Iranian Band Khial Challenges Hijab Laws Through Kurdish Folk Song
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 January 2025
• Iranian Band Khial Challenges Hijab LawsThrough Kurdish Folk Song
• Afghan Women’s Movement Hails International Criminal Court’s Move To Arrest Taliban Leaders For Persecution Of Women
• Empowering Women Through UAE-India CEPA: A New Era of Opportunity
• Muslims World wide Gear Up To Observe World Hijab Day onFebruary 1
• International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Seeks Arrests Of Taliban Leaders Over Persecution Of Women In Afghanistan
• Vice President JavadZarif Says Iran No Longer Presses Women On Hijab
• Syria: Restoration Of Basic Needs For Women And Children
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/iranian-hijab-laws-kurdish-song/d/134423
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Iranian Band Khial Challenges Hijab LawsThroughKurdish Folk Song
JANUARY 24, 2025
The performance of the song "Yaran" challenges the country’s strict dress code for women
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The women's music band Khial from western Saqqez has released a Kurdish folk song, performing it without adhering to Iran's mandatory hijab laws.
The video has gained widespread attention, adding to the growing trend of artists across Iran who are defying the mandatory hijab regulations.
In recent months, many Iranian women artists, musicians, and performers have taken similar actions to voice their opposition to the compulsory headscarf rules.
Last month, the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic launched legal proceedings against Parastoo Ahmadi and others involved in an online musical performance.
Ahmadi, a singer, held a virtual concert on her YouTube channel, where a small group of musicians accompanied her while she performed without a hijab.
This act of defiance, which took place at an Iranian caravanserai, gained significant public praise. However, following a judicial complaint, Ahmadi was briefly arrested.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/138449-watch-iranian-band-khial-challenges-hijab-laws/
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Afghan Women’s Movement Hails International Criminal Court’s Move To Arrest Taliban Leaders For Persecution Of Women
January 24, 2025
Taliban took back control of the country in 2021 and have have barred women from jobs, most public spaces and education beyond sixth grade. File | Photo Credit: AP
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An Afghan women’s group on Friday (January 24, 2025) hailed a decision by the International Criminal Court to arrest Taliban leaders for their persecution of women.
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced Thursday (January 23, 2025) he had requested arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials, including the leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs, most public spaces and education beyond sixth grade.
In a statement, the Afghan Women’s Movement for Justice and Awareness celebrated the ICC decision and called it a “great historical achievement.”
“We consider this achievement a symbol of the strength and will of Afghan women and believe this step will start a new chapter of accountability and justice in the country,” the group said.
An official in the former Western-backed administration warned the Taliban leadership was likely to exploit the decision for propaganda purposes by framing it as proof of their strong faith and resilience.
“They may tell their followers that their beliefs are so powerful they have provoked the collective opposition of global powers,” Mohammad Halim Fidai said on the X platform. Mr. Fidai was a Governor of four provinces before the takeover and now lives outside Afghanistan. “This decision could inadvertently serve as a badge of honor or credibility for them.”
Also Friday (January 24, 2025), the U.N. mission in Afghanistan said it was a “tragedy and travesty” that girls remain deprived of education.
“It has been 1,225 days — soon to be four years — since authorities imposed a ban that prevents girls above the age of 12 from attending school,” said the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva. “It is a travesty and tragedy that millions of Afghan girls have been stripped of their right to education.”
“Afghanistan is the only country in the world that explicitly bars women and girls from all levels of education,” said Ms. Otunbayeva.
Source: www.thehindu.com
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Empowering Women Through UAE-India CEPA: A New Era of Opportunity
23-01-2025
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Council, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO Mumbai Chapter), organized a business roundtable. The event brought together over 40 Indian women entrepreneurs to discuss how CEPA can open up new avenues for growth and success.
Key figures at the event included the Ambassador of the UAE to India, AbdulnasserAlshaali, FICCI-FLO National President Joyshree Das Verma, and Ahmad Aljneibi, the Director of the UICC. The highlight of the discussion focused on the pivotal role CEPA plays in empowering women entrepreneurs, offering greater market access and simplifying trade processes.
Notably, trade between the UAE and India has grown by almost 15% in recent years, reinforcing the strategic importance of this partnership. CEPA stands out by addressing the unique challenges faced by women-led businesses, ensuring that Indian industries, particularly in textiles and jewelry, can thrive on an international stage.
