Protests In Madrid Demand Permission For Muslim Girls To Wear Hijab In Schools
New Age Islam News Bureau
5 March2025
· Protests In Madrid Demand Permission For Muslim Girls To Wear Hijab In Schools
· German FMBaerbock Issues Message To Afghan Women: 'We Hear You'
· Iranian Actress, ChakamehChamanmah, Summoned To Court As Celebrities Remain Under Pressure
· Henna TraditionFor Young Girls Inspires First-Time Fasters In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region
· Taiyba Afroz: The Muslim Girl From Bihar Can Fly Planes
· Protesters: Afghanistan’s Women’s Rights Situation Is ‘Horrific And Tragic’
· 84% Of Women In The UAE Are Considering Starting Their Own Business: Mastercard Research
· When Sana Khan Revealed Real Reason Behind Wearing Hijab Forever
· Iranian Woman Dies After Hijab Gets Caught In Escalator In Tehran
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/protests-madrid-muslim-hijab-schools/d/134791
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Protests In Madrid Demand Permission For Muslim Girls To Wear Hijab In Schools
March 4, 2025
The Spanish city of Madrid, specifically in the town of Parla, witnessed student protests demanding the right to wear the Islamic hijab in classrooms. Students from NarcísMonturiol, NicolásCopérnico, and Humanes institutes participated in the demonstration, advocating for freedom of dress.
Coral Latorre, from the Madrid Students’ Union, led the protest, stating, “Look, everyone, I don’t wear a hijab, I am an atheist, but this fight is my fight too. It is a fight for classrooms free of racism and Islamophobia.”
Many demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as “We want to study freely!” with several wearing the hijab.
Angela, a mother of two students, criticized the mid-year hijab ban on EspejoPúblico, saying, “I disagree with this ban. Beliefs must be respected, just as we respect wearing a cross or tattoos. Behind the hijab is a person.”
Lawyer Montserrat Suárez pointed out that Spain’s Supreme Court upheld a 2013 ruling allowing a school in Pozuelo de Alarcón to ban a student from class for wearing a hijab. She clarified, “Hijabs are not specifically banned; the law refers to head coverings, just like hats.”
Source: shiawaves.com
https://shiawaves.com/english/news/120000-protests-in-madrid-demand-permission-for-muslim-girls-to-wear-hijab-in-schools/
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German FMBaerbock Issues Message To Afghan Women: 'We Hear You'
March 4, 2025
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaks during the 2nd CEDAW conference on violations of the UN Women's Rights Convention in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
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German Foreign Minister AnnalenaBaerbock on Tuesday denounced the Taliban regime in Afghanistan for restricting women's rights.
"The Taliban are literally building a social dungeon for 50% of the Afghan population just because they are women," Baerbock said in Berlin. "Your actions are not and will not be without consequences."
The foreign minister attended a conference organized to hold the Taliban accountable for violations of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Afghanistan is a party to the landmark treaty on women's rights, which was adopted in 1979.
But the Taliban have overseen a crackdown on the rights of women and girls since returning to power in Kabul in 2021.
Germany - along with Australia, Canada and the Netherlands - threatened in September to take the regime to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague over the issue.
The Foreign Office invited representatives of Afghan civil society and international organizations to the conference on Tuesday.
"My message to all of you out there in Afghanistan, to all the women and girls, to the teenagers, is we are not forgetting you," said Baerbock. "We hear you, and we stand by your side."
While Germany does not recognize the Taliban, it "continues to provide the Afghan people with humanitarian aid, with food and basic health care," said Baerbock.
However, she insisted that the aid is transferred through non-governmental organizations and does not involve cooperation with the regime in Kabul.
"Our initiative is also about making clear to all the regimes out there, you will not get away with shutting [out] all the voices of women to consolidate your own power," she said.
"We pay very close attention to where women's rights are violated because women rights are a yardstick for the state of a society."
Source: yahoo.com
https://www.yahoo.com/news/germanys-baerbock-issues-message-afghan-164811894.html
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Iranian Actress, ChakamehChamanmah, Summoned To Court As Celebrities Remain Under Pressure
March 4, 2025
Iranian actress Chakameh Chamanmah
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Iranian actress ChakamehChamanmah said authorities have summoned her to the judiciary without pressing charges eight months after she was banned from leaving the country following her return to Iran.
Following the summons, Chamanmah said that while no official charges have been mentioned, she would appear before the judiciary with her lawyer.
She said she has been subjected her to repeated interrogations without a judicial order since her return to the country out of what she called love for her homeland.
The young actress was stopped at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport upon arrival, where her passport was confiscated and she was given an instant travel ban.
Since then, she said, "I have been repeatedly interrogated and questioned by various security agencies without a judicial order and, in some cases, faced mistreatment and insulting behavior.
"While government officials constantly talk about the return of Iranians abroad, from the moment I returned to my homeland, I have not been allowed even a single day to live in peace."
Chamanmah's summons comes just days after the directors and lead actors of My Favorite Cake, an Iranian film that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, went on trial in a court in Tehran, alongside other members of the production team.
