Iranian Engineer, Zeinab Kazemi, Who Protested Forced Hijab Sentenced to 74 Lashes
New Age Islam News
Bureau
08 September 2023
·
Iranian Engineer, Zeinab Kazemi, Who Protested
Forced Hijab Sentenced to 74 Lashes
·
After Five Years Of Driving, Roadblocks Remain For Saudi
Women
·
Trans-Woman Prevented From Donating Blood In Kolkata
·
Muslim Women Seek Unity To Strengthen Ummah
·
Saudi Journalist Empowering Women With Real Stories
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/iranian-zeinab-kazemi-hijab-lashes/d/130633
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Iranian
Engineer, Zeinab Kazemi, Who Protested Forced Hijab Sentenced to 74 Lashes
Zeinab
Kazemi - Founder and board of directors - Shemiranat Association of civil and
Facility Engineers
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SEPTEMBER
7, 2023
An
Iranian woman who made headlines in February after protesting the mandatory
hijab during a meeting of engineers in Tehran has been sentenced to 74 lashes
for "offending public decency."
The
sentence, which was handed down on September 7, is suspended for five years,
meaning that the punishment will be carried out if Zeinab Kazemi commits
another "criminal offense” during that period.
"I
have never regretted raising my voice for justice and against oppression, and I
still don't," the defiant engineer wrote on Instagram after the
sentencing.
In a
video published on social media on February 17, Kazemi protested against her
disqualification from a vote at the Tehran Engineers Assembly due to
noncompliance with the Islamic Republic’s compulsory hijab rules.
"I
do not recognize the assembly that does not allow candidates to run for not
wearing a headscarf," she said before throwing her hijab on the stage and
leaving.
She
also referred to the violence and abuse that Iranian women who refuse to wear a
head covering are facing in Iran.
Kazemi's
action was met with applause by the audience and widespread approval on social
media, with many praising her courage amid a wave of protests sparked by the
September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in custody after being detained by
police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly.
All
women in Iran must conceal their hair with a hijab while in public and wear
loose fitting trousers under their coats.
A
growing number of Iranian women who refuse to wear a head covering have been
arrested and prosecuted, while dozens of businesses have been closed for
failing to enforce compulsory hijab rules for women visitors.
Source:
iranwire.com/en
https://iranwire.com/en/women/120227-iranian-engineer-who-protested-forced-hijab-sentenced-to-74-lashes/
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After
Five Years Of Driving, Roadblocks Remain For Saudi Women
After
Five Years Of Driving, Roadblocks Remain For Saudi Women
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AFP |
Jul
07, 2023
Human
rights campaigners argue that the reforms are not as deep as they appear, with
women still facing discrimination and being targeted by the government.
It
has been five years since Jawhara al-Wabili became one of Saudi Arabia's first
women drivers -- a reform she saw as revolutionary, even as some activists
dismissed it as window-dressing.
"I
drove as soon as it was authorised," the 55-year-old from the central city
of Buraidah proudly told AFP, recalling a milestone that drew global attention
to sweeping social changes fast-tracked by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,
the conservative kingdom's de facto ruler.
Wabili
has gone on to give free driving lessons to other women, sharing a skill she
views as essential in a country sorely lacking in public transportation.
It is
just one example, she says, of how women's rights have blossomed in recent
years, allowing them to become ambassadors, bank directors, university
administrators and even astronauts. Saudi scientist Rayyanah Barnawi took part
in a mission to the International Space Station just this past May.
The
changes can also be felt in daily life, especially now that the religious
police have been sidelined and rules requiring gender segregation in public and
the wearing of abaya robes have been scrapped.
But
some human rights campaigners cast doubt on how deep the reforms actually run,
stressing that women have been ensnared by a broader campaign of arrests
targeting government critics.
Their
ranks include some of the very women who led the campaign for driving licences.
"We
have more and more women in prisons, either for not wearing abaya or, you know,
for dancing in public or for tweeting their opinions, whatever the subject,
even on unemployment," said Lina al-Hathloul, head of monitoring and communication
for the rights group ALQST.
"We're
really in a state of constant fear of people not knowing really what is
happening, or whether they're allowed to do something or not."
