“My Body, My Choice”, “No to Patriarchy”: Pakistani Women Defy Patriarchy In Bold Feminist Protest
New Age Islam News Bureau
13 March 2025
· “My Body, My Choice”, “No to Patriarchy”: Pakistani Women Defy Patriarchy In Bold Feminist Protest
· Saudi Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud: “We Have Momentum. I Think It Is Now Our Time To Shine”
· Iranian Olympic Official Claims Support for Rekabi Following Her Departure
· Iranian Prisoners Continue Anti-Death Penalty Hunger Strikes
· Samsung South Africa Women Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
· How AI & Digital Payments Are Empowering UAE Women Entrepreneurs
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/pakistani-women-body-choice-feminist-protest/d/134867
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“My Body, My Choice”, “No to Patriarchy”: Pakistani Women Defy Patriarchy In Bold Feminist Protest
12th, 2025
Illustration photo of International Women’s Day Pakistan, March 8, 2018. (Photo by Asif Hassan / CC BY 2.0)
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A procession of women, clad in yellow vests and sunglasses, carried a stretcher draped in a white shroud. Written by hand in Urdu on the fabric was an epitaph: “Women’s Rights.” The funeral march of March 8 to mark International Women’s Day in the national capital Islamabad moved slowly through the crowd of demonstrators waving signs that read “My Body, My Choice” and “No to Patriarchy” outside Islamabad’s National Press Club, a key site for protests in the city.
Chanting in unison, the protesters shouted “Azadi!”—the Urdu word for “freedom”—determined to make their voices heard, even after police confiscated their loudspeakers and blocked adjacent streets.
Protests under heavy security
For the past seven years, feminist groups across Pakistan have organized the Aurat March (Urdu for “Women’s March”) on March 8. In previous years, Islamist conservatives targeted the demonstrations, deeming them immoral. This year was no different. Just a hundred yards away, behind a police barrier, a small group of counterprotesters fumed: “We will not let these women defy our societal norms!”
For the sixth consecutive year, authorities denied Islamabad’s march an official permit, forcing organizers to hold a sit-in instead of a procession. “We will not back down!” declared Tahira Abdullah, a 71-year-old feminist icon wrapped in a keffiyeh. “There are 400 of us here today, and we will keep fighting to our last breath!”
Punjrush, a 32-year-old actress wearing deep red lipstick, echoed her resolve: “This is about survival. I have no choice but to be here and demand my fundamental rights.”
Pakistan ranks among worst for gender equality
First launched in 2018 in Karachi by feminist collectives such as the Women Democratic Front (WDF), the Aurat March quickly spread to other cities. Activists demand concrete action on gender equality in a country that ranks second to last on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index.
“In the 1980s, grassroots activism emerged to challenge the anti-women laws imposed by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq,” said Tooba Syed, a WDF member and gender researcher. “But in the decades that followed, feminist activism was mostly confined to institutional efforts and NGO work. It wasn’t until the Aurat March in 2018 that feminist demands returned to the streets.”
A deeply patriarchal society
Despite its impact, the Aurat March remains controversial in Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal society and struggles to attract mass participation. “These protests have raised awareness among women, encouraged political engagement, and pressured parties to put gender equality on their agendas,” Syed said.
As the crowd swelled, actors wrapped in red scarves staged a performance depicting a strangulation scene to highlight the impunity surrounding gender-based violence. According to a recent report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization, conviction rates for rape and honor killings in Pakistan are nearly nonexistent—just 0.5%.
Source: international.la-croix.com
https://international.la-croix.com/world/pakistani-women-defy-patriarchy-in-bold-feminist-protest
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Saudi Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud: “We Have Momentum. I Think It Is Now Our Time To Shine”
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
March 12, 2025
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia has been on a transformative journey in recent years, particularly when it comes to women’s empowerment, with a range of once-unimaginable opportunities opening up in education, business, the workforce, and social life.
On the sidelines of the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women, or CSW, chaired this year by Saudi Arabia, Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud lauded the Kingdom’s strides toward gender equality and her vision for the future.
In a wide-ranging interview with Arab News, she highlighted the significant progress Saudi women have made, the challenges still on the horizon, and the critical role that the youth, especially young women, play in shaping the nation’s destiny.
“We have momentum. I think it is now our time to shine,” she said.
A key part of this momentum is the growing realization of the vast potential that Saudi women possess. With more than 9 million women in Saudi Arabia, 67 percent of whom are under the age of 30, the Kingdom holds an immense demographic advantage.