Iran's entertainment stars have been among scores placed under such punishments as travel bans alongside the likes of sports figures in the wake of the 2022 uprising, many of whom having supported the Woman, Life, Freedom protests.
Other punishments included pay freezes, fines and sackings, causing a surge of stars fleeing the country.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202503047730
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Henna TraditionFor Young Girls Inspires First-Time Fasters In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region
March 04, 2025
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, the holy month of Ramadan brings a surge of traditions, including henna painting for young girls fasting for the first time.
Saudi Press Agency reports that families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable.
The festive designs, which are tied to joy and celebration, boost the girls’ enthusiasm and pride as they showcase their decorated hands, strengthening Ramadan’s spirit.
Wejdan Al-Anzi, a resident of Arar, told SPA: “For years, we have made it a tradition to apply henna on our daughters’ hands when they begin fasting.
“It is a delightful custom that helps children feel connected to the Ramadan spirit shared by the adults around them.”
Afaf Al-Thuwaini also highlighted that this tradition extends beyond mere aesthetics; it cultivates essential religious and social values in children, helping them connect fasting with an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
These cherished customs are integral to the cultural and social identity of the people in the Northern Borders region.
These simple yet meaningful traditions foster a deep appreciation for devotion in children, playing a significant role in shaping their religious and social character.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592429/saudi-arabia
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Taiyba Afroz: The Muslim girl from Bihar can fly planes
March 5, 2025
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Taiyba Afroz created history by becoming a commercial pilot. The Muslim girl hails from a modest family. Her father Motiul Haq runs a ration shop in the Madhoura locality in the Saran district of Bihar and her mother Samsun Nisha is a homemaker.
Despite such challenges, Taiyaba remained determined to achieve her dream of becoming a commercial pilot. Her journey began in 2019 when she joined the Government Aviation Training Institute in Bhubaneswar. There she logged 200 grueling flight hours, battling storms, monsoons, and self-doubt.
Taiyaba’s training was marathon-2-3 years of theory exams (scoring 70%+ in DGCA papers), simulator drills, and mastering the art of safe landings.
“Flying solo for 100 hours was terrifying but fear never griped my mind,” she recalls.
Later, in 2023, she completed 120 hours of training at Indore Flying Club. After all this, Taiyaba finally obtained her license from the DDCA. She was certified to become a commercial pilot and can fly any commercial plane.
As a Muslim woman in a crisp pilot’s uniform, Taiyaba faced catcalls: “Shouldn’t she be in a Burqa?” To this, she retorts: “The cockpit has no dress code. The aircraft doesn’t care about your surname.”
A pilot’s salary starts at ₹1.5 lakh,” but that’s not the trophy, Taiyaba aimed to achieve. Her real achievement is being a Muslim girl, coming from a backward region of Bihar, hailing from a weak financial family; she endured all these odds and has come out with flying colors. Her message is; “Look at this Muslim girl, she can fly planes.”
Taiba Afroz is not just a pilot; she’s a beacon for every Muslim girl who is told to shrink their dreams. Her success story is a matter of pride as she inspires many young Muslim girls to follow her career path. She is a role model for them.
Taiyaba’s achievement testifies that with perseverance and determination, any goal can be achieved.
Her story screams that; the sky is not the limit, it’s the beginning.
Source: muslimmirror.com
https://muslimmirror.com/taiyba-afroz-the-muslim-girl-from-bihar-can-fly-planes/
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Protesters: Afghanistan’s Women’s Rights Situation is ‘Horrific and Tragic’
By Fidel Rahmati
March 4, 2025
A group of protesting women and members of the “Women for Peace and Freedom” movement marked International Women’s Day on March 8, expressing that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is “horrific and tragic.”
The movement, which has long advocated for women’s rights in the country, emphasized the severe deterioration of women’s rights under the current regime. They highlighted the challenges women face in Afghanistan, as well as the growing repression they have endured since the Taliban’s return to power.
On Tuesday, March 4, the “Women for Peace and Freedom” movement issued a statement warning that the situation for women is still in its “worst condition.” The statement called on the United Nations to officially recognize the gender-based discrimination happening in Afghanistan under the Taliban government. The movement urged global institutions to take action against these violations and help support the empowerment of Afghan women.
The statement noted that, while women in other Islamic countries are active in all fields, Afghan women have been deprived of all their rights. The ongoing restrictions and repression faced by Afghan women, including bans on education, work, and freedom of movement, have left them marginalized and oppressed. The movement underscored that Afghanistan is the only country where women are systematically stripped of their basic rights in this manner.
The members of the movement also warned that if these oppressive practices continue, the “horrific” situation in Afghanistan could spread to other countries. They emphasized that the international community must recognize and address the root causes of gender-based discrimination in Afghanistan before the situation worsens further, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other nations.
These women further called on the global community to hold accountable those responsible for “gender-based discrimination” in Afghanistan. They demanded justice and accountability for the perpetrators of these violations, urging international legal bodies to take strong action against them.
In the latest development, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated at the UN Human Rights Council meeting on March 3 that women and girls in Afghanistan are essentially imprisoned in their homes. He referred to the Taliban’s restrictions on education, work, and personal freedoms as part of a “gender apartheid” system that is being enforced with state support. This statement further highlights the dire situation that women and girls face under the current regime.
