Arabian Gazelles: Middle East To Host First-Ever 4-Day All-Women Supercar Rally In The UAE
New Age Islam News Bureau
26 April 2025
· Arabian Gazelles: Middle East To Host First-Ever 4-Day All-Women Supercar Rally In The UAE
· Iranian Former Political Prisoner, Gelareh Abbasi, Sentenced to 4 Years, 3 Months
· Muslim Advocacy Group Sues New York County Jail For Forcefully Removing Inmates’ Hijab
· The Female-Only Wellness Spaces In Riyadh That Aim To Empower Women
· Women Founders In African Tech: Success Stories
· UAE Champions Women’s Empowerment At BRICS Ministerial Meeting
· Economic Empowerment Of Women Is A National Priority, Says President Of UAE Gender Balance Council
· AR Rahman Breaks Silence On Facing Backlash Over Daughter Khatija’sHijab Photo: ‘I Am Not Qualified Enough To Argue With Her’
· Beyond The Hijab: Discrimination Against Women Pervades Iranian Law
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/middle-east-women-supercar-rally-uae/d/135326
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Arabian Gazelles: Middle East To Host First-Ever 4-Day All-Women Supercar Rally In The UAE
April 25, 2025
The race for gender equality just got a whole lot faster, as women in the Middle East prepare to make automotive history. Buckle up, because this May, the UAE is about to host the region’s first-ever all-women supercar rally, powered by the unstoppable Arabian Gazelles. From May 1 to 4, twenty fearless women from around the world will take to the UAE’s roads in a high-speed, high-style celebration of women in motorsports. It’s not just about horsepower, it’s about harnessing the power of women to blaze new trails.
This is no ordinary road trip. The Arabian Gazelles are gearing up for a 4-day journey that will take them through the stunning landscapes of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and back to Dubai. Expect luxury cars, chic sunglasses, and the wind in your hair as they race through scenic coastal drives and rugged mountains.
Forget the red carpet – this launch is all about raw speed and high-performance vehicles. After that, the ladies will cruise down to Fujairah’s tranquil coastlines for a leisurely drive and an evening of relaxation at the exclusive Naäma Beach Villas & Spa.
Day two is all about elevation – literally. The participants will take on the winding roads of Jebel Jais, one of the UAE’s most dramatic mountain ranges. After conquering the heights, they’ll unwind at a luxurious mountain retreat, complete with stunning panoramic views.
But hold on, there’s more! On day three, the rally will make its way to Abu Dhabi’s iconic Qasr Al Sarab desert resort. Expect surreal dunes, starry nights, and a serene atmosphere that can only be found in the heart of the desert. The grand finale? A VIP celebration at the swanky Delano in Dubai, where the only thing more dazzling than the décor will be the incredible stories these women will have to tell.
More Than Just Speed and Style
This rally isn’t just about luxury cars and high-speed thrills. It’s a powerful statement about women taking the wheel in a traditionally male-dominated field. The Arabian Gazelles are redefining what it means to be a motorsport enthusiast, proving that grace, power, and passion can coexist behind the wheel.
Each kilometre covered represents more than just a journey; it’s about creating a legacy for future generations of women in motorsports.
Conclusion
This isn’t just another rally – it’s a game-changer. The Arabian Gazelles are taking their place at the forefront of motorsport culture, reminding the world that women have a rightful place on any race track. Whether they’re conquering mountains or cruising through deserts, these women are setting a new standard for what it means to be bold, brave, and unstoppable.
So, here’s to speed, to sisterhood, and to a high-octane future where women are always in the driver’s seat.
https://curlytales.com/arabian-gazelles-middle-east-to-host-first-ever-4-day-all-women-supercar-rally-in-the-uae/
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Iranian Former Political Prisoner, Gelareh Abbasi, Sentenced to 4 Years, 3 Months
APRIL 25, 2025
Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Gelareh Abbasi to 4 years and 3 months in prison.
The former political prisoner received this sentence on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”
Abbasi was arrested on February 16 at her home in western Tehran by Ministry of Intelligence agents and taken to Evin Prison.
She was released on March 28 on bail.