Princess Lamia said that the opportunities currently available to Saudi women in terms of education, employment, and empowerment were unprecedented.
“Can you imagine the amount of power? Can you imagine, with all the doors open for Saudi women, with all the support, with all the initiatives done, and the educational opportunities, and the training, the jobs, everything that is happening,” she said.
“This is our time. Now. There is no room for losing this opportunity.”
Princess Lamia reflected on her experience at the high-level side event at the CSW, where she was part of a panel titled: “From vision to reality: Saudi Arabia’s story of women’s empowerment.”
The event offered the Kingdom a chance to showcase the profound changes that have taken place in Saudi Arabia over the past decade — an opportunity that Princess Lamia said was historic.
“What happened, it was history,” she said. “We witnessed history with this amount of expertise of women sitting on the same panel in New York at the UN to present our success and our story.”
She said that it was a significant milestone not only for Saudi women but for the Kingdom as a whole, highlighting the country’s commitment to driving gender equality and empowering women across all sectors.
“For Saudi Arabia to chair the CSW, it’s well deserved,” she added.
For Princess Lamia, the presence of so many accomplished women at the event underscored the progress women had made. She drew particular attention to the confidence and determination of the panelists.
“It was astonishing,” she said. “The amount of confidence that reflects that we’re free to choose our path.”
Despite the Kingdom’s rapid progress, Princess Lamia acknowledged that challenges remain. “Let’s be very honest, where is the country that is 100 percent free of challenges? There’s no such a thing,” she said.
“It’s about sustaining the process and sustaining the development, and how you keep it going on the right path and on a healthy path, and at a healthy speed.
“Yes, we’ve been very fast, but we’ve been very late — that’s why we work very fast. But to have it sustained, this is the most important thing.
“Of course, we still have challenges. We’re a very young country in our 90s, and we did all of that in nine years.”
She added: “But where we reached (in that time), I don’t think even Europe and the US have the same thing in empowering women.”
Princess Lamia shared an example, highlighting the differences between Saudi Arabia and other regions in terms of women’s rights.
In many Western countries, gender equality issues such as equal pay for women are still being debated in government institutions, she said. However, in Saudi Arabia, any instance of unequal pay can be addressed immediately through legal channels.
“In Saudi Arabia, any governmental entity, if I prove that a male is taking one riyal more than me, I can sue them instantly,” she said. “Where is that, but in Saudi Arabia?”
A significant part of Princess Lamia’s vision for women’s empowerment is grounded in the example set by Princess Nourah bint Abdel Rahman, the sister of King Abdulaziz, who played an instrumental role in shaping the Kingdom’s early years.
Such was her impact, the largest women’s university in the world is named after her.
“Princess Nourah bint Abdel Rahman is the figure of women’s empowerment,” Princess Lamia said, adding that there is still much to be learned from her legacy.
Princess Nourah’s contributions to Saudi society were multifaceted, as “the consultant, the minister of foreign affairs, the sister, the friend, everything,” and a key figure in the royal family, said Princess Lamia.
King Abdulaziz, Princess Nourah’s brother, took great pride in her achievements, often saying, “I am Nourah’s brother,” rather than emphasizing his royal status.
“Can you imagine? With the tribal mentality, a man to say this during wartime?”
Princess Nourah’s humility and commitment to empowering others resonates deeply with Princess Lamia, who views her as a beacon of strength and inspiration. “She’s a character I think I’m embodying (in the sense) that I truly admire her,” she said.
Princess Lamia also highlighted the vital role women play in philanthropy and social development. She emphasized the critical role that mothers play in shaping strong families and societies.
“Listen, if you want to have a developing nation, it needs to rely on its people, and mothers are the main pillars,” she said.
“If the mother is very well-educated, empowered, definitely the family will be strong. One woman has always been and will always be the main pillar of a family and of society. The only job that you cannot resign from is being a mother.”
Princess Lamia also reflected on her own journey in philanthropy, particularly as the secretary-general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, the charitable foundation led by the Saudi businessman and investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
She said that Prince Alwaleed’s decision to place his trust in women to lead and shape his philanthropic vision had left a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“The relation between men and women, it is how you build this world,” she said. “This is how God created us. We need men and they need us. No one can move and move forward without the other. That’s a fact.”
Princess Lamia paid tribute to the Kingdom’s crown prince for implementing many of the reforms now serving women’s empowerment.