Additionally, Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, also raised alarms last week during the UN Human Rights Council session about the deteriorating human rights conditions in Afghanistan under the current government. His warnings echo those of Volker Turk and emphasize the ongoing human rights abuses that are being carried out in the country, particularly those targeting women and girls.
The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains dire, and the international community must take urgent action to address these human rights violations. The world must hold accountable those who perpetrate gender-based discrimination and support efforts to restore women’s rights in Afghanistan. The continued repression of women in the country is not only a tragedy for Afghanistan society but also a global issue that demands collective action.
As the international community continues to respond to Afghanistan’s ongoing human rights crisis, it is crucial for global leaders to stand in solidarity with Afghan women and demand immediate changes. The actions of the international community will shape the future of Afghanistan and the ability of women and girls to live with dignity, freedom, and equality.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/protesters-afghanistans-womens-rights-situation-is-horrific-and-tragic/
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84% Of Women In The UAE Are Considering Starting Their Own Business: Mastercard Research
March 5, 2025
Dubai, UAE: Women in the UAE are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship, with 84% considering starting their own business, according to Mastercard’s latest research, released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025. As more women step into the world of business, opportunities to enhance access to capital, strengthen business networks, and boost financial confidence will further accelerate their success and long-term growth.
As part of its commitment to advancing financial inclusion and fostering an inclusive digital economy, Mastercard has launched this report across its Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) region, including the UAE – an initiative designed to champion women entrepreneurs, provide key business insights, and drive tangible solutions to break down systemic barriers.
“This research highlights the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit among women across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, particularly younger generations. While progress has been made, challenges remain, reinforcing the need for stronger support. At Mastercard, we are committed to fostering an inclusive digital economy and equipping small businesses with the tools they need to grow and thrive,” said Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Country Manager, UAE & Oman, Mastercard.
UAE women’s entrepreneurial landscape
In the UAE, a nearly equal proportion of men and women identify as entrepreneurs (47% men, 49% women) - reflecting the country’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Also, a similar proportion of men and women in the emirates consider themselves an entrepreneur (47% men and 49% women). This finding is consistent with EEMEA-wide statistics, which show that 54% of men and 51% of women consider themselves an entrepreneur.
The study further reveals that financial independence, flexibility, and social impact are the top motivators for women pursuing entrepreneurship. While millennial women (53%) are leading the charge, Gen Z women (44%) are also stepping into entrepreneurship at an increasing rate. The industries in which women in the UAE are most likely to launch businesses include food and drink (26%), online selling (22%), and cosmetics (19%), reflecting opportunities in consumer-driven markets.
Women-led businesses in the UAE are also highly optimistic about growth, with 98% of women business owners expecting revenue to increase over the next five years, surpassing male business owners (85%). Additionally, nearly one-third (31%) believe launching a business is “not possible for someone like them”, highlighting a crucial confidence gap.
Unlocking greater opportunities
Despite strong ambition, women in the UAE recognize areas where additional support could help them accelerate their success. The study highlights that:
Women are three times more likely than men (30% vs. 10%) to cite lack of confidence as a barrier to starting a business.
67% of women in the UAE state that not having enough funding is the primary challenge to starting a business - outpacing their male counterparts (59%).
Nearly 40% of female founders say that not knowing where to start with a business plan or accessing key infrastructure are challenges, reinforcing the need for greater mentorship and resources.
Encouragingly, women entrepreneurs in the UAE are increasingly leveraging side hustles to gain financial independence. 56% of women currently have a side hustle, compared to 52% of men, with freelancing, tutoring, and content creation ranking among the most popular income streams.
AI and digital security are also shaping the way women entrepreneurs in the UAE run their businesses, with 75% of women founders regularly using AI. While men (61%) are more likely than women (54%) to rely on AI for decision-making, women entrepreneurs are seeing greater efficiency gains, with 85% reporting significant cost or time savings compared to 78% of men.
In the realm of cybersecurity, 35% of women entrepreneurs have been targeted by fraudsters, and while fewer women (48%) than men (72%) express caution about expanding due to fraud risks, ensuring secure digital transactions remains a priority for business growth.
The findings reinforce that UAE women have the drive and ambition to shape the future of business, yet key barriers remain. As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, Mastercard remains committed to fostering an inclusive digital economy one where women entrepreneurs are not just supported but celebrated as key drivers of economic progress.
Methedology
The study was commissioned by Mastercard, with fieldwork conducted by independent research agency, Opinium. Between 16 December 2024 - 3 January 2025, an online quantitative survey was carried out across 41 countries in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It included:
42,500 general population (4,500 within EMEA, 500 within UAE)
4,300 entrepreneurs / founders (800 within EMEA, 100 within UAE)
The full list of countries surveyed: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, China, Thailand, Korea, South Africa, Nigeria, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kenya, Egypt, Ukraine, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Canada, USA.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Source: zawya.com
https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/research-and-studies/mastercard-research-84-of-women-in-the-uae-are-considering-starting-their-own-business-onv0qdoq
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/protests-madrid-muslim-hijab-schools/d/134791