Challenging
tradition
Saudi
officials, unsurprisingly, try to keep the spotlight on the progress women have
made, seeking to recast their long-closed-off country, known primarily for
being the world's biggest crude exporter, as open for business and tourists.
At
events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, they tout the fact that the
proportion of Saudi women in the workforce has more than doubled since 2016,
from 17 percent to 37 percent.
"After
the driving decision, we saw that all policies that followed have challenged
the traditional role of women in the Saudi society, which gave her only one
role to play -- raising children," said Najah Alotaibi, a Saudi analyst
based in London.
The
new reality strikes visitors from the moment they get off the plane and, in
many cases, have their passports stamped by smiling, English-speaking female
customs agents.
As
they move around the country, they encounter women driving for Uber, working as
mechanics and even conducting a high-speed train that ferries pilgrims to
Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.
Discriminatory
provisions'
What
goes on in their own homes, however, can be another matter.
"All
of these reforms are legal changes -- they are reforms in writing, but that
doesn't automatically mean they are reforms in practice," said Sussan
Saikali of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.
A
long-awaited personal status law that took effect last year, billed by Riyadh
as "progressive", has been criticised for containing what Human
Rights Watch described as "discriminatory provisions against women
concerning marriage, divorce, and decisions about their children".
Saudi
activist Hala al-Dosari, based in the United States, points out that in
conservative families, women continue to be at the mercy of their male
guardians.
Some
women are "under the illusion that because of the opening of public
spaces, because of the ease of restrictions on women's dress code and gender
mixing, they can now navigate those spaces more freely," she said.
But
many remain "victims of either state oppression or their own
families".
Dangers
persist for those who speak out.
Saudi
prosecutors recently accused women's rights activist Manahel al-Otaibi of
launching a "propaganda campaign", citing social media posts in which
she challenged the guardianship laws and what she described as continued forced
wearing of the abaya.
Otaibi
was referred to the Specialised Criminal Court, which tries terrorism cases and
last year sentenced Leeds University PhD student Salma Al-Shehab to 34 years'
in jail for tweets critical of the government.
Activists
believe Saudi authorities are focused primarily on improving their image, and
that's why the criticism rankles them, Saikali said.
“Unfortunately,
arresting people for speaking out doesn't exactly help their image either.”
Source:
hindustantimes.com
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saudi-arabia-women-rights-after-five-years-of-driving-roadblocks-remain-for-saudi-women-101688703711038.html
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Trans-woman
prevented from donating blood in Kolkata
08th
August 2023
By
IANS
KOLKATA:
A transgender woman was prevented from donating blood at a donation camp by a
state government health worker on gender identity grounds.
The
health worker finally agreed to allow the trans-woman to donate the blood
following objections by the organisers and Queer-rights activists. But the
health worker's approval came with weird interpretations of the sexual
orientation of transgender persons and why they are medically risky of being
allowed to donate blood.
Speaking
to IANS, noted city-based transgender rights activist and popular elocutionist
Anurag Maitrayee, who raised the voice of protest after the trans-woman was
prevented from donating blood, said that the event happened at a blood-donation
camp in the city on August 6 which was organised by an NGO Manusher Pashe
Thakar Angikar (Promise to stand by people).
“I
was a guest speaker on the occasion. While the blood donation process was on
suddenly it was brought to our notice that a state government health worker
prevented a trans-woman from donating blood on gender identity grounds. The
woman health worker argued that medical guidelines do not allow transgender
persons, who are often on hormonal treatment, to donate blood.
"I
and the NGO secretary Biswajit Saha immediately intervened and demanded a copy
of the specific guideline that prevents transgender persons from donating
blood. Unable to furnish that guideline document or logically present a
counter-argument, the health workers ultimately had to allow the transgender
persons assembled there to donate blood. But her approval came with lots of
weird observations on the sexual orientation of transgender persons,” Maitrayee
said.
Saha
said that the development was most unfortunate since before the blood donation
camp started he had sensitised the health workers about the participation of
trans persons in the camp.
Another
transgender activist and former member of the West Bengal Transgender
Development Board Aparna Banerjee told IANS that it is most unfortunate that
despite anti-discriminatory orders from the Supreme Court of India, proper
sensitisation of the government functionary is yet to be achieved.
“We
have already sent a representation to the state government in the matter,"
Banerjee said.