Previously, Abbasi served part of a 2-year, 6-month sentence from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “assembly and collusion against national security” before her release from Evin in February 2023.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/140646-iranian-former-political-prisoner-sentenced-to-4-years-3-months/
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Muslim advocacy group sues New York county jail for forcefully removing inmates’ hijab
APRIL 25, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations for New York (CAIR-NY), along with Kaufman LiebLebowitz& Frick LLP, on Thursday sued Orange County, New York, officials for religious discrimination against plaintiff Tammi Green. The 27-page complaint outlines multiple instances where county jail officials are alleged to have violated Green’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
According to the complaint, Green was forced to remove her hijab for her booking photo and her photo identification card. The latter is pinned to the inmates’ jumpsuits and is presented to personnel every day to access all checkpoints and programs within the facility. Despite countless efforts to beg officials to let her keep her hijab on, Green states that she was prohibited from wearing it for more than 12 hours as she awaited arraignment. Although Green was permitted to take a new photo wearing her hijab “after several months of daily humiliation,” the thought of the old photo remaining in the system, where officials continue to view it every day, continues to cause her great harm.
The allegations also speak of occasions where facility officials “confiscated Green’s hijab and other religious items and refused to return them.” During a search of her cell, Green found that her misbahah, prayer beads often used by Muslims, had been destroyed, and in a subsequent search, her Quran was “tossed to the ground.” Moreover, the complaint asserts that Green was denied religious meals multiple times, specifically during Ramadan, during which inmates are allowed to apply for a modified meal schedule. This was particularly concerning for Green since she has Type 2 diabetes, and regular mealtimes during fasting are crucial in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Finally, the complaint emphasizes Green’s extreme “depression, overwhelming grief, and frequent emotional breakdowns that left her…confused about her faith and how to live her life.” In a press release, Green stated that because she was deprived of her hijab on so many occasions, she was “unable to pray” for herself and her family, including her mother, “who was dying from stage four cancer.” She said that she felt “traumatized and had a crisis of faith because of what happened.”
A CAIR-NY staff attorney said that “correctional officers are not above the law” and that “the right of incarcerated people to practice their religion must be respected.” Green asks for a trial by jury, seeking compensatory and punitive damages and injunctions to enjoin officials from committing repeat offenses.
Relatedly in 2010, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that police officers did not violate a Muslim woman’s religious rights by forcing her to remove her hijab. In 2020, a Virginia prison changed its clothing policies to allow religious head coverings. Whether prohibiting religious head coverings in prisons is constitutional remains to be observed.
Source: jurist.org
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/muslim-advocacy-group-sues-new-york-county-jail-for-forcefully-removing-inmates-hijab/
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The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women
RAHAF JAMBI
April 25, 2025
RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.
Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.
This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.
One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.
It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.
“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.
“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.
“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”
Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.
“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.
“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”
Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.
Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.
“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.
“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.
She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.
“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.
“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”
The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.
Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.
“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.
“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2598482/saudi-arabia
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Women Founders in African Tech: Success Stories
April 26, 2025
Kevin Mwangi
Women in Africa are reshaping tech by solving local challenges and driving progress in industries like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and education. Founders like Miishe Addy (Jetstream), Judy Njogu-Mokaya (VunaPay), and Nelly ChatueDiop (Ejara) are improving financial access, trade, and farming practices while mentoring others and creating opportunities. Despite barriers like limited funding and infrastructure issues, they succeed through mentorship, women-focused funding, and community support. Their work impacts underserved markets, promotes gender-balanced teams, and inspires the next wave of tech leaders.
Women Leaders Shaping African Tech
Women founders are making waves in Africa’s tech scene by creating solutions tailored to local challenges. Their leadership is driving progress across various industries, laying the groundwork for growth and innovation.
Transforming Key Industries
Female entrepreneurs are reshaping sectors like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and education. They’re enabling easier access to financial services, introducing modern farming techniques, improving healthcare systems, and redefining how people learn. These efforts target pressing issues and deliver real benefits to communities.
Creating Opportunities for Others
These leaders aren’t just building businesses – they’re nurturing the tech ecosystem. Through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and innovation hubs, they’re helping aspiring entrepreneurs find their footing. This collaborative approach strengthens the tech landscape and opens doors for future innovators.