“Prince Mohammed bin Salman … he is the savior of the Kingdom,” she said, adding that his Vision 2030 has been a game-changer for the Kingdom, creating equal opportunities for both men and women.
“Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps toward gender equality, breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
“Would we be here today… without the vision of one person, Prince Mohammed bin Salman? No. Prince Mohammed, he created Vision 2030, he empowered us, he changed the country.
“He represents more than half of the population (youth), he is talking the same language. We’ve been waiting for that, us, (who are not of) this generation, we’ve been waiting for equal opportunities and gender equality.”
Reflecting on the collaborative spirit that now defines Saudi Arabia’s approach to women’s rights, Princess Lamia said: “We don’t have to fight with each other. We can work with each other.”
She added: “What we did, our generation, how we struggled to find our place in different positions, and how we paved the way for the upcoming generation, wasn’t easy. But I believe in (young women) so much that they can do much better than us.”
She encouraged young women to seize “the golden opportunity” that lies before them.
“No nation, around the world, ever experienced what we’re experiencing. You’re living the dream,” she said, urging the next generation to stand firm, to recognize their worth, and to build on the hard-won gains of those who came before them.
“Make us feel that it was worth it,” she said. “Look at us and say: ‘She had a very tough life. It wasn’t easy, but she made it. I want to be much better than her.’”
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2593404/saudi-arabia
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Iranian Olympic Official Claims Support for Rekabi Following Her Departure
MARCH 12, 2025
Mehdi Alinejad, Secretary General of the Islamic Republic’s Olympic Committee, claimed that the federation supported Elnaz Rekabi after she left Iran for Spain
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Mehdi Alinejad, Secretary General of the Islamic Republic’s Olympic Committee, claimed that the federation supported ElnazRekabi after she left Iran for Spain.
Alinejad said, “This athlete has always been supported by the National Olympic Committee. Where anyone chooses to live is their own decision.”
ElnazRekabi has been under intense security and intelligence pressure from the Islamic Republic since October 16, 2022, when she competed in an international competition in Seoul without wearing a headscarf.
Alinejad, the son of an oil industry executive, has maintained significant economic ties with Hossein Hedayati, a former brigadier general in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who later became involved in Iranian football.
Reports suggest he has grown closer to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s inner circle over the past decade.
His name has been linked to widespread doping cases involving Iranian wushu athletes, who were subsequently banned from international competitions.
He also collaborates with security and intelligence agencies in suppressing protesting athletes.
Which Supreme Leader Allies Were Involved in the Rekabi Family Abduction?
ElnazRekabi competed in the Asian Rock Climbing Championships on October 16, 2022, without wearing the mandatory hijab.
On October 17, news of her abduction by the Ministry of Sports’ security forces and her forced transfer to the Islamic Republic’s embassy in South Korea for mandatory return to Iran was revealed by IranWire and later reported in international media.
That same day, the IRGC arrested her brother, DavoodRekabi, to ensure Elnaz’s return to Iran.
Two sports officials were primarily involved in ElnazRekabi’s detention and forced return to Iran: Mahmoud Khosravivafa, President of the National Olympic Committee and former bodyguard of Ali Khamenei, and Esmail Ahmadi.
In January 2022, FaezehHashemi revealed Esmail Ahmadi’s role in sports, referring to him as “Commander Naghdi’s deputy” and identifying him as the controller of the Minister of Youth and Sports.
Previously, in September 2010, the IRNA news agency introduced Esmail Ahmadi as a Revolutionary Guard commander, comparing him to Reza Amirkhani, a writer close to the Islamic Republic. The agency described his speech to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as “tearful, full of passion and sincerity.”
The Rekabi family found themselves in the grip of such men just one day after ElnazRekabi appeared without a hijab in Seoul.
The actions of the Olympic Committee officials and the Ministry of Youth and Sports had such global repercussions that Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, requested direct communication with ElnazRekabi on October 17, 2022.
Hamid Sajjadi, then Minister of Sports and Youth in Ebrahim Raisi’s government, described Thomas Bach’s request to speak with an Iranian sports official or athlete as “unprecedented” and something that “doesn’t happen even once every hundred years.”
He added, “The President of the International Olympic Committee wanted to ensure her [ElnazRekabi’s] safety. Even after this contact, we had to send him a photo of our meeting to assure him that no harm had come to her.”
How Did Iran Secretly Pressure ElnazRekabi?
