has grown, at least from my observations, when I search for these centres online, I find more than two choices.
“Back then, it was almost impossible to find a halal-certified confinement centre, I almost signed up with one that didn’t have a halal certificate,” she added.
Illiana said one of the main reasons she decided to stay at the confinement centre is that she need not worry about the cooking and cleaning at home.
“Even with a confinement lady, mothers still have to buy ingredients and this is very troublesome.
“I’m not being lazy, or manja as some view it, but it’s too much to think about especially when you’re trying to cope both physically and emotionally,” she said, using the Malay word that roughly translates as spoilt or pampered.
All this convenience comes at a price, of course, with some packages going for as high as RM30,000.
Tengku Dahlia, 42, said the price may seem hefty, but it covers everything including the 24-hour air-conditioning, meals for both the woman and her husband, and most importantly professional care.
“I paid RM20,000 for my first child and RM15,000 for my second child, and I find that it’s worth it as there are trained nurses who will take care of both me and the baby at all times.
“You can make full use of the time there to rest knowing that your child is in safe hands,” she said.
However, Dahlia said some mothers could be wary about their baby being placed in a separate room, but this is normal practice in all confinement centres.
“The room is similar to the ones in hospitals, it’s spacious enough for the number of babies in it.
“And if one baby cries, they will bring the baby to calm him or her before returning the baby to join the others,” she said.
Hasanah Abdul Rahim, 30, said she is not particular about the old ways of observing the pantang period, instead she is focused on full recovery.
“I understand that there are certain beliefs that certain ingredients could promote quick healing, but I also have the doctor’s advice to avoid certain food items to suit my health condition.
“At the centre, I had dietitians who would advise on what mothers should be eating and drinking after delivery,” Hasanah said.
Although the centre does away with traditional pantang meals, they still practise traditional treatment for mothers which include bertuku (hot compress), berdiang (heat treatment), urut (massage), barut or berbengkung (wrap) and tangas (vagina steaming).
“These treatments actually work, so it’s good that they actually provide them. I even had a simple facial treatment. I think during the 44 days, it’s important for the mother to be well-rested so that she can be back on her feet and be mommy when she returns home,” Hasanah said.
“My husband did stay with me, but he wasn’t allowed to be outside of the room, and we had an en-suite bathroom anyway.
“When he had to go out, we would inform the centre staff so that they could inform the other mothers. It sounds tedious, but that is something that I find important at confinement centres if us Muslim mothers were to stay in,” she said.
Another reason why Hasanah wanted to stay at the centre was because she could not handle a baby with two other children at home.
“I could feel myself feeling overwhelmed when I got my second child, there were some days that I felt frustrated because I had to care for a baby and my toddler child. I was concerned that I may end up with post-natal depression.
“So when I had my third child, I knew that I could not handle three screaming children under one roof. My parents had their own commitments, and my husband too has a busy schedule.
“The confinement centre came in handy,” she explained.
Source: malaymail.com
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/19/muslim-mothers-in-malaysia-say-going-to-a-confinement-centre-is-not-about-being-manja-its-about-getting-proper-support/148364
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Afghanistan Women’s Summit in Albania: No Consensus on Opening Political Office
Amin Kawa
September 18, 2024
The “All Women Summit, Tirana,” held from September 10 to 14 in Tirana, Albania, brought together over 120 women. The participants discussed developing a women-centered and inclusive path for Afghanistan’s future. However, the event later faced significant questions and controversies. Two days after the summit concluded, organizers and participants issued a resolution amid widespread disagreements.
A copy of the resolution obtained by the Hasht-e Subh Daily highlights the worsening state of human rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. It notes that conditions are deteriorating daily, with increased gender segregation and repression of women since 2021. The resolution also points to a rise in security threats against ethnic, religious, and marginalized groups, particularly the Hazara community.
The resolution includes 14 articles, two of which sparked controversy among participants. Some attendees wrote to the organizers, requesting the removal of Articles 13 and 14. They argued that these articles could serve as tools to open diplomatic channels and build meaningful connections between Taliban opponents and the international community.