According
to the general secretary of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights
(APDR) Ranjit Sur told IANS that this a serious case of human rights violation
where a person is prevented from performing a social duty on grounds of
gender-identity of that person. “When such discriminatory action comes from a
government employee, who is associated with the critical sector of healthcare,
the matter becomes even more serious,” he said.
Source:
newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kolkata/2023/aug/08/trans-woman-prevented-from-donating-blood-in-kolkata-2603237.html
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Muslim
women seek unity to strengthen Ummah
Shakirah Adunola
08
September 2023
Al-Mu’minaat
(The Believing Women) has called on Muslim women to come together and
positively impact humanity with their pristine virtues of fidelity,
forthrightness, modesty and honesty known as innate characteristics of
womenfolk.
Speaking
during the grand finale of Al Muminat week which brought together Muslim women
from different Islamic organisations, including the women wings of NASFAT,
Qareeb, Izhaarul Haqq, Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP), and Akhwaat, as
well as FOMWAN, among others, the Lagos State Amirah (President) of
Al-Mu’minaat, Hajia Bushrah Adeagbo-Jubril said Muslim women are raising the
next generation of leaders and ambassadors, adding that the world cannot do
without them.
She
commended all invited organisations and members for their attendance at the
event which she described as wonderful.
“Today
is Women’s/Unity Day, the last day to wrap up this intense and wonderful week,
where we will be looking at the topic: Muslim Women, The Nation Builders. It is
indeed a great way to draw curtains on our activities for the 1445AH
Al-Mu’minaat week! Alhamdulillah!
“If
we need a reminder, then I want to tell us all that we (Muslimahs) are super
amazing creatures. By Allah’s design, the world cannot do without us. We have
all the power and energy to make the world a better place. If we need any
evidence, then let us ponder on what we are doing in our various houses, with
our various families. We are raising the next generation of leaders and
ambassadors for Islam, and it is not an easy task. Who else will do it, if not
us?”
Adeagbo-Jubril
said she was fulfilled with the various activities held to mark the week,
expressing hope that participants would become better individuals.
“The
value of women in Islam is undeniable to any logical mind. Women are the
mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters of society (raisers of generations,
builders of nations). Women play important roles in raising upright children,
upholding Islam in the home, and establishing religious values to those around
them and beyond,” she said.
Also,
the Amirah called on governments at all levels to live up to their electoral
promises.
She
said the fuel subsidy removal policy is good but the immediate consequences are
impacting adversely on citizens, advocating fair distribution of palliatives
and repair of refineries.
“We
enjoin the government to execute policies and programmes that will make life
meaningful and impactful to the citizenry. The economic policy of stopping the
fraudulent oil subsidy regime is no doubt commendable but the people are not
enjoying the immediate consequences. So we implore the government to ensure
that the palliatives are distributed with fairness and equity, not for only
political party members.
“We
also demand that our refineries be repaired and new ones built to crash the
prices of petroleum products. In addition, efforts should be geared in the
direction of making more vehicle engines that would be fueled by Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG). Policies and investment in this alternative fuel will no
doubt make our economy better, in Shaa Allah.”
The
Chairperson, Planning Committee, Al-Mu’minaat Week, Hajia Baliqees Abdullah,
said other activities highlighted during the week included a medical caravan
across the 21 LGAs which featured a sensitisation on arthritis and free medical
checkup for hepatitis, malaria and blood sugar, as well as visitation to
Atinuke Memorial Home for the Disabled in Badagry, where they donated
wheelchairs, mattresses and other items to support the facility.
“Another
highlight of the week was the launch of a borehole at Orisha Village, along
Magodo area of Lagos State, as a special community service to the state and a
tour to media houses.”
The
Guest Lecturer, Hajia Adedeji Rukayat Adebisi, said Muslim women should
prioritise the fear of Allah (taqwa) in all their endeavours.
“A
Muslim woman is a unique woman who understands the purpose of her creation. She
believes in Allah as her Lord and Sustainer. Her way of life is guided by the
Qur’an and Islam. She does not do anything except whatever Allah has instructed
her to do.
