Sara Netanyahu Appeals To Qatar Emir’s Mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, For Release Of Hostages
New Age Islam News
Bureau
14 March 2024
·
Sara Netanyahu
Appeals To Qatar Emir’s Mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, For Release Of
Hostages
·
‘We’re A Political
Punch Bag’: Muslim Council of Britain Chief Zara Mohammed Baffled By UK's MoD Move To Cut Ties
·
J&K's Electoral
Gender Ratio Rises From 945 Women In 2019 To 954 In 2024
·
Iranian Woman
Succumbs to Domestic Violence as Husband Shoots
·
Adult Literacy
Interest Soars In Northern Afghanistan Despite Girls’ School Ban After 6th
Grade
·
Saudi Arabia’s
Efforts To Enhance Women’s Economic Participation Highlighted At UN Meet
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sara-netanyahu-qatar-emir-moza-nasser/d/131918
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Sara
Netanyahu Appeals To Qatar Emir’s Mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, For Release
Of Hostages
Sara Netanyahu, Wife of
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen at the Conference of Presidents
of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 16, 2020.
(Photo credit: Olivier
Fitoussi/Flash90)
------
13th March 2024
Sakina Fatima
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara
Netanyahu, has appealed to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of Sheikh Tamim,
the Emir of Qatar, seeking the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
In a letter, Netanyahu said, “I reach out to you with a
heart full of hope and plea for your invaluable support.”
“Ramzan, a time for compassion and generosity, reminds us
of the strength we hold when we come together to uphold the values of peace and
humanity.”
“It is in this spirit of unity and shared human values
that I wish to address a matter of great urgency and importance – the plight of
the Israeli abducted and held by Hamas in Gaza.”
“Woman to woman, it’s imperative to address that among
the hostages, 19 women are enduring unimaginable hardships,” Netanyahu
underscored in her appeal.
“Reports of sexual abuse and rape are horrifying, and
such acts against women cannot be ignored or tolerated. It is a call to action
that transcends political boundaries and speaks to our shared humanity and
values.”
“The pain of their families, who await their return,
resonates deeply within our hearts, reminding us of the preciousness of life
and the importance of coming together to protect it,” the letter stated.
“I urge you, in the spirit of Ramzan, to leverage your
significant influence to work towards the release of the Israeli hostages,” she
added.
“We cannot remain silent or stand back when the dignity
and safety of women are at stake.”
Netanyahu’s appeal comes amid renewed efforts in recent
weeks to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar actively
mediating to reach this.
Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, 2023 has resulted
in more than 31,000 civilian deaths, infrastructure destruction, and charges of
“genocide” against Tel Aviv.
Source: siasat.com
https://www.siasat.com/sara-netanyahu-appeals-to-qatar-emirs-mother-for-release-of-hostages-2991562/
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‘We’re
A Political Punch Bag’: Muslim Council Chief Zara Mohammed Baffled By UK's MoD Move
To Cut Ties
Zara Mohammed, the head
of the Muslim Council of Britain, says ‘we are the easy ones to scapegoat in
the culture wars’. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian
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14 Mar 2024
Acouple of months ago, Zara Mohammed, the 33-year-old
secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), learned that the
Ministry of Defence was ending its 12-year relationship with the organisation.
The MCB, the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella group, with more
than 500 affiliated members including mosques, schools and charitable
associations, had been acting as a referee for potential imam chaplains in the
armed forces.
“There are uniformed chaplains of all faiths and
denominations. It’s really wonderful,” says Mohammed. “They would come to us
and say, these imams have come forward, are they credible figures in the
community? We’d say yes or no.
“They cancelled it because the Daily Telegraph wrote a
piece on it. [The MoD] wrote to say the government has said they cannot have
any relationship with the Muslim Council of Britain. They didn’t justify it.
“It is barking,” she adds. “There is no replacement. They
left a gap because we are the leading Muslim representative body that is
trusted, so there is no one.”
Mohammed, the first female leader of the MCB and by far
its youngest, has led the organisation since 2021. She is a law and politics
graduate from Strathclyde university but the MCB has never paid its secretary
general so she offers a consultancy service on diversity issues to pay the
bills.
Raised in Glasgow, she is the oldest of four children
born to second-generation British Pakistani Muslims – an English-born mother
and a Scottish-born father. Her mother wonders why she does what she does, says
Mohammed. That nagging question has felt particularly relevant in recent days.
The government has for more than a decade had a policy of
“non-engagement” with the MCB. The reasons as to why are murky.
A ministerial statement given in the Commons in February
had claimed this was because “previous MCB leaders have taken positions that
contradict our fundamental values and these have not been explicitly
retracted”.