While not naming the Taliban directly, the resolution asserts that Afghanistan has become a hub for global terrorism in recent years. Instead of using the term “elimination” to describe the situation of women and citizens, the resolution uses “exclusion,” noting that this exclusion has deepened mistrust and widespread dissatisfaction among Afghans. The closure of schools beyond the sixth grade and universities to girls and women has further intensified gender inequalities.
The resolution also addresses Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, emphasizing widespread poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to basic services, especially for women and vulnerable populations. Weak monitoring and accountability systems in aid distribution have raised concerns about resource management and its impact. The lack of women in leadership and management roles has impeded gender equality and the fair distribution of humanitarian aid.
Organizers planned the summit over the past six months, involving “women in exile, the diaspora community, women’s protest movements both inside and outside Afghanistan, women’s rights activists, artists, students, media professionals, political leaders, representatives of ethnic and religious groups, and individuals with special needs.” During this period, they consulted with Afghan women in the U.S., Canada, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Turkey, European countries, and within Afghanistan.
Summit participants described the current situation for Afghan women as gender apartheid and gender-based persecution. The recent killings of Hazaras in Daykundi province were deemed crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The resolution stresses that the lack of a comprehensive framework for documenting human rights violations by the Taliban has hindered accountability and justice in Afghanistan. Without a systematic approach to recording these violations, holding perpetrators accountable and supporting victims will remain challenging.
The resolution highlights that one obstacle to recognizing gender apartheid in Afghanistan is the lack of a specific definition in international law. Although Afghanistan experiences severe and systematic gender segregation, no term exists to describe this form of repression. The absence of political will among UN member states to classify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity continues to hinder efforts to address gender discrimination.
The resolution includes 12 main articles and two supplementary ones, with disagreements focused on two specific articles. Reports suggest that some articles were modified and that provisions contradicting collective commitments were introduced.
The first article states that summit participants agreed to form a working group to draft a “Women’s Political Charter for Afghanistan’s Future.” This group will comprise representatives from various segments of Afghan society. According to the second article, the working group will consult with political parties, civil society activists, and women’s groups, including protesters within Afghanistan, while drafting the charter.
Other articles in the resolution call for the international community to withhold recognition of the Taliban, hold them accountable for ongoing human rights violations, recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and use existing frameworks, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), to pursue justice for human rights abuses committed by the Taliban.
The resolution also underscores the need to allocate resources effectively to ensure justice for victims and establish clear standards for documenting human rights violations. It highlights the importance of increasing Afghan women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles across various sectors. The resolution calls for prioritizing and distributing international humanitarian aid, reopening secondary schools and universities for women and girls, and ensuring that education meets international standards. It also emphasizes the inclusion of digital literacy, creating scholarship opportunities for girls, and enabling women to return to the workforce with safety, dignity, and income security.
Additionally, the resolution advocates for creating a centralized platform that facilitates meaningful participation by women in all areas. It supports women’s capacity-building efforts, advocates for their rights, and promotes effective communication between women inside and outside Afghanistan. The resolution calls for greater transparency and accountability in the distribution of humanitarian aid, ensuring that it directly addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and women-led organizations.
Furthermore, the resolution stresses the importance of enhancing coordination between international humanitarian aid and local women-run organizations. It also discusses strategies for facilitating access for female entrepreneurs to international markets, encouraging national and international exhibitions to showcase their products, and supporting local handicraft industries to strengthen the economy.
Articles 13 and 14 of the resolution, marked in red, highlight unresolved issues that require further discussion. Article 13 stipulates that any meetings or dialogue between the international community and the Taliban must include women in the delegations and involve consultations with women both inside and outside Afghanistan. It emphasizes the necessity of considering women’s representation in diplomatic and consultative processes.
Article 14 specifies that negotiations with the Taliban should adhere to consultative principles and respect all human rights values and laws. It stresses that human rights principles must guide international engagement with the Taliban.