The work of these trailblazing women highlights the immense potential of women-led tech initiatives to drive change and growth across Africa. Their stories are a testament to the power of leadership and innovation.
Women Founders Making an Impact
Miishe Addy: Transforming Trade with Jetstream
Miishe Addy founded Jetstream Africa to simplify the challenges of cross-border trade. By addressing issues like excessive paperwork and slow clearance procedures, her company has reshaped how African businesses handle international trade. Using digital tools, Jetstream Africa helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comply with trade regulations more easily, giving them access to global markets. This story highlights how technology can fuel growth in Africa’s tech sector.
Obstacles and Success Factors
Main Barriers to Entry
Women tech founders in Africa face significant hurdles. Limited funding often means they must prove their business models with very little capital. On top of that, cultural biases and traditional gender roles can make it harder for women to gain credibility during negotiations or investor pitches. A lack of professional networks further complicates the situation.
Unreliable internet and power infrastructure add another layer of difficulty. These technical challenges force women entrepreneurs to spend extra money on backup systems to keep their businesses running smoothly. Despite these setbacks, some targeted support systems are helping women navigate these challenges.
What Helps Women Founders Succeed
Several factors have been instrumental in helping women tech founders thrive in Africa. Mentorship networks play a crucial role by offering guidance at various stages of business growth. Organizations dedicated to advancing women in tech also help foster leadership and innovation.
Specialized funding programs are another game-changer. These programs not only provide capital but also offer business development support to close financing gaps.
Here’s a breakdown of some effective support mechanisms:
Digital literacy programs also play a pivotal role by enhancing technical skills and leadership abilities. Being active in tech communities allows women founders to tap into resources, share their experiences, and form meaningful partnerships that drive their ventures forward.
Learning from Success Stories
Tips for New Tech Leaders
Succeeding in Africa’s tech industry requires both strategy and resilience. Women founders highlight the importance of thorough market research and forming local partnerships. They focus on creating solutions that address regional challenges while meeting global expectations.
Here are some strategies that have worked well:
These approaches not only help build strong companies but also contribute to advancing the tech landscape across Africa.
Impact on African Tech Growth
By using these strategies, women-led tech companies are making a significant impact across the continent. Their achievements encourage more women to enter the tech field and promote the use of modern solutions in industries like fintech, agritech, and e-commerce.
Additionally, their mentorship efforts are strengthening Africa’s tech ecosystem, reshaping how investors view women-led businesses in the region.
FAQs
What challenges do women founders in African tech face, and how are they addressing them?
Women founders in African tech often face challenges such as limited access to funding, societal biases, and a lack of representation in leadership roles. These obstacles can make it harder for them to scale their startups or gain visibility in the industry.
To overcome these challenges, many women leverage mentorship programs, build strong professional networks, and participate in initiatives designed to support female entrepreneurs. Some also focus on creating innovative solutions that address unique local needs, helping them stand out in competitive markets. Their resilience and creativity continue to inspire a new generation of women leaders in tech.
How do mentorship programs and women-focused funding drive the success of women-led tech startups in Africa?
Mentorship programs and women-focused funding play a crucial role in empowering women-led tech startups in Africa. Mentorship provides guidance, industry insights, and networking opportunities, helping founders navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Having access to experienced mentors often accelerates growth and builds confidence in leadership.
Women-focused funding addresses the financial barriers many female entrepreneurs face, offering them the resources needed to scale their businesses. This targeted support fosters innovation, opens doors to new markets, and encourages more women to enter the tech space, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and success.
How are women founders driving change in underserved markets and promoting gender balance in the African tech industry?
Women founders in African tech are making significant strides in addressing underserved markets and fostering gender balance. By creating innovative solutions tailored to local challenges, they are opening up opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. Their efforts not only empower communities but also inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs.
Moreover, these trailblazing leaders are challenging traditional gender norms within the tech industry by advocating for diversity and inclusion. Their success stories highlight the importance of equal representation and demonstrate the transformative power of diverse leadership in driving sustainable growth across the continent.
Source: techinafrica.com
Source: techinafrica.com
https://www.techinafrica.com/women-founders-in-african-tech-success-stories/
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UAE champions women’s empowerment at BRICS ministerial meeting
25 April 2025
The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment on the global stage, taking part in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.
