Muslim And Jewish Women Break Ramadan Fast At Auschwitz During March Of The Living
New Age Islam News Bureau
21 April 2023
• Muslim And Jewish Women Break Ramadan Fast At
AuschwitzDuring March Of The Living
• UP Police Arrest Rohingya Woman And Her Three
Daughters For Illegally Residing In India For 17 Years
• Women In The Arab World: Partners For
Development And Economic Prosperity
• ‘We Are Still Playing’: Women’s Football
Defiant In The Ukraine
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-jewish-ramadan-auschwitz/d/129621
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Muslim And Jewish Women Break Ramadan Fast At Auschwitz During March Of The Living
Jemma
Levine and Hifsa Iqbal-Haroon, Nisa Nashim
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By
MICHELLE ROSENBERG
April
21, 2023
Two
members of a Jewish Muslim women’s network shared an Iftar, the breaking of the
fast during Ramadan, outside Auschwitz during March of the Living.
Hifsa
Iqbal-Haroon, Nisa-Nashim chair, and Jemma Levine, deputy director of Hope not
Hate, shared a kosher dinner prepared in advance of the sunset Iftar.
Over
meat, vegetables, fruit and pastries, they reflected together on the harrowing
experience of visiting the death camp in Poland.
It was
just one of numerous shared iftars this month where Jewish and Muslim women
from Nisa-Nashim celebrated the holy month of Ramadan together all round the
country, using it as an opportunity to host women refugees, visit iconic
venues, build stronger friendships and find out more about both the holy month
of Ramadan and the festival of Passover.
Nisa-Nashim
members attended iftar meals together at the Natural History Museum, in
Trafalgar Square, at the Central Mosque London, JW3, the Al-Khoie Mosque, The
Baitul Futuh in Morden, Birmingham Liberal synagogue, Clifton Road Mosque
Birmingham, Alyth Reform Synagogue, Palmers Green Mosque and in homes all
around the country.
They
also hosted their own iftar at the Jewish Vegetarian Society with the Persian
Advice Bureau, where women cooked and ate with asylum seeker women living with
their children in hotels in north London.
Laura
Marks, co-founder of Nisa-Nashim said: “The iftar is an incredible phenomenon,
bringing people together at the end of a long day of fasting. Its power is palpable, forming connections,
learning about Islam, sharing reflections and of course, savouring delicious
food. Sharing such experiences brings
us, as Jewish and Muslim women, ever closer.”
Hifsa
Iqbal-Haroon, Nisa-Nashim chair, said: “Traditionally, iftars have been a
wonderful way to celebrate the ending of a long day of fasting, with family and
friends. This year, here in Poland, it has been profound breaking my fast with
my supportive, caring Jewish Nisa-Nashim sister Jemma. Ramadan is a time to
reflect as together we have tried to make sense of the utterly
incomprehensible”.
Jemma
Levine, deputy director of Hope Not Hate, said: “Being with Hifsa to break her
fast, after a harrowing day spent together visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau on
the eve of Yom HaShoah was such a powerful way to join together. To join her
for iftar after the emotions of the day was incredibly special”
Source: jewishnews.co.uk
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/muslim-and-jewish-women-break-ramadan-fast-at-auschwitz/
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UP Police Arrest Rohingya Woman And Her Three Daughters For Illegally Residing In India For 17 Years
The
woman was arrested from Moradabad (Image Source: OpIndia Hindi)
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20
April, 2023
On
Monday, April 17, a Rohingya woman and her three daughters, who came from
Bangladesh to India around seventeen years ago, were arrested by Uttar Pradesh
police. The Rohingya woman had obtained a fake Aadhaar card, voter card, and
other Indian documents. The woman has been identified as Fatima, who is also
known as Amina alias Moti, and is recognized by the locals as the wife of one
Nisar Ali from Muradabad.
The
police arrested Fatima and her three daughters Rihana, Gulshan, and Arshi after
receiving a tip from an informer. Moreover, Fatima’s husband Nisar has also
been arrested. During police interrogation, Nisar admitted that he knew about
Fatima’s illegal entry into India before their marriage.
For the
past 6-7 months, all of these people have been residing in a rented house on
street number 8 in Moradabad’s Katghar area. Fatima admitted upon questioning
that she came from Bangladesh to India 17 years ago illegally. She then began
working in a meat factory in Meerut adding that she first met Nisar at this
factory.