Source: www.devdiscourse.com
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Muslims World wide Gear Up To Observe World Hijab DayonFebruary 1
January 24, 2025
February 1 marks World Hijab Day, observed in over 150 countries to promote awareness and solidarity with Muslim women and girls facing bigotry, discrimination, and Islamophobia.
Surveys reveal widespread harassment and bullying of Muslim students in the United States. According to 2024 Campus Climate Report, 49% of Muslim college students experienced discrimination due to their identity, with professors and peers among the offenders.
The report explains that among middle and high school students, nearly half reported feeling unsafe or unwelcome, while one in four cited offensive behaviour from teachers or staff. Students wearing hijabs face particular challenges, with about a third reporting their hijabs were pulled or touched offensively.
World Hijab Day encourages non-Muslims to wear a hijab to foster understanding and empathy. Organizers emphasize that this act is about cultural appreciation, not appropriation, and serves as a way to support Muslim women.
The initiative also highlights the broader issue of Islamophobia, which stems from a lack of awareness. Educational activities, such as inclusivity workshops, panel discussions, and social media campaigns, are encouraged to promote understanding.
Participants are invited to share their experiences using hashtags like #WorldHijabDay and #HijabisUnsilenced. The event’s goal is to dismantle stereotypes and foster allyship. It has gained recognition from lawmakers and expanded to include workshops for educators and parents, focusing on creating inclusive environments.
Organizers stress the importance of addressing the challenges Muslim women face, particularly those wearing hijabs, to build a more empathetic and equitable society. World Hijab Day serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and standing against discrimination, aiming to create a safer and more inclusive world for all.
Source: shiawaves.com
https://shiawaves.com/english/news/117444-muslims-worldwide-gear-up-to-observe-world-hijab-day/
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International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Seeks Arrests Of Taliban Leaders Over Persecution Of Women In Afghanistan
January 24, 2025
The Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has requested arrest warrants against the Taliban’s supreme leader and the chief justice of Afghanistan over the persecution of women and girls in the country. In his statement released on Thursday, Khan argued that the treatment of women in the country can be seen as a “crime against humanity”.
This marks the first time the ICC prosecutor has built a case around the systemic crimes against women and girls. Many also see this as a rare moment of vindication for Afghan activists, who over the last three years have often felt abandoned by the international community as their day-to-day lives continue to get harder.
The international tribunal is responsible for bringing to justice those who are responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, intervening when national authorities cannot or will not prosecute. ICC judges will now decide whether to issue arrest warrants against Taliban leaders.
Khan said in the statement that the Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, are “criminally responsible” for the persecution of girls, women, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. “Our commitment to pursue accountability for gender-based crimes, including gender persecution, remains an absolute priority,” he said.
He also noted that his team would file warrants against other senior Taliban officials soon. Several Afghan activists welcomed the decision to pursue the Taliban in this regard. Shukria Barakzai, activist and former member of the Afghan parliament called it historic.
“This historic announcement is a powerful message that impunity for flagrant violations of women’s rights is not to be tolerated in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world. We are deeply grateful to all our Afghan sisters who have worked relentlessly toward this moment," she said in a statement.
Since coming back to power in 2021, the Taliban has issued as many as 80 decrees that violated women’s basic rights. The women in Afghanistan are barred from most work, including pursuing secondary education and going alone in public spaces. Not only this, recently the group banned windows in rooms frequently used by women, to ensure they could not be seen by men not related to them.
It is pertinent to note that while the move is significant, there may not be any immediate consequences. Neither man is likely to travel anywhere they could face an arrest. In fact, Akhundzada is known to rarely leave his base in Kandahar – and the group has only responded with defiance to other international pressure over their treatment of women. However, several human rights experts argued that an arrest warrant would send an important message.
Zahra Haqparast was jailed by the Taliban in 2022 for protesting against restrictions on women’s lives and now lives in exile. “This is the best news I’ve heard since the Taliban came to power," she told The Guardian. “I was cooking lunch when I heard the news, and I was so happy that I ran to check immediately if it was true. By the time I got back, an hour had passed and my food was burnt," she remarked.