“This
is the type of woman Allah describes in the Holy Qur’an (Chapter 60 Verse 12)
where Allah commanded the Prophet (SAW) that when women come to you to take the
oath of allegiance, they should pledge that they would never associate partners
with Allah. The Muslimah we are talking about is the one who will never
associate partners with Allah. She will not steal others’ property. She is not
a rumour monger and she takes care of her home. She is obedient to her husband
and takes care of her child(ren) the right way. In society, she is honest and
at work, she is the best whether as a public or private sector worker,” she
said.
Source:
guardian.ng
https://guardian.ng/features/friday-worship/muslim-women-seek-unity-to-strengthen-ummah/
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Saudi
journalist empowering women with real stories
September
07, 2023
RIYADH:
Saudi journalist Balqees Basalom started an online platform to shed light on
Arab women role models to help young girls in the Gulf Cooperation Council area
find inspiring women to look upto.
“I
was inspired to do this platform for the girls who grew up without a female
role model,” Basalom told Arab News.
“Balqees
for Her” releases a weekly newsletter, and is staffed entirely by women.
“In
our newsletter, for instance, we discuss music and then write about well-known
Gulf women who are musicians. After that, we provide the reader with some
advice on how to pursue a career in music and other related topics. We provide
how-to guidelines so that people can achieve that aim, in addition to
highlighting stories,” she added.
They
also hightlight topics on how women can be leaders or financially sound. The
platform features successful stories of Gulf women who achieved their dreams in
music, yoga, and engineering, among other fields.
Saudi
journalist Balqees Basalom started an online platform to shed light on Arab
women role models. (Supplied)
The
newsletter and the social media platforms received huge feedback from young
women in the gulf.
“We
received many messages from girls telling us how much they love our newsletter
and how much we inspire them, and this is my goal from the beginning, to make
an inspiring platform for women.”
A
discussion Basalom had with a friend regarding his sisters’ educations and how
they were never encouraged to work led her to launch the website.
The
friend told Basalom that his sisters, who were the first in the family to get a
college degree, were unemployed, simply because there was no one to encourage
or motivate them to do so.
“Many
of these girls are very clever, like his sisters, who are very ambitious, but
some of them may not have these role models, who they would look up to and say
‘I want to be like them.’ These girls may not have been fortunate enough to
have a great role model in their lives. So, I made the decision to launch this
social platform,” she explained.
Balqees’
platform also holds live events where they bring someone inspiring and have a
live session with them.
They
also had an event at Expo 2020 Dubai at the Saudi pavilion, and held similar
sessions in Riyadh, Makkah, and other cities in the Gulf.
At
the Dubai event, Basalom hosted Emirati national Manar Al-Hinai, an
award-winning journalist, writer, author and entrepreneur. She is also the
co-founder of SIKKA Magazine, a leading independent magazine in the Arab world
related to arts, culture and literature.
She
is also the co-founder and director of the Gulf Art Museum, the first digital
museum in the Arab Gulf countries to display works by artists and photographers
from the region. Al-Hinai won the prestigious Arab Women’s Award in 2011 and
2020, and was listed as one of the most inspiring people in the UAE in 2012 and
2014.
In
the Bahrain session, Balqees platform interviewed Wafa Al-Obaidat, the founder
and CEO of Playbook, an educational technology company that aims to accelerate
women's career growth.
Al-Obaidat
is the founder and CEO of the leading public relations and design agency Obi
& Hill. She hosts the “Women’s Power” podcast, and has been ranked among
the 50 most powerful businesswomen in the Gulf. She has appeared in Wamda,
Harper's Bazaar Arabia, and Entrepreneur magazine, and is the recipient of
several awards, including the MasterCard’s Pioneers of Tomorrow Award.
A
session in Makkah was with consultant and educational administration expert Dr.
Maryam Abdullah Sorour Al-Sabban, who is the owner and president of the
Musanada Center for Administrative Educational Consultations and Studies, a
member of the advisory board of the Umm Al-Qura Women’s Charitable Society, and
a member of the board of directors of Al-Faisaliah Women’s Charitable Society
in Jeddah.
Basalom
thanked the platform’s readers and supporters for making it a success, and
thanked investor Richard Fitzgerald for funding her project last year after she
pitched the proposal to him in 2021.
“We
are extremely appreciative of him for his support.”
Source:
arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2369431/saudi-arabia
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/iranian-zeinab-kazemi-hijab-lashes/d/130633