It appeared to be a reference to a row dating back to
2009 when the then deputy secretary general, Daud Abdullah, signed a document
known as the Istanbul declaration which advocated attacks on the Royal Navy if
it tried to stop arms for Hamas being smuggled into Gaza.
The then Labour government said it would have nothing
more to do with the MCB unless Abdullah stepped down and the sentiment was
repudiated.
“But this is a bit of a misconception,” says Mohammed.
“The MCB did denounce it and said that this was something done by Daud in his
personal capacity. He then resigned and the MCB said: ‘We did not endorse that
statement.’ Then the Labour government re-engaged with us.”
The current impasse, she says, is a mysterious
Conservative government thing, on which it appears to be doubling down. In
recent days, the government briefed that several Muslim organisations,
potentially including the MCB, could be named as being among those that would
be captured by a new definition, of the sort of “extremist” organisation
Whitehall must have nothing to do with.
A draft ministerial statement, seen by the Guardian,
suggests that Michael Gove was toying with naming the Muslim Association of
Britain, Cage International, Muslim Engagement and Development, 5 pillars and
the Friends of al-Aqsa (along with the far-right groups Britain First, British
National Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative).
“These groups of divisive forces within Muslim
communities cause real harm to them,” the levelling up secretary was to tell
MPs on Thursday.
It is still to be seen whether Gove will name the
organisations, given the potential legal challenge it might provoke. The MCB
and the other organisations have been taking legal advice over a possible
judicial review of the government’s definition of extremism.
But for Mohammed, it is almost beside the point. “I think
we are a very suitable political punchbag and that’s what we’re seeing right
now. The Muslim Council of Britain is always being targeted. I think there’s
this ongoing theme of demonising Muslims.
“There’s a systemic issue that we are the easy ones to
scapegoat in the culture wars. It’s difficult because I’m a new leader and I
just don’t think like that, and I question why. What is the problem? Surely
engaging with us is a great thing because we represent so many Muslim
communities. And if we engage, we can do more work together. But you’re
isolating us and marginalising us.”
The MCB helped the NHS give advice to Muslim communities
during the Covid pandemic and is seeking to make its affiliated groups more
aware of how they can do their bit to address the climate emergency.
But since the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel,
Mohammed says she has been constantly asked to prove she is not an extremist.
“I don’t represent Hamas, I don’t talk for Hamas. I
represent British Muslims in a British organisation,” she says. “In our faith,
the killing of any innocent civilians, we condemn. And that’s it. Why would my
position be any different from that?”
Source: theguardian.com
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/14/zara-mohammed-muslim-council-chief-baffled-mod-move-cut-ties
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J&K's electoral gender ratio rises from 945 women in
2019 to 954 in 2024
Mukesh Ranjan
14 Mar 2024
NEW DELHI: The gender ratio of the electorate in Jammu
& Kashmir has improved from 945 women voters per 1,000 men in 2019 to 954
2024 and in 16 assembly constituencies the ratio has reached to the equal level
between the two in the same five-year period, the Election Commission of India
(ECI) data revealed.
According to the ECI data, it has been revealed that
during a summary revision of the electoral rolls in Jammu & Kashmir for
2024 Lok Sabha Election around 1.35 lakh women voters have been added to the
list and with this the total number of female electorates in the age group of
18-19 years (first time voters) has gone up to 1.56 lakh. In total the first-time
voters (18-19 years) listed in the electoral rolls are 3.4 lakh.
Giving further the details of the summary revisions for
the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu & Kashmir, the ECI data revealed that
2.31 lakh first time voters ((18-19 years) were added along with 52,500 in the
age group of 20-29 years.
It has also revealed that 25,500 advance applications
have been received from persons between the age group of 17 year and 18 years.
Jammu & Kashmir has a total of 86.9 lakh eligible
voters comprising 44.54 lakh male, 42.55 lakh female and 158 transgenders,
besides, there are 67,400 people with disabilities, 77,290 very senior citizens
and 2,886 centenarians. The number of service electorates is 76,800.
According to the ECI data while conducting the Lok Sabha
elections this year 11,629 polling stations will be put up of which 2,322 will
be in the urban areas and on an average 742 voters will cast their votes in
each of these polling stations.
Interestingly, the ECI has planned 93 polling stations,
which will be managed by all women polling personnel.
Source: newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Mar/14/sc-seeks-reply-of-ajit-pawar-faction-on-plea-of-sharad-pawar-group-on-misuse-of-name-pictures
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Iranian Woman Succumbs to Domestic Violence as Husband
Shoots
MARCH 13, 2024
A 27-year-old woman from a village in northwestern Urmia
was killed by her husband, IranWire reports.
