Dr. Sania Siddiqui of India Tagline on Menstruation: Periods Are Not Shame; It's Our Capacity
New Age
Islam News Bureau
18
May 20123
• Dr. Sania Siddiqui of India Tagline on Menstruation:
Periods Are Not Shame; It's Our Capacity
• Iranian Activists and Former Political Prisoner Shima Babaei
Wins 2023 Women’s Rights Award Of the Geneva Summit
• Yasmin Dar: Paving the Way as Manchester’s First
Pakistani Muslim Mayor
• Moroccan Director Maryam Touzani, The Arab Women on
This Year’s Cannes Jury
• Bushra Bibi, Wife of Imran Khan, ‘Summoned’ By National
Accountability Bureau
• Hours after Release, Police Arrest Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf Leaders Shireen Mazari, Maleeka Bokhari Again
• I’m Proud to Take with Me Dreams of Saudi and Arab
Women to Space: Saudi Astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sania-siddiqui-menstruation/d/129805
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Dr. Sania Siddiqui of India Tagline on Menstruation: Periods Are Not Shame; It's Our Capacity
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui
-----
Shah
Taj Khan/Pune
18-05-23
If
one can today ask a pharmacist for a pack of sanitary towels or pads
unhesitatingly and without waiting for other customers to leave the shop, it’s
because of the work of several activists who have been spreading awareness
about menstruation to end the ‘shame’ attached with it.
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui of Pune, Maharashtra, is one such campaigner. She says:
"Most of the women who come to my clinic share the same worries and
anxieties about their daughter’s biology. These concerned moms don't understand
the basics of menstruation as their 12-13-year-old daughter approaches
puberty.”
“I
soon realized that there was a big time need to talk about menstruation, that
is periods, says Dr Siddiqui.
She
decided to become the voice of half the world's population and coined the
slogan "Shame nahin, Kshmtahai" (Periods are not a shame, it's
capacity (to become a woman)."
With
this slogan, Dr. Sania Siddiqui, who has converted the awareness campaign
towards menstruation into a movement, is today a well-known name in the field
of social change.
She
says that she must not take menstruation as just a 'women' issue but it should
be seen as a 'human' issue and therefore both genders need to be sensitized on
the subject.
It
was this thought and concern that inspired her to establish, in 2018, the
Hamjoli Foundation, an NGO dedicated to menstrual health and hygiene among
young girls, women, and men across all sections of society. “I am working to
create awareness about this biological process in a woman’s body and how it’s
normal.”
Speaking
to Awaz-The Voice, Dr. Sania Siddiqui said that this topic has been kept under
the carpet for so long and is not spoken about to the extent that often even
mothers hesitate to talk to their daughters about it. They try to speak in
allusions to their daughters.
Hamjoli
Foundation started by organizing a discussion on periods and women's health
with professional guest speakers. Soon this campaign received support and
endorsement from many like-minded people and organisations.
So
far Dr Siddiqui has organized campaigns in more than 10 Indian cities and has
addressed about 400 awareness sessions in these cities.
At
these sessions, Dr. Siqqiqui provides basic information about menstruation and
hygiene to women.
Menstruation
is an important part of women's reproductive health and only a menstruation
woman can naturally bear a child and yet a discussion on it is considered a
‘shame.’
She
says millions of girls pass through childhood and enter puberty without any
preparation. Mother or an elder sister speaks vaguely about menstruation to the
young woman only when she has her first period.
Dr.
Sania says that when we talk to girls, we often find that they have not
forgotten their first experience of pain, fear, and sufferings faced by the
innocent and young girls at that time. It has left a deep mark on their psyche
and emotionally disturbed them.
She
believes that if girls are provided with basic information on time, it will be
easier for them to understand the natural process of menstruation, and deal
with it easily.
“Because
of the information they have the girls will not be subjected to any mental
pressure,” she says.