The Emirati delegation highlighted the UAE’s progress in gender balance, digital safety, entrepreneurship and climate leadership, with the active involvement of women.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, praised Brazil’s leadership of the BRICS group and stressed that women’s economic empowerment is a national priority and key to sustainable growth.
She outlined the UAE’s achievements, including laws supporting equal pay, parental leave and women's leadership in green innovation.
Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, showcased the UAE’s success in female entrepreneurship, noting that Emirati women make up 18 per cent of entrepreneurs, with over 77 per cent under the age of 40. The number of female entrepreneurs in the country increased to 25,000 by 2021.
Al Marri also addressed the UAE’s leadership in digital safety and climate action, with women holding key roles in the UAE’s COP28 delegation and space programme.
The UAE’s active participation reflects its ongoing efforts to collaborate globally on gender equality and create inclusive opportunities for women across all sectors.
Source: arnnewscentre.ae
https://www.arnnewscentre.ae/news/uae/uae-champions-womens-empowerment-at-brics-ministerial-meeting/
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Economic empowerment of women is a national priority, says President of UAE Gender Balance Council
The National
April 25, 2025
Gender balance is a priority for the UAE, said Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
Sheikha Manal made her comments at the Brics Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, the Dubai Government Media Office reported on Friday evening. Equal pay, parental leave and the full economic participation of women are at the forefront of the UAE's strategies, Sheikha Manal told the Brics meeting.
"Economic empowerment is not only a basic right for women; it is a national priority and a driver of sustainable growth and innovation," said Sheikha Manal, who said empowerment for women is a strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience. She pointed to the leadership role of women in the UAE in sectors such as in sustainability, solar energy and agriculture as proof of the Emirates' commitment to ensuring there is gender balance.
Last year, the UAE has ranked seventh on a global list of nations for efforts to promote gender equality. The nation also ranked first in the region on the Gender Inequality Index, which is part of a UN human development report. The meeting in Brazil also heard about the steps taken to prevent violence against women in the UAE.
“We’ve enacted strong laws to combat cyber harassment, hate speech and misinformation," said Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. "But we must go further and work together internationally to create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.”
The impact of Emirati women on the country's economy was also highlighted by Ms Al Marri. “Emirati women have made a lasting impact on our national economy,” she said. “Today, they represent 18 per cent of all entrepreneurs, and over 77 per cent are under 40. These achievements result from decades of progressive policies and leadership support.”
Source: thenationalnews.com
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/04/25/economic-empowerment-of-women-is-a-national-priority-says-president-of-uae-gender-balance-council/
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AR Rahman breaks silence on facing backlash over daughter Khatija’s hijab photo: ‘I am not qualified enough to argue with her’
Apr 25, 2025
Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman recently opened up about a long-standing controversy involving his daughter, Khatija Rahman. During a recent conversation, Rahman revisited the incident that once attracted widespread social media scrutiny—an old family photo featuring his daughter in a hijab.
Speaking on NayandeepRakshit’s podcast, Rahman discussed the picture in which Khatija was wearing a burqa at an event, while Rahman’s wife and other daughter, Raheema, were dressed differently. The image stirred up debate online, with many suggesting that the musician might have compelled her to wear it. Some fans even labelled him a “hypocrite” for allegedly imposing the outfit on her. Despite the assumptions, both Rahman and Khatija stood their ground and addressed the backlash with clarity and composure.
Rahman about Khatija's beliefs
Rahman praised his daughter for handling the negative attention with maturity. He reflected on the double-edged nature of being in the public eye and went on to share a personal anecdote, highlighting how self-assured Khatija is in her beliefs and communication. “My daughter has her own fan following, and the problem is that I am not even qualified to argue with her. She will send me two-page emails that are very articulately written, and you just sit there and admire it. I think there should be a book named ‘My Letters to Dad’,” he said with a proud smile.
Khatija's Reaction
Khatija had also issued a public statement at the time of the controversy. She clarified that it was her choice to wear the outfit. “The recent conversation of myself on stage with my dad has been doing the rounds, although I didn’t expect such an overwhelming response. However, there were certain comments which said that this attire is being forced by my dad and that he has double standards. I would like to say that the attire I wear or the choices I make in my life do not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice, with complete acceptance and honour.”