The woman has been identified as Ziba Sayad. According to
one of her relatives, Sayad was coerced by her family into marrying her cousin
and faced severe persecution at his hands.
"Ziba was a gentle and affectionate soul, both
beautiful inside and out. However, upon becoming part of her husband's
household, she endured relentless torment and abuse," the relative told
IranWire.
The relative, close to Ziba's family, revealed that over
the years, Ziba had sought refuge at her parents' home multiple times, only to
be compelled to return to her "house of torment."
"Ziba attempted to obtain a divorce for two consecutive
years, but her husband refused, responding to any mention of separation with
further abuse and violence," the source added.
"The last time her husband beat her, Ziba filed a
complaint and sought sanctuary at her father's house.
"Nevertheless, her husband relentlessly pursued her,
threatening that she would never find solace with another partner.
"Ten days after a divorce decree was issued, he
found Ziba alone and fatally shot her," the source said.
In a report released at the beginning of 2024, the Hengaw
Organization for Human Rights disclosed that the toll of gender-based violence
and honor killings reached 122 victims last year.
The majority of femicide incidents were concentrated in
Tehran, Alborz, West Azarbaijan, Kermanshah, and Fars provinces, respectively.
Additionally, the perpetrators, in most cases, were found
to be the victims' husbands, ex-husbands, fathers, brothers, or other close
relatives.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/126374-iranian-woman-succumbs-to-domestic-violence-as-husband-shoots/
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Adult literacy interest soars in Northern Afghanistan
despite girls’ school ban after 6th grade
Fidel Rahmati
March 14, 2024
Officials in Baghlan province report that nearly 2,500
adults, including women, have enrolled in literacy courses this year amidst the
ban on girls attending school beyond the sixth grade.
Media outlets reported on Wednesday, March 13 that
efforts are underway to reduce illiteracy levels in Baghlan province of
Afghanistan.
According to Bakhtar News Agency, under the control of
the Taliban said that currently, this number of elderly individuals have also
learned to read and write simultaneously with continuing literacy courses.
Adult interest in literacy education in Baghlan province
has increased, while for over two years, women and girls above the sixth grade
have been banned from attending school.
This comes as previously, the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had stated on the occasion of
International Literacy Day that 763 million people worldwide are illiterate,
and literacy programs for women have also been halted in Afghanistan.
The Taliban regime’s restrictions on schools and universities
in Afghanistan have severe implications for the country’s educational landscape
and the empowerment of its people, particularly women and girls.
By banning women and girls above the sixth grade from
attending school, the regime is not only depriving them of their fundamental
right to education but also hindering the country’s progress towards achieving
literacy and educational development goals.
The halt of literacy programs by international
organizations like UNESCO further exacerbates the situation, leaving millions
of Afghans, especially women, without access to essential educational
opportunities.
As the international community grapples with addressing
the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, ensuring access to education for all,
regardless of gender or background, must remain a top priority in rebuilding
efforts.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/adult-literacy-interest-soars-in-northern-afghanistan-despite-girls-school-ban-after-6th-grade/
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Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance women’s economic
participation highlighted at UN Meet
March 13, 2024
RIYADH — Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al-Khalil, secretary
general of the Saudi Family Affairs Council, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s
comprehensive efforts to enhance women’s economic participation and ensure
equal opportunities. She made the remarks while addressing the 68th session of
the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.
Dr. Al-Khalil is leading the Saudi delegation attending
the session, which started on March 11 and will conclude on March 24. The
session’s theme this year is “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality
and empowering all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening
institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”
Dr. Al-Khalil said that the delegation’s participation
underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to promote women’s empowerment. The
delegation aims to highlight the Kingdom’s developmental policies and
initiatives aimed at improving access to services and quality of life for women
and girls. It also intends to spotlight the non-profit sector’s crucial role in
achieving women’s economic and social empowerment and the Kingdom’s leadership
in providing international humanitarian relief and development aid.
The Saudi delegation to the conference comprises
representatives from the government, civil society, and the non-profit sector,
including Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology, Ministry of Economy and Planning, Ministry of Human
Resources and Social Development, Human Rights Commission, King Khalid
Foundation, and Fuloos Society for Financial Awareness, along with a Youth and
the Family Affairs Council representative.
Several activities and events are being held on the
sidelines of the ongoing 68th session, and these include a collaborative event
organized by Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and UNDP on women’s comprehensive
empowerment. This participation continues Saudi Arabia’s active involvement in
international forums and conferences, reflecting its commitment to advancing
gender equality and women’s empowerment on the global stage.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/641211/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabias-efforts-to-enhance-womens-economic-participation-highlighted-at-UN-Meet-nbsp
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sara-netanyahu-qatar-emir-moza-nasser/d/131918