Source: www.firstpost.com
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Vice President JavadZarif Says Iran No Longer Presses Women On Hijab
24 Januari 2025,
JAKARTA - Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad JavadZarif said the Iranian government had decided not to pressure women who did not cover their hair in public, describing the decision as a step in the right direction.
Vice President Zarif's comments about the hijab were delivered on Wednesday in an interview with CNN on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
"If you go to the streets of Tehran, you'll find women who don't cover their hair. It's against the law, but the government has decided not to put pressure on women," he explained, as reported by Mehr January 23.
Vice President Zarif further explained that the president decided not to apply laws intended to punish women who refuse to cover their hair in public, a decision he said was taken with the approval of Iranian leaders, including the head of Parliament, the head of Justice and the National Security Council.
Quoted from France 24, Iran approved "The Draft Law on Supporting Families through the Promotion of Holy Culture and Hijab" in September 2023.
The law imposes harsher penalties for women who refuse to wear mandatory hijabs, significant fines and prison sentences for those deemed to be promoting "unability" or "unintention".
The bill was originally due to be submitted in December to President Pezeshkian, who has expressed an "sensity" with the regulation taking into account the many "ambiguities".
Earlier this month, Government spokesman FatemehMohajerani said the bill was "delayed" due to some of its provisions, which "could have serious social consequences".
In December, Iranian Vice President ShahramDadari announced, "the regulation (will) be reviewed by political leadership and the National Security Council", the country's highest security agency.
"Based on the discussions that have been carried out, it has been decided that this law will not be referred to the government by the parliament for now," said the vice president of Dabira at the time, adding "at this time it is not possible to implement the law," as reported by DW.
The hardline group in Iran's parliament has passed the controversial law, proposing tougher penalties for women who oppose the hijab regulations.
The law also targets businesses that serve those who do not comply with the law. The law allows authorities to access private surveillance footage and encourages citizens to report non-compliance.
President Pezeshkian opposed the law, warning it could spark more protests as in 2022, following Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.
In September 2022, protests erupted in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody due to her alleged lax hijab. The protests later turned into riots sparked by foreign-backed elements.
Masoud Pezeshkian is running for president with the country's social and economic reform platforms, as well as more constructive engagement with the world.
Source: voi.id
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Syria: Restoration of basic needs for women and children
ByAnanya Raj Kakoti
Jan 24, 2025
The Syrian conflict has devastated the country’s infrastructure, displaced millions, and eroded its social fabric. As Syria enters a critical phase of reconstruction, restoring basic needs for its most vulnerable groups—women and children—has become an urgent priority. However, the process is fraught with challenges that could derail efforts and perpetuate the cycles of marginalisation, violence, and deprivation. Identifying these pitfalls is essential to ensuring a reconstruction process that is inclusive, effective, and sustainable.
One of the most pressing issues in Syria’s reconstruction is the exclusion of women and marginalised groups from decision-making processes. Historically, women in Syria have faced systemic barriers to political participation, and the post-conflict environment is no different. The reconstruction agenda is largely being shaped by male-dominated government entities, international stakeholders, and local power brokers, leaving women’s voices unheard.
This exclusion is particularly problematic as women and children bear the brunt of the conflict’s impact. Without their input, reconstruction programs risk failing to address their specific needs, such as access to healthcare, education, and social protection. For example, in post-conflict Afghanistan, the exclusion of women from peacebuilding and governance processes resulted in policies that failed to protect their rights, leading to the re-emergence of oppressive practices. Syria could face a similar fate if women are not meaningfully included in shaping its future.
Despite efforts to reach a political resolution, Syria remains plagued by localised conflicts, violence, and insecurity. Persistent instability poses significant challenges to reconstruction, particularly in regions where women and children are already vulnerable. Schools, health care facilities, and other basic infrastructure are frequently targeted by warring factions, rendering them unsafe and unusable.
Moreover, the presence of armed groups increases the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation of children. For example, reports indicate that women and girls in displacement camps face heightened risks of sexual violence and forced marriages, while boys are often recruited as child soldiers. Reconstruction efforts that fail to address the root causes of violence or ensure the safety of women and children risk perpetuating these harms.
Corruption is a significant threat to Syria’s reconstruction. International aid and reconstruction funds are often funnelled through government institutions and local authorities, many of which have been accused of corruption and mismanagement. This creates a high risk that resources intended for rebuilding schools, hospitals, and community programmes will be siphoned off, leaving women and children without access to basic services.