The harassment of ElnazRekabi’s family did not end with their abduction from Seoul and the arrest of her brother.
ElnazRekabi was under house arrest from the time of her return to Iran and was not allowed to leave her home or use her mobile phone until March 2023.
On December 2, 2022, government forces destroyed Elnaz and DavoodRekabi’s garden house in Zanjan Rood.
Videos of DavoodRekabi, Elnaz’s brother, wailing over the ruins of the house were widely circulated hours later.
Government agents had sprayed pepper spray in DavoodRekabi’s face and eyes during the demolition of the house.
Simultaneously with the destruction of this house, media reports stated that Elnaz and DavoodRekabi were fined 168 million tomans ($1,820 at the current exchange rate) by the Zanjan prosecutor’s office for unclear reasons.
Reza Zarei, President of the Islamic Republic’s Mountaineering Federation, said on July 16, 2023, that ElnazRekabi should have been suspended in 2022 for removing her mandatory hijab during an international competition in South Korea.
He said, “Last year, she did something that was not advisable. But we couldn’t suspend her because the International Olympic Committee and the International Mountaineering Federation were simultaneously monitoring her situation.”
He also stated that they had banned ElnazRekabi from leaving the country to prevent her from participating in international competitions again if possible.
The president of the Mountaineering Federation added, “If ElnazRekabi had been suspended, it might have led to the suspension and disqualification of the country’s sports.”
How Was ElnazRekabi’s Travel Ban Lifted?
In February 2023, the International Federation of Sport Climbing officially named ElnazRekabi as one of four rock climbing coaches participating in the “Women in Sport Training Course” in Britain, but the Overseas Council of the Ministry of Sports and Youth - which consists of security and intelligence forces from the Revolutionary Guards and the Ministry of Intelligence - prevented her from leaving the country.
The Islamic Republic’s Mountaineering Federation officially confirmed in March 2023 that it had not taken the necessary steps to obtain a British visa for Rekabi, thereby blocking her from traveling.
Rekabi’s travel ban was lifted only through the personal intervention of Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, in consultation with the International Mountaineering Federation.
In February 2025, the Islamic Republic’s Olympic Committee finally announced that, through the efforts of the President of the International Olympic Committee and the International Federation of Sport Climbing, Rekabi would participate in the Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
The Islamic Republic had to choose between keeping ElnazRekabi banned from travel - risking the suspension of Iranian sports - or allowing her to leave the country.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/features/139718-iranian-olympic-official-claims-support-for-rekabi-following-her-departure/
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Iranian Prisoners Continue Anti-Death Penalty Hunger Strikes
MARCH 12, 2025
Prisoners from the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign held their 59th consecutive weekly hunger strike.
The women’s ward of Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz has joined the campaign, bringing the total number of participating prisons to 38 nationwide.
The prisoners stated that Iranian authorities have executed nearly 100 people over the past three weeks, including 28 in a single day.
The campaign urges activists and human rights defenders to advocate for the thousands of prisoners currently under death sentences in Iran.
Participating facilities include Evin Prison in Tehran, Qezelhesar Prison, and dozens of provincial prisons across Iran.
The weekly hunger strike began in February last year and involves prisoners from various Iranian jails.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/prisoners/139727-iranian-prisoners-continue-anti-death-penalty-hunger-strikes/
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Samsung South Africa Women Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
12-03-2025
This gathering provided an opportunity for the company to acknowledge the invaluable impact these women have made in shaping a better future for all. The global theme for this year’s commemoration was Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality, which resonated deeply in the local event’s theme: ‘This is Our Story – We Listen, We Don’t Judge’. The atmosphere was filled with positive energy as women shared their personal stories, some of which included overcoming significant challenges. The event was a space to recognise these women, uplift them and spread messages of love, positivity and empowerment.
The event kicked off with a powerful address by Simon Lee, President & CEO of Samsung Africa, who extended a warm and motivating message to all the women in attendance and those within the company. “This commemorative day is used globally as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality,” said Lee. “Today’s event is Samsung’s way of recognising the many achievements made by our women regardless of ethnicity, language, culture, economic or political status.”
Lee went on to emphasise the significance of allowing employees to share their life stories and journeys of perseverance. He remarked, “The main objective is to inspire other women at Samsung, create togetherness and a support group. We want the women at Samsung to feel inspired and their efforts to continue to be celebrated so that together we can shape a more equal future for all.”