These articles reflect serious concerns about ensuring women’s participation and upholding human rights in discussions with the Taliban, and they will require final agreement and further analysis in the future.
Meanwhile, a group of women’s rights activists and leaders of women’s protest movements have raised concerns about Articles 13 and 14 in a letter to the summit organizers. They argue that these articles, which are major issues for protesting women, should be reconsidered. The letter explains that Article 13 calls for the inclusion of women from both inside and outside Afghanistan in foreign delegations meeting with the Taliban. Article 14 stipulates that engagement with the Taliban must be principled, purposeful, and guided by a code of conduct to ensure respect for human rights. The international community must adhere to this code of conduct to maintain a clear framework for engaging with the Taliban.
The letter’s authors contend that these articles could facilitate diplomatic channels and foster meaningful connections between Taliban opponents and the international community. They state, “As women’s rights activists, we oppose any engagement with the Taliban and demand the removal of these two articles from the resolution.”
The protesters argue that the Taliban’s extensive human rights violations, especially against women, lack both national and international legitimacy. They believe that engaging with the Taliban would grant them legitimacy, which contradicts the resolution’s initial principle of non-recognition. According to the protesters, such engagement would undermine the goals of accountability and justice, only serving to empower the Taliban rather than holding them accountable.
The letter also emphasizes that engaging with the Taliban without clear human rights guarantees could lead to contradictions in political positions, as efforts are focused on delegitimizing the Taliban rather than fostering dialogue.
Sources within the summit’s four committees informed the Hasht-e Subh Daily that the proposal to establish a political office for women was repeatedly presented to the committees over the two working days. Each time, the protesters rejected it, but the issue was raised again in an attempt to secure committee approval.
These sources claim that ShinkaiKarokhail, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada, withdrew from the discussions due to ethnic sensitivities. About 12 protesting women were concerned that establishing a political office for women might be a cover for making a deal with the Taliban, with them as signatories.
One source suggested, “I believe the U.S., through Rina Amiri, instructed to open the office as an alternative to the Taliban, despite the protesters’ lack of trust in female politicians despite their global connections.” The source added that if a political office for women is established, it should ensure representation for all women’s factions.
The summit organizers instructed several committees, including the political committee, to draft a charter. However, sources indicated that drafting the charter within the given timeframe was impractical and not originally on the agenda. The topic was later added to the political committee’s agenda.
Source: 8am.media
https://8am.media/eng/controversies-surround-afghanistan-womens-summit-in-albania-no-consensus-on-opening-political-office/
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Women in Afghanistan: Efforts Underway to Plant the Seeds of Change
2024-09-19
By SimaBahous
The following are excerpts from the speech delivered by Ms. SimaBahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director, to the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan on 18 September 2024 at UN Headquarters.
NEW YORK | 19 September 2024 (IDN) — We have heard and will continue to hear today about the Taliban’s new morality law, made public this August 21st by the de facto Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of
Vice. While much of the law was already in place in prior decrees or edicts of the de facto authorities, this law introduces a new low where we thought there was nowhere lower to go.
It requires women and girls to cover their entire bodies and faces everywhere outside their homes. It forbids them speaking in public, using public transportation alone, or even looking at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage.
As you know, this comes on top of edicts issued over the past three years segregating women and men in daily life, prohibiting women from using gyms, parks, or public baths and more.
What makes this even worse is that because many of the provisions are ambiguously worded, we already see that they are in practice subject to arbitrary interpretation, thereby granting extensive powers of enforcement to the morality police. Thus, Afghanistan’s women do not only fear these oppressive laws, they also fear their capricious application. A life lived in such circumstances is truly incomprehensible.
UN Women is on the ground in Afghanistan, supporting Afghan women and girls every day. Photo: UN Women/Sayed Habib Bidell.
The new morality law does not only segregate women from men. It isolates them from other women too. In our surveys, only 22 per cent of Afghan women report meeting with women outside their immediate family on a daily or weekly basis, while 18 per cent never do.