Rahman's family
Rahman recently ended his marriage with Saira Banu through a heartbreaking post on social media. The couple had been married since 1995 and decided to part ways last year, after almost three decades together. They have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.
Source: indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ar-rahman-breaks-silence-on-facing-backlash-over-daughter-khatijas-hijab-photo-i-am-not-qualified-enough-to-argue-with-her/articleshow/120621639.cms
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Beyond the hijab: discrimination against women pervades Iranian law
Maryam Sinaiee
APRIL 25, 2025
Camel-denominated blood money and minutes-long temporary marriages are among the peculiar features of a medieval theocratic legal system by which Iran systematically enforces second-class citizenship on women.
Iran’s Sharia-based legal system contains a litany of provisions that discriminate against women, particularly in the areas of criminal, family, and inheritance law.
The measures go far beyond state enforcement of the Islamic face veil, which has become a symbol of the system's attempt to control and dominate women for the Islamic Republic's near-half-century existence.
Under Iran’s interpretation of Shia Islamic law, the age of legal responsibility differs significantly between girls and boys. Girls are considered legally responsible at the age of 9 lunar years (approximately 8 years and 9 months), while boys reach legal responsibility at 15 lunar years.
This age disparity has been repeatedly criticized by child rights advocates and international organizations. Some have proposed that the age of criminal responsibility for both girls and boys be equal, with a minimum threshold of at least 18 years. However, no such legal reform has been enacted to date.
Moreover, in criminal proceedings, the testimony of two women is considered equivalent to that of one man in most cases.
The concept of blood money (diyeh)—financial compensation paid by an offender to the victim’s family in cases of murder or manslaughter—is also unequal.
The amount paid for a female victim is half of what is paid for a male victim. The base amount is determined annually by Iran's Chief Justice, based on the value of 100 camels.
In some cases, women may face harsher penalties than men. Women can receive the death penalty for killing their children, whereas the legal response is legally and practically often less when a man commits a similar crime.
In addition to legal punishment for murder or manslaughter, for instance, a woman who kills her child must pay blood money to the father. Fathers and paternal grandfathers, however, are exempt from paying blood money to the mother in such cases due to their sole legal entitlement to their children’s blood money.
Marriage, Polygamy and Divorce
Regardless of age, women require the consent of their father or paternal grandfather to enter into a first marriage. Men, however, face no such restriction.
Men are also legally permitted to engage in polygamy, with the possibility of marrying up to four wives simultaneously through a court order.
They may enter into temporary marriages (known as sigheh or mut'ah) for a fixed period—ranging from minutes to years—without court approval or official registration.
These marriages automatically dissolve when the agreed-upon time expires.
For divorce, men legally hold the unilateral right to dissolve a marriage at will. Women, on the other hand, must apply to a court and present proof of their husband’s failure to fulfil obligations such as providing housing, food or healthcare.
They must also demonstrate that they have fulfilled their own marital duties, including obedience to their husband in areas such as sex and permission to leave the home.
Iranian law allows men to prevent their wives from traveling or taking up certain jobs, unless the woman obtains a power of attorney from her husband—either at the time of marriage or afterward—granting her the right to travel, work or initiate divorce.
Guardianship and Custody
Fathers have exclusive legal guardianship over their children. Mothers can only obtain guardianship if the father is dead and the paternal grandfather does not object.
In divorce cases, mothers retain custody only until the child reaches age seven, after which custody typically reverts to the father. Once a girl reaches 9 and a boy reaches 15 (the ages of adulthood in Shia law), they may choose which parent they will live with.
However, the father - or paternal grandfather, if the father has passed away - continues to be the legal guardian of children, often maintaining control over key aspects of their lives.
Additionally, women automatically lose custody of their children if they remarry, as long as the father is still alive.
Inheritance
In inheritance, a woman’s share is half that of a male heir in comparable circumstances.
For example, a daughter inherits half the amount her brother does. A widow is entitled to one-eighth of her husband's estate if they had children, or one-fourth if childless. The remaining assets typically go to the husband’s family.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202504236401
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/middle-east-women-supercar-rally-uae/d/135326