The women in attendance looked stunning in their best attire, exuding elegance and grace as they celebrated their collective strength. As the event unfolded, a series of speakers took to the stage to share personal accounts of their lives, offering authentic and powerful narratives of overcoming adversity. The intimate session allowed the speakers to open up, vulnerably addressing topics such as Mental Health (Healing, Resilience and Perseverance) as well as physical well-being which includes the unspoken issues around marriage and transition.
Some of the sessions on the day included ‘The Journey Of Motherhood and How to Come Back Strong’, ‘How to Overcome When Life Gets You Down’, ‘‘How to Be Sane During Chaos’, ‘How to Keep Going’ and ‘Finding a Way Through It’ left a lasting impression on everyone.
As the event drew to a close, the floor was opened for audience members to share their stories. One woman shared her experience of how the support of family, friends and colleagues made all the difference during a personal challenge she experienced. Her story resonated deeply with many, reinforcing the importance of community and connection. A special surprise awaited two lucky attendees – as part of a giveaway, two random seats held tickets that led to the winners each receiving a Samsung sound bar and a vacuum cleaner, which was a delightful way to end the celebration on a high note.
The event concluded with a pledge from everyone to continue supporting one another, showing compassion, treating each other with kindness as well as to listen and not judge. The sentiments echoed the idea that while everyone has personal struggles, we can all thrive together when we share our experiences, uplift each other and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
The event’s hashtags, including: #AccelerateAction, #ThisIsOurStory, #IWD2025, #WeListenAndWeDontJudge, #HealingTogether and #Wellbeing, captured the essence of the day – spreading a message of empowerment far beyond the occasion itself.
Source: samsung.com
https://news.samsung.com/za/samsung-south-africa-women-celebrate-international-womens-day-2025
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How AI & digital payments are empowering UAE women entrepreneurs
By Gloria Methri
March 12, 2025
In a major push towards digital transformation, women entrepreneurs in the UAE are rapidly integrating AI and digital payment technologies into their businesses, according to Visa’s latest Women SMB Digitisation Index. However, despite this progress, many still face significant funding challenges that could hinder long-term growth.
AI and Digital Payments on the Rise
Women entrepreneurs in the UAE are increasingly recognising the power of AI in business operations, with over 70% using it in HR, sales and marketing, and data-driven decision-making. The adoption of AI-powered payment solutions is also on the rise, with more than half of respondents citing improved transaction accuracy (57%) and faster approvals (50%). Additionally, 67% of women-owned businesses actively leverage social media accounts for sales, while 43% use company websites to drive eCommerce.
Security remains a top priority, with 59% of respondents emphasising employee awareness and training, and 51% implementing advanced security measures to protect digital transactions.
Funding Roadblocks Remain
Despite embracing digital solutions, access to capital continues to be a pressing challenge for women-led businesses. Over half (57%) of women entrepreneurs in the UAE rely on personal finances to launch their ventures, while 43% turn to family and friends for funding. Even after establishing their businesses, many continue to depend on reinvested profits (37%) or personal savings (41%) to sustain growth.
Investment in innovation remains a focus, with nearly four in ten women planning to channel additional funds into developing new products, services, or market expansion. However, limited access to formal financing options could slow their scaling efforts.
Expansion and Skill Development a Priority
Growth remains top of mind for women entrepreneurs in the UAE, with 51% aiming to expand into new markets and 46% looking to diversify their product range. Many are also keen to upskill in areas like payment security and eCommerce setup (38%), financial management (30%), and fundraising (28%).
SalimaGutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for UAE, Visa, highlighted the importance of supporting these businesses, “We are thrilled to celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising the strides women entrepreneurs have made in embracing AI and digital technologies. Our collaboration with Meta for Marketplace for Good reflects our commitment to fostering a community of innovation and empowerment.”
Meta’s Moon Baz, Director of Global Partnerships for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, echoed this sentiment. “This event not only provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products but also reinforces our collective commitment to supporting their growth and giving back to the community during Ramadan.”
As the digital economy continues to evolve, Visa’s findings underscore both the remarkable progress and the hurdles women entrepreneurs face. With ongoing support and investment, these business owners are poised to play a transformative role in the UAE’s economic landscape.
Source: ibsintelligence.com
https://ibsintelligence.com/ibsi-news/how-ai-digital-payments-are-empowering-uae-women-entrepreneurs/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/pakistani-women-body-choice-feminist-protest/d/134867