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui says that we give information to people about menstruation and
reproductive health. We endeavor to provide basic information to women as well
as men in this regard. People still hesitate to talk openly but now things are
changing.
She
points out that simply promoting the use of sanitary pads is not enough.
Hygiene does not mean only using sanitary napkins. Wearing proper clothes,
changing sanitary pads from time to time, washing hands thoroughly with soap,
wrapping the used sanitary napkin in a paper, and throwing the same in the
dustbin, etc. are also part of her conversation.
“Most
women skip bathing during periods. At this time they need to keep their bodies
cleaner than normal days. It is very difficult to break the age-old tradition
of not bathing,” she says.
Dr. Sania says that when we go to the schools
to talk to the girls, we also meet their mothers because we believe that change
comes from within the home and not from NGOs like us or the government.
Speaking
with Awaz-the Voice, Dr. Sania Siddiqui said that most girls are not mentally
prepared for periods due to a lack of open discussion at home. In such an
environment, they do not tell anyone about the problems they face during this
period.
They
have questions about hygiene and the periodicity of their periods. These
anxieties pile up in their psyche and eventually might become a bigger problem
like a disease.
Dr.
Siddiqui says the health problem faced by girls in the initial years of their
puberty can be easily treated with mere counseling by a doctor.
Dr.
Sania says that we do not just give people oral information, but also a kit
containing essential items like sanitary pads to be used for three to six
months, underwear, soap, etc. They are also provided with a booklet in Urdu,
Hindi, and Marathi languages to convey the necessary information in a story
form.
Talking
to Awaz The Voice, Dr. Sania said that we try to teach them how to clean and
use sanitary napkins and now sanitary napkins are also provided to girls in
schools.
She
considers this a positive step. However, she expresses her concern and says
that despite all the efforts, statistics show that only 12 percent of women in
India are using sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, etc.
According
to Dr. Sania Siddiqui, she has also started a certificate course in female
hygiene, in which school teachers, college students, and others are taking an
interest. A large number of people have become associated with organizations
like Hamjoli Foundation to create and spread awareness on this crucial issue.
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui says that organizations like hers can make people aware, but it
is the responsibility of the government and the administration to provide
facilities to enable women to be at ease during those five days.
She
says the information about menstruation and health and hygiene should be made a
part of the syllabus, in clear, simple, and easy language.
She
says many girls remain absent from school every month as schools do not have
basic amenities like toilets, running water, dustbins, etc. and also many girls
drop out.
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui requests the government and the school administrations to pay
special attention to this aspect. There is an urgency to provide information
about menstruation anyway, not after menstruation starts, but before girls
reach puberty.
Dr.
Siddiqui has written educational books for young girls in Hindi and Urdu. These
are stories in which she explains all aspects of menstruation in an easy and
fun way.
The
Urdu book has been selected by the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian
Army for mass distribution among young girls under its 'Mission Sadbhavna'.
Many
schools are also using this book to teach their teachers and students.
Hamjoli
Foundation's name has been included in the India Book of Records for conducting
the maximum number of sessions on menstruation and hygiene in a single year -
2022.
She
continues to be a guest on many major print and online media platforms and is
also invited to radio talk shows on menstruation.
Dr.
Sania Siddiqui has been honored with 'The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Award',
Woman of Influence Award, Excellence Award, and Trailblazer of the Year Award
for her exemplary work in this field.
Source:
awazthevoice.in
https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/dr-sania-siddiqui-s-tagline-on-menstruation-periods-are-not-shame-it-s-our-capacity-21478.html
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Iranian Activists and Former Political Prisoner Shima Babaei Wins 2023 Women’s Rights Award Of the Geneva Summit
Shima
Babaei, activist and former political prisoner in Iran,
------
May
18, 2023
Presented
by GenovevaTisheva, Vice-Chair of the United Nations Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
It is a great honor to stand before you today
as we gather to celebrate the courage, moral leadership and devotion of those
who tirelessly work towards the advancement of women’s rights.