In order
to get Indian citizenship, she claimed to have married a much younger Nisar
several years ago. After that, Nisar obtained everyone’s Aadhaar, PAN, and
voter identification cards, and opened their bank accounts. Nisar, in all the
ways possible, assisted them in becoming citizens. Fatima’s first husband
passed away, and then she got married to Nisar. Her first spouse left her with
three daughters, all of whom have also been arrested.
Additionally,
10 counterfeit PAN cards, e-labor cards, Aadhaar cards, and other cards have
been found on them. A complaint has been filed against the accused under
sections 419, 420, 467, and 471 of the IPC and section 14C of the Foreigners
Act of 1946, according to Rajesh Kumar Solanki, the in-charge of the Katghar
police station. Following the arrest, the police brought all four before the
court and then lodged them all in jail.
Source: opindia.com
https://www.opindia.com/2023/04/up-police-arrest-bangladeshi-woman-three-daughters-illegally-residing-india/
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Women in
the Arab world: Partners for development and economic prosperity
APRIL
20, 2023
Empowered
Arab Women: Education Investments as a Catalyst for Regional Growth
The Arab
region has seen significant progress in education, particularly for women,
thanks to the ambitious Visions for 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Governments have prioritised education reform to
break generational cycles of poverty, inequality, and stagnant economic growth,
leading to Arab women excelling in education and driving regional prosperity.
Increased
investment in education has resulted in higher literacy rates and enrollment
for women, with Arab women now surpassing men in primary, secondary, and
tertiary education.
Women in
the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region account for 57% of STEM
graduates, outperforming their counterparts in the United States and Europe.
These achievements highlight the commitment of governments to ensure inclusive
and quality education for all (SDG 4).
As Arab
women attain higher education levels, they are breaking gender barriers and
advancing in previously male-dominated professions. They now hold high-level
leadership positions across various sectors, including finance, aviation,
business, technology, academia, research, and STEM careers.
Arab
women are also increasing their presence on corporate boards and in executive
leadership positions, with 32% of family-owned companies in the Gulf having
female board members.
Entrepreneurship
is another area where Arab women are excelling, as they opt for business
ownership over traditional employment. Governments are investing significantly
to improve the rate of women-led businesses in the MENA region, which currently
stands at 5% compared to a global average of up to 26%.
Though
the numbers are still low, this trend is inspiring the next generation of young
Arab women business leaders and fueling innovation and social enterprise.
However,
it is essential to recognise the varying experiences of women across the Arab
region. While labour laws and entrepreneurial environments in the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) states are largely gender-neutral, women outside the
GCC often struggle to navigate bureaucracy, access finance or training due to
legal and regulatory frameworks.
Additionally,
Arab women are particularly active in the agricultural sector, maintaining
regional rural economies and food security. However, their contributions are
often downplayed and not fully recognised.
Another
challenge facing women in the MENA region is their over-representation in
public employment, which limits the growth of the small and medium-sized
enterprise (SME) economy. In some countries, women’s employment in the private
sector averages only 20% or less, pointing to the need for further reforms and
initiatives to support women’s private sector economic participation.
In
conclusion, investment in education in the Arab region has enabled Arab women
to excel academically and professionally, driving societal and regional
progress towards the Global Goals. Supporting and investing in the education
and empowerment of Arab women is crucial to unlocking the region’s full
potential for growth and development. Though there has been notable progress,
this is only the first step, more initiatives are needed to further women’s
participation in the private sector.
Arab
women in politics: shaping a more equal and prosperous future
women in
trade construction
Arab
women’s progress in education and the economy has led to a parallel rise in
their political and parliamentary representation. They have ascended in the
legal profession, judiciary, and diplomatic roles, promoting women’s voices in
societal development and the international community.
As Arab
women serve as governors, ambassadors, and diplomats worldwide, their
engagement in political structures and legislative processes becomes crucial
for long-lasting empowerment across all sectors.
Despite
these advancements, the overall rate of parliamentary participation for women
in Arab states stands at 18.6%, compared to Europe’s 30% and Asia’s 21%.
The UAE
leads the way with 50% representation, followed by Egypt (28%), Iraq (29%), and
Morocco (23%). In contrast, Algeria (8%) and Lebanon (5%) lag behind. Morocco
boasts gender-progressive laws, while Saudi Arabia has made substantial
progress, with women holding 20% of parliamentary seats and 30 Shura Council
seats.
The
increase in women’s representation in Arab parliaments has correspondingly
improved their legal rights and positions. However, Arab women still face
universal constraints on political participation and are underrepresented in
ministerial positions, far behind the 16% global average share of female
ministers in 2022. Cultural resistance hinders their ability to fully exercise
agency in public life.