For instance, in Iraq, widespread corruption during the post-war reconstruction period severely hindered the delivery of essential services, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Syria faces similar risks, particularly in regions controlled by non-State actors or where accountability mechanisms are weak. Corruption not only undermines trust in reconstruction efforts but also diverts critical resources away from those who need them most.
The distribution of aid and reconstruction resources is another area rife with potential pitfalls. In Syria, access to aid is often determined by political affiliations, geographic location, or the influence of local power brokers. This creates significant disparities in the delivery of services, with certain regions or communities receiving disproportionate attention while others are neglected.
For example, urban centres like Damascus and Aleppo may see rapid reconstruction due to their political and economic significance, while rural and conflict-affected areas remain underserved. Women and children in these marginalised regions are particularly at risk of being left behind, exacerbating existing inequalities. A similar pattern was observed in Yemen, where aid distribution in conflict zones was heavily influenced by political dynamics, leaving vulnerable populations without support.
The psychological toll of Syria’s conflict cannot be overstated, particularly for women and children who have endured displacement, violence, and loss. Yet, mental health services are often overlooked in post-conflict reconstruction plans, with priority given to physical infrastructure and economic recovery.
Failing to address the mental health needs of women and children can have far-reaching consequences. For instance, children who grow up without adequate psychosocial support are more likely to experience long-term developmental challenges, struggle in school, and face difficulties integrating into society. Women, meanwhile, may face trauma-related challenges that hinder their ability to participate in rebuilding efforts or care for their families.
The experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlights the risks of neglecting mental health in post-conflict recovery. Decades after the war, the country still struggles with high rates of untreated trauma among survivors, contributing to social fragmentation and economic stagnation. Syria must avoid repeating this mistake by prioritising comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support as part of its reconstruction agenda.
Deeply ingrained cultural norms and societal attitudes pose additional challenges to the restoration of basic needs for women and children in Syria. Patriarchal traditions often restrict women’s access to education, employment, and health care, while children, particularly girls, face barriers to attending school due to early marriage or household responsibilities.
Efforts to rebuild schools or establish vocational training programs for women may fail if they do not address these underlying social barriers. For example, in Afghanistan, the rebuilding of schools did little to increase girls’ enrolment rates in certain regions where conservative norms discouraged female education. In Syria, similar cultural dynamics could undermine reconstruction initiatives unless accompanied by community-level efforts to promote gender equality and challenge harmful practices.
Reconstruction efforts in Syria risk being short-sighted, focusing on immediate needs without considering long-term sustainability. Temporary solutions, such as building camps for displaced families or distributing emergency aid, are necessary in the short-term but do little to address the root causes of vulnerability or foster resilience.
For instance, many displaced women in Syria have become sole breadwinners due to the loss of male family members. However, most employment opportunities available to them are in the informal sector, offering little stability or protection. Without long-term planning to create sustainable livelihoods and integrate women into the formal economy, these efforts risk perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependency.
The success of Syria’s reconstruction depends heavily on international support, but donor fatigue and competing global priorities threaten to limit the resources available for rebuilding. Additionally, a lack of coordination among international actors can result in fragmented and duplicative efforts, reducing their overall effectiveness.
For example, in post-earthquake Haiti, uncoordinated international aid efforts led to inefficiencies and gaps in service delivery, leaving many vulnerable populations without support. Syria faces similar risks, particularly given the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding its reconstruction. Ensuring effective coordination and accountability among international actors is crucial to preventing these challenges.
The reconstruction and restoration of basic needs for women and children in Syria is an immense and urgent task, but it is also fraught with challenges that could undermine its success. From corruption and inequitable aid distribution to cultural barriers and insufficient focus on mental health, the risks are numerous and interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and inclusive approach that prioritizes the voices and needs of women and children, ensures accountability, and promotes long-term sustainability.
Learning from the experiences of other post-conflict countries, Syria must adopt strategies that tackle both immediate needs and systemic inequalities. Only by doing so can it lay the foundation for a future that is not only stable and prosperous but also equitable and just for all its citizens. Women and children, who have borne the brunt of the conflict’s impact, must be at the heart of these efforts, ensuring that their needs and rights are no longer sidelined but fully integrated into the nation’s rebuilding process.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/iranian-hijab-laws-kurdish-song/d/134423