This
year, at the 15th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights, we honor an
exceptional individual whose relentless pursuit of justice has made a profound
impact on countless lives: the inspiring Iranian activist and former political
prisoner ShimaBabaei.
In
2017, while she was a student of architecture in Iran, Shima’s name became
synonymous with the “Girls of Revolution Street” demonstrations that took place
across Iran.
She
risked her life and liberty to protest for women’s rights, openly defying the
law that forces all women to wear a headscarf. She also rallied in support of
political prisoners.
As
a result, Shima was repeatedly summoned, arrested, and jailed by Iranian
police. She was sentenced to prison for the crimes of “removing the hijab in
public” and “publishing indecent material on social media.”
In
February 2018, Shima was subjected to 21 days of solitary confinement in
Tehran’s Evin Prison. She was interrogated 14 times. She was denied access to
legal representation.
Shima
and her husband Dariush Zand, a fellow activist, were charged with “assembly
and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the state,” and
“publishing falsehoods on social media.” Facing six years of imminent
imprisonment, the couple fled Iran in late 2018.
Now
based in Belgium, Shima continues the fight, beyond her country’s borders,
against gender discrimination.
When
the death in custody of Mahsa Amini sparked mass protests in September 2022,
Shima became a leading voice of the diaspora. She told CNN: “At the very same
building in the morality police headquarters, they treated me as a criminal,
put me in handcuffs, and disgraced me.”
In
November, Shima was one of four Iranian activists invited to a landmark meeting
with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Shima
is now fighting for the release of her father, Ebrahim Babaei, a human rights
activist who has been forcibly disappeared since December 2021, when he tried
to flee Iran. For years, he was brutally punished for his peaceful protests, and
for supporting his daughter’s activism. Human rights activists are calling for
his immediate release, and at least for his whereabouts to be disclosed.
Eleanor
Roosevelt once said, “In the light of history, it is more intelligent to hope
rather than to fear, to try rather than not to try. For one thing we know
beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It
can’t be done.’”
Despite
so many hardships, Shima Babaei is a woman who has chosen hope over fear. She
dreams of a world where women are treated equally, and she fights for that
dream. Her courage and determination have made her a beacon of hope for women
in Iran, and around the world.
On
behalf of the 25 human rights groups that co-sponsor the Geneva Summit for
Human Rights, I am proud to present the 2023 International Women’s Rights Award
to Shima Babaei.
Source:
unwatch.org
https://unwatch.org/iranian-activists-wins-2023-womens-rights-award-of-the-geneva-summit/
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Yasmin
Dar: Paving the Way as Manchester’s First Pakistani Muslim Mayor
By
Syeda Qandeel Zehra
May
18, 2023
In
a groundbreaking accomplishment that highlights diversity and progress, Yasmin
Dar has secured the prestigious position of Lord Mayor of Manchester, etching
her name in history. She has become the first Pakistani Muslim woman to achieve
this remarkable title.
Yasmin
Dar’s vision for Manchester revolves around empowering its residents, fostering
a sense of belonging, and championing diversity. Through her unwavering
dedication to community development, she aims to create an environment where
every voice is heard and valued. Her historic appointment as Lord Mayor
represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Simultaneously,
councilor Akhtar Zaman’s election as the Deputy Leader of Bolton City Council
adds to the notable achievements of individuals of Pakistani origin in the
United Kingdom. Hailing from the district of Gujrat, Zaman’s ascent in the
political landscape further exemplifies the growing representation of diverse
voices in leadership positions.
Additionally,
councillor Raja Muhammad Ayub Khan’s election as the Mayor of Bolton showcases
the remarkable progress made by individuals from Azad Kashmir. Coming from the
district of Kotli, councillorAyub Khan’s success reinforces the importance of
promoting multiculturalism and celebrating diverse backgrounds in local
governance.