Not surprisingly, 90 per cent of Afghan women and girls report that their mental health is bad or very bad, with a majority of women reporting that their mental health is getting worse every quarter, and 8 per cent knowing at least one woman or girl who has attempted suicide.
In our surveys, 64 per cent of women felt completely unsafe leaving their house by themselves, a percentage that has increased in recent months and will likely increase with the new law. When asked why they felt unsafe, 70 per cent attributed it to harassment by the de facto authorities. Place all this alongside “honour” killings, corporal punishments, domestic violence, and rising maternal mortality.
We cannot forget that it is not only women who suffer in this environment. Our data shows that men feel less safe when they have to accompany women. Many men are also becoming de facto enforcers, souring relationships with their neighbours, and destroying social trust and cohesion.
And while millions of Afghan women and girls are prevented from attending school, millions of Afghan boys are in school receiving only the education that is sanctioned by the de facto authorities, and we do not know what the curriculum entails.
New “morality law” triggers a new wave of protests online
At least before the promulgation of this new morality law, and in spite of enormous risks, women continued to run businesses, work in organizations for the improvement of their communities, or protest against injustice. In 2021, 88 per cent of these protests were held outdoors. By 2022, fewer than half were.
Currently, 94 per cent of protests are held online, hiding their location and identities. And this new “morality law” has also triggered a new wave of protests online, where Afghan women are seen singing, with their faces uncovered and their hair loose, in a show of defiance against the law.
These bans continue to destroy Afghanistan’s overall economic prospects too. It is projected that the Afghan economy will lose 5 per cent of GDP annually by excluding women from the workforce, and the equivalent of two-thirds of today’s gross domestic product by 2066 if the suspension of women’s access to higher education remains in place.
Our projections estimate that maternal mortality may increase by 50 per cent by 2026 because of this ban. That translates to thousands of additional deaths of Afghan women during birth every year for preventable causes and policy choices.
I do not need to point out to this Council the potential implications beyond Afghanistan’s borders. We are seeing developments in Afghanistan inspiring other oppressive actors elsewhere. We are in the midst of a global backlash against gender equality gains and the weaponization of misogyny.
How the international community rises to the unacceptable extremes of Afghanistan is not just a test of who we are. It is being watched carefully by political actors and armed groups in other countries and regions.
I assure you, if we give up on Afghan women, if we succumb to fatalism, let go of our principles, turn our faces, and remove our resources, the impact on our broader struggle for gender equality may be felt for decades.
Women’s absence from key decisions, discussions, and agreements—from Bonn, to Doha, to Sochi, and more—contribute to the ongoing cycle of exclusion. As UN Women, we implore the Security Council and key international actors to learn from past experience and the failures that excluding women bring. We must not trade away women’s rights or women’s representation in the pursuit of some possible and incremental progress whether on counter-narcotics or terrorism prevention. This approach failed us in the 1990s. It will fail us again.
So instead of turning away, we all must step forward in three ways.
First, invest in and strengthen women-led civil society organizations, including through long-term, flexible funding. In Afghanistan this requires changes to the usual mechanisms and risk management, but as realities and needs change, so must our ability to support.
Second, commit that at least 30 per cent of all funding for Afghanistan be to initiatives that directly target gender equality and women’s rights. No more gender-blind interventions. No more weak or superficial mainstreaming of gender into other initiatives. This does not work in Afghanistan. Afghan women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and leadership by establishing new civil society organizations to serve their needs and the needs of others. They are also creating and running businesses that not only provide for their families but that serve and sometimes uplift their communities. We must support these efforts.
Third, stop normalizing discriminatory practices. Stop sending all-male delegations to meet with the Taliban, or having women present only in administrative functions. Commit to gender parity in international interactions with the de facto authorities.
Ensure that all decision-making fora concerning the future of Afghanistan address women’s rights as part of the agenda and include the meaningful participation of women, whether through quotas for each delegation or a women’s delegation.
Afghan women have told us consistently that they want the international community to facilitate their direct talks with the de facto authorities. They are telling us we are failing them, and this must change.