Looking
ahead, we should be proud of Arab women and hopeful for a more equal,
prosperous future where women are leaders and powerful forces for change.
Challenges remain, many of which are universal and not exclusive to the MENA
region. Women’s economic inclusion and equality are global issues, affecting
every region and economy.
Female
labour-force participation in the Arab world is the lowest globally, at 18%.
Societal norms and traditions limit women’s opportunities, often confining them
to family and household care.
Many
women graduate from universities but do not enter the workforce for the reasons
above. Those who do choose to pursue careers often struggle to progress beyond
entry or mid-career levels, particularly after starting families. Additionally,
legislation is not always implemented effectively, and region-wide challenges
include inadequate support after career breaks, lack of flexible working
models, and barriers to finance and networking opportunities for female
entrepreneurs.
Steps to
promote equity for Arab women
To
overcome these challenges, we must work together across borders, connecting and
learning from each other to break down stereotypes and address the obstacles
faced by female entrepreneurs.
We need
inclusive legislation, policies, and programs that work for women and families,
and education systems that inspire graduates to pursue their passions and
tackle development challenges. Entrepreneurship and digital jobs hold great
potential for Arab women, who are breaking new ground in technology, digital
marketing, advertising, and e-commerce.
Governments,
the private sector, civil society, and women entrepreneurs must collaborate to
create a stable environment for innovation and creativity in the digital
economy. This collaboration entails fostering an innovation culture, STEM
education, digital literacy, and cooperation between universities, the private
sector, governments, and international development institutions.
The
challenges to women’s economic inclusion and entrepreneurship are universal,
but by working collaboratively and collectively, we can overcome these barriers
and support each other in building bridges and businesses, shaping a more equal
and prosperous future for all.
In conclusion,
empowering women in all spheres, particularly in the economy and
entrepreneurship, is essential for achieving global development, prosperity,
peace, and progress.
Women’s
empowerment is not only morally right but also an economic imperative. Women
serve as engines of economic growth, and their empowerment benefits families,
communities, and economies. With increased awareness and commitment, we can
break down barriers and achieve gender diversity in the Arab workforce,
fostering a better world for all.
Source: tradefinanceglobal.com
https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/posts/women-arab-world-partners-development-economic-prosperity/
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‘We Are
Still Playing’: Women’s Football Defiant In The Ukraine
April
21, 2023
KYIV: It
has been over a year since Yana Vinokurova, president of the women’s football
club in Mariupol, Ukraine, has been able to play a game at her home field.
The
32-year-old has led the club for the past seven years. Her team was always
self-reliant, cooking and selling dumplings to fund their training and
activities.
Six
years before the Russian invasion, Vinokurova bought a house in Mariupol, and
later opened a cafe. Life was good.
On Feb.
22, 2022, she met with the Ukrainian head of the local football federation to
discuss future plans and support for her team. Just two days later, the Kremlin
launched what it called “a special military operation” in Ukraine. The
subsequent war has resulted in the death or injury of 100,000 Ukrainian
soldiers and 180,000 Russian troops, according to recent estimates. The Office
of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights verified at least 8,300 civilian
deaths as of mid-March.
Mariupol,
a city which once had a population of around 425,000, was formerly a thriving
center of industry and tourism. It was home to several resorts for tourists
visiting the Sea of Azov, as well as vast iron and steel manufacturing
facilities.
The
siege of Mariupol lasted for almost three months, with Russian forces
encircling the city by March. By the end of May, the last Ukrainian holdouts
surrendered to Russian forces, and Mariupol has remained under Russian control
since.
The city
has endured relentless shelling. Moscow denies intentionally targeting
civilians or critical infrastructure, but Ukrainian officials say Russian
forces carried out deliberate, targeted strikes designed to cut water, power
and food supplies to the city and its inhabitants.
Russian
authorities claim that residents of Mariupol are returning to the city, and
accuse Ukrainian troops of violations ranging from targeting and killing
civilians to mining medical facilities before the Russian takeover. Ukrainian
authorities estimate that less than one-quarter of the population remains in
Mariupol, and that 95 percent of the city has been destroyed.
“For
those who didn’t experience the siege, they can never really comprehend what it
was like. But that is why it is important to keep talking about it,” Vinokurova
told Arab News over coffee in Kyiv.
She said
she received a call from a team member on Feb. 24 last year telling her the war
had started, and not long after began hearing the sound of explosions.