Meanwhile,
councillor Haji Muhammad Fiaz assumes the role of Mayor of Chorley District
Council in Lancashire. His inauguration ceremony in Chorley, with its rich
historical heritage, underscores the significance of cultural integration and
the contributions of individuals from all walks of life.
The
Rise of Pakistani-Origin Leaders in the UK
Yasmin
Dar, Akhtar Zaman, Raja Muhammad Ayub Khan, and Haji Muhammad Fiaz inspiring
leaders driving progress and acceptance in multicultural societies. They bring
unique perspectives and experiences to foster growth, harmony, and inclusivity
in their communities.
Source:
enews.hamariweb.com
https://enews.hamariweb.com/world/yasmin-dar-paving-the-way-as-manchesters-first-pakistani-muslim-mayor/
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Moroccan
Director Maryam Touzani, The Arab Women on This Year’s Cannes Jury
By
Ghalia Taman
May
17, 2023
Along
with the many Arab films taking part in Cannes, there are also important Arab
figures playing a significant role in other facets of the prominent festival.
Bringing her wit and expertise in film criticism, Moroccan director Maryam
Touzani is one of this year’s jury at the Cannes Film Festival. She is the
first ever Moroccan to serve as a jury member in the festival. She was the
director behind the highly acclaimed film “The Blue Caftan” which was selected
for the Un Certain Regard award and was even shortlisted for an Academy Award.
Along
with Touzani, French-Lebanese filmmaker Audrey Diwan is going to take on a
different kind of role as the president and member of the jury of this year’s
edition of Cannes Critics’ Week. The parallel film festival event is all about
new and innovative films from up-and-coming talents.
Joining
Diwan, the jury will also feature the likes of Portuguese director of
photography RuiPocas and German actor, choreographer, and dancer Franz
Rogowski.
This
is not the first time that female Arab figures will take on prominent roles in
the Cannes film festival. Back in 2019, Lebanese filmmaker, Nadine Labaki
became the first Arab president of the Un Certain Regard Jury at the Cannes
Film Festival.
With
Arab female representation continuing to grow more and more during each edition
of Cannes, we cannot wait to see what’s next in the foreseeable future.
Source:
scoopempire.com
https://scoopempire.com/meet-the-arab-women-in-this-years-cannes-jury/
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Bushra
Bibi, Wife of Imran Khan, ‘Summoned’ By National Accountability Bureau
May
18, 2023
National
Accountability Bureau has summoned Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, in the Al-Qadir Trust case, today
(Thursday), sources said on Wednesday.
A
three-member team of the anti-graft body reached Zaman Park to hand over the
summons to Bushra Bibi for her appearance.
It
may be noted that on May 15, Lahore High Court granted bail to Bushra Bibi
until May 23 in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
On
Tuesday, the National Accountability Bureau had also summoned Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and former SAPM on accountability Shahzad
Akbar on May 18 and May 22, respectively.
Former
prime minister Imran Khan and ShahzadAkhar have been directed to appear before
NAB to join the probe along with the related documents.
Source:
pakobserver.net
https://pakobserver.net/bushra-bibi-summoned-by-nab/
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Hours
after Release, Police Arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Leaders Shireen Mazari,
Maleeka Bokhari Again
May
18, 2023
In
the wake of the recent violent protests, the arrest, release, and rearrests
game continues of the senior leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In
the latest bid, police arrested Shireen Mazari and Malika Bokhari on Wednesday
again, hours after they were released from custody on Islamabad High Court’s
(IHC) orders.
Shireen
Mazari’s daughter and lawyer, and activist, Imaan Mazari, confirmed the arrest
of her mother on her Twitter handle.
She
said, “They’ve taken her again.”
Prior
to Mazari’s detention, her daughter also shared a video of the PTI leader’s
home in the federal capital as police cars pulled up.
Imaan
told the reporters that although her mother was released earlier today pursuant
to a court ruling, she was afterwards jailed again for violating Section 4 of
the MPO.