We do not claim that these actions and others will change Afghanistan overnight, nor bring girls back to school right away, but they are achievable, and they will plant the seeds of change in the future. That is what we can do now, today; and our action or inaction in these extremely feasible and practical ways are what we will be judged by, not only by the women and girls of Afghanistan, but by the world.
It is eminently understandable that, to many, the situation of Afghanistan’s women and girls may appear intractable and hopeless. I tell you that it is not. It is not hopeless, and we are not helpless. We can decide now to put our political will and resources behind our solidarity with Afghan women. We can decide now to fund women’s organizations, women’s businesses, women’s leadership, services for women.
We can decide now to create spaces in every policy forum available for Afghan women to be heard-from directly.
In conclusion, we can act, we can redouble our resolve, we can maintain our relentless progress down a path that is hard and long but is there. I implore you again not only to stay this course, but to commit to it with renewed determination. We stand alongside you and all partners as we do this together. [IDN-InDepthNews]
Source: indepthnews.net
https://indepthnews.net/women-in-afghanistan-efforts-underway-to-plant-the-seeds-of-change/
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Fatima Payman singles out Rupert Murdoch as she decries mainstream media’s treatment of Muslim women
18 Sep 2024
The independent senator Fatima Payman has accused mainstream media of reducing Muslim women to “stereotypes” and singled out Rupert Murdoch, alleging moguls like him cause “division” and “fearmongering”.
“Like many of you, I’ve faced challenges in navigating mainstream media as a Muslim woman in politics,” she said in a keynote speech on Sunday at the 10th anniversary of independent Muslim media outlet Amust in the south-west Sydney seat of Blaxland.
“Too often we are misrepresented or reduced to stereotypes,” the Western Australia senator said, pointing to Sky News headline: “‘Guidance from Allah’: Senator Payman brings religion back to politics”, and a News Corp headline, “‘Exiled’ Labor senator’s donations to Barbie-hating Islamic TV studio revealed”.
Payman told Guardian Australia she had met Dr ZiadBasyouny, an independent running against Labor’s Tony Burke in the seat of Watson, at the event but her participation was “not about endorsing any candidates” for the upcoming election.
She quit the Labor party in July to sit as an independent on the Senate crossbench in a major rupture with the Albanese government over its handling of recognition of the state of Palestine.
“After seven months of toeing the party line, trying to enact change from within, I came to understand a brutal reality,” she said in her address. “I realised that the Labor party I campaigned for and chose to serve with was not the same brave, visionary party of the good old days.
“The genocide in Gaza is not an abstract concept, it is a brutal, daily reality for millions of people.
“The stories we hear are not just tales of suffering … They are reminders that we cannot afford to be complacent, that we cannot afford to remain silent.”
The heart of the address called into question Australians’ ability to trust mainstream media. “Sometimes the news feels a little too cozy with the powers that be,” she said.
Payman took aim at “media moguls”, singling out Murdoch who she claimed “only wants what benefits his agenda … causing further division, marginalisation and fearmongering in our society”.
“Mainstream media, driven by the interests of big corporations, can sometimes feel like an echo chamber repeating the views of the powerful while silencing the voices of everyday Australians.”
In her address, she threw her support behind independent media. “It’s the truth-teller, the accountability partner, the one who stands tall when the big voices of politics or corporations try to drown everyone else out,” she said.
Payman described the current media landscape as being “about as multicultural as a beige wall”.
As a consequence, stories are not “told in a way that truly reflects our lived experiences”, Payman said, pointing to housing affordability, the rising cost of living, the climate crisis and recognition of Indigenous and migrant voices as examples.
She said supporting independent media will sustain readers’ “right to think freely, to question the narrative, and to make your own choices based on real information, not just the stories the government or big corporations want you to hear”.
“Without independent media, we risk getting stuck in a cycle where the powerful protect their own interests, and the rest of us are left with empty promises.”
Source: theguardian.com
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/19/fatima-payman-rupert-murdoch-media-muslim-women
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/faiza-rifat-indian-muslim-caa-un-speech/d/133236