Some
members of the football team fled Mariupol, and Vinokurova housed the remaining
seven players in her house.
“I had
never really explored my basement, despite living in the house for a long time.
But it became our safe place. We tried to make the best out of a horrible
situation. We had to live in the basement to seek safety from the shelling. We
were lucky to have bought one of the last power generators in Mariupol. We were
still cold, however.”
At the
height of the siege, Vinokurova said, some shops tripled their prices. “We
organized ourselves and split responsibilities; some for water, some for gas,
and some for food.”
Vinokurova
and her teammates attempted to distract themselves from the trauma of the siege
at least once a week. “We’d switch on the generator longer than usual for a
night. We watched a movie and pretend we were at a movie theater. We also
played cards every evening to pass the time,” she said.
At
times, the women felt safe enough to move from the basement upstairs to the
main living area of the house, where it was warmer, but their luck never
lasted.
“The
basement couldn’t house all of us, so we manufactured our own furniture. We
made bunk beds. We were wearing all the layers of clothing we had, as it was
freezing, but we never caught a cold. I think we were much too stressed and
focused on survival to get sick.”
When
humanitarian corridors opened for civilian evacuation in May 2022, the team
initially decided to stay.
“My
house, my cafe — they were the first things I owned in life. It was very
difficult for me to leave them behind. The Russians destroyed my cafe. We
finally made the difficult decision to leave. I understood the lives of my
girls were much more important than anything else. And so, we packed ourselves
up: seven girls, one big dog and five cats in a tiny white Renault car.”
The
women left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
As they were
driving out of Mariupol, a rocket exploded nearby, shattering the car’s
windows. The women panicked.
“We
still kept going, there was no other choice,” Vinokurova said.
At the
first Russian checkpoint, Vinokurova noticed she had left her car identification
papers at home. Russian soldiers accused her of stealing the vehicle.
“Between
the girls who were panicking, the cats and the dog, I didn’t catch early on
that the occupiers just wanted a bribe to let us go. My friend and the coach of
the team, Karina (Kulakovska), started crying and screaming at the Russian
soldiers, telling them they’re merciless and soulless; that her mother is 75
and she is rushing to see her. Eventually they let us go.”
The
women crossed 29 checkpoints. What usually would be a few hours’ drive to the
port city of Berdyansk took 29 hours. The women slept in the car, with no
windows, in below-zero temperatures.
When
they reached Berdyansk, volunteers offered them sausages, sweets and water.
“All we
wanted was bread,” Vinokurova said.
Having
finally arrived at their destination, they spent the night, warm at last, at a
house owned by a teammate’s relative.
“But
something kept tugging at my heart. I couldn’t just leave Mariupol, and leave
my neighbors and other civilians behind,” Vinokurova said. “So, I made the
decision to go back. Karina (Kulakovska), my closest friend and the coach,
decided to come back with me as well.”
Vinokurova’s
mother broke down in tears when told of daughter’s plan. “She begged me not to,
but she knows my character; there was no convincing me otherwise.”
With
most civilians too afraid to help, Vinokurova struggled to find a van to rent
for the return journey. But eventually she found a man named Vanya who owned a
bus. Vanya not only offered the use of the vehicle for free, but also decided
to drive them back to Mariupol to help with the evacuation of civilians.
“That
man is a hero; there’s no other way to refer to him. When civilians nearby
heard of our plan to go back to Mariupol, they donated 200 kg of chicken
fillets, baby food, fruit and other products,” she said.
Vinokurova,
Kulakovska and Vanya piled into the bus and returned to Mariupol. Once back in
their city, they came across Russian soldiers who promised them hot water, but
did not deliver on their pledge. The trio evacuated over 100 civilians and
distributed the goods they had to those who remained behind.
“After
our mission was done and we returned to safety, the trauma of it all came
crashing down on me. I didn’t realize the danger of my mission while I was in
it. I had to seek mental help. I saw a therapist for several months and have
finally started to feel better, but those memories will never leave me. I am
not sure I even want them to,” Vinokurova said.
The
Mariupol women’s football team still plays on, even taking part in tournaments.
Most of their key players have left town and been replaced by other locals. The
team, although usually self-reliant, is now looking for sponsors to help them
keep playing.
“We are
alive. The cats are doing fine, and the dog still covers his ears and cowers
every time he hears a loud noise, but we are here. We are still playing, and we
hope to find sponsors to help us keep playing.”
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2290691/football
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