She
claimed that Mazari was yesterday also released from Adiala Jail but was
immediately brought into custody.
Imaan
added that the majority of the policemen who arrived to arrest her were from
Punjab police and that the PTI leader must appear before the IHC today
(Thursday).
Meanwhile,
another PTI leader Maleeka Bokhari was also arrested again after she was
released from jail. The IHC ordered the release of Bokhari on Wednesday.
However, the Punjab Police rearrested Malika hours after her release.
According
to police sources, Bokhari was arrested from outside Adiala Jail and the police
shifted took her to an unknown location.
Source:
pakobserver.net
https://pakobserver.net/hours-after-release-police-arrest-shireen-mazari-maleeka-bokhari-again/
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I’m
Proud to Take with Me Dreams of Saudi and Arab Women to Space: Saudi Astronauts
RayyanahBarnawi
May
17, 2023
RIYADH
— Saudi astronauts RayyanahBarnawi and Ali Al-Qarni revealed that their
preparations and readiness are complete for their International Space Station
(ISS) scientific mission scheduled for May 21.
The
announcement came during Tuesday’s Axiom Space press conference during the
quarantine period for the flight’s crew, which includes US astronauts Peggy
Whitson and John Shoffner.
The
two Saudi astronauts confirmed that they were ready to implement the journey’s
objectives and noted its historical importance to the people and leadership of
the Kingdom, as it is anticipated to launch a new phase for the Kingdom in
space and contribute to inspiring future generations.
They
also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the wise leadership that believed
in the capabilities of Saudi youth and provided them with all resources
necessary to excel through the Kingdom’s programs for astronauts under the
supervision of the Saudi Space Commission.
“We
are very enthusiastic to blast off to space and bring off historic achievements
to our country and to the entire humanity,” Barnawi said in response to
reporters’ questions.
“We
believe that science is limitless, and we will pursue our mission to the
International Space Station with that principle being the basis. We will
search, explore, and participate in building a bright future for humanity.”
“I
have been working in scientific and medical research for ten years, and I am
very proud to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the first Arab Muslim
female astronaut, especially now when we are just a few days before our launch
into space,” Barnawi said.
Asked
what she will take to space, Barnawi replied, “I am so proud to take with me
the dreams of Saudi and Arab women to space, and I am here because of the Saudi
leadership’s support.
“I
feel very excited each time I remember I am going to space and seeing the dream
of my life coming true. Knowing that I am going to space, my grandmother gifted
me a pair of more than 60 years old earnings.”
“As
Saudis, we usually enjoy an honorable presence in all fields of scientific
progress. We will be, Allah willing, an extension for the homeland’s
accomplishments in our coming journey,” said Saudi astronaut Al-Qarni.
“We
feel proud and excited because it will be our first time going to the
International Space Station,” Al-Qarni said. “We look forward to conducting and
applying scientific experiments with students during our mission,” he added.
The
Saudi astronaut said he has been working as a pilot in the Air Force throughout
his career. “Now I am looking forward to performing experiments in space,” he
affirmed.
Al-Qarni
said that his scientific knowledge would allow him to work on the cloud-seeding
experiment in space and test its effectiveness and impact on humanity. “My
feelings about this new experience are indescribable,” he stated.
Al-Qarni
hailed the training environment provided by Saudi Arabia as a “motivator for us
to make achievements in various fields. We thank the wise leadership, my
family, and all the agencies and partners for their support to make this
scientific journey a success.”
The
historic space mission confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting space
exploration efforts, encouraging relevant practical research, and strengthening
its people’s role in space programs and scientific and technological fields.
The
Saudi commitment in this regard aims to achieve the objectives of Saudi
Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s role in the space
sector and its technologies. — SPA
Source:
saudigazette.com.sa
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/632546/SAUDI-ARABIA/Im-proud-to-take-with-me-dreams-of-Saudi-and-Arab-women-to-space-Barnawi
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sania-siddiqui-menstruation/d/129805