First Saudi Female Fencer, Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri, Appointed Student Sports Ambassador
New Age Islam News Bureau
20 Sep 2024
· First Saudi Female Fencer, Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri, Appointed Student Sports Ambassador
· Iran Cordons Off Teen Protester Nika Shakrami's Grave on Death Anniversary
· Sweden Charges Lina Laina Ishaq, Associated With The Daesh Group, With Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity In Syria
· Faezeh Hashemi, Daughter Of The Late Iranian President Rafsanjani, Says 'I Did Not Want To Leave Prison'
· Pioneering Female Entrepreneurs Discuss Progress, Challenges In Saudi Arabia
· Rani Hamid’s Incredible Run Continues As Bangladesh Women Beat Sweden In The 45th Chess Olympiad 2024
· Online Business: A Lifeline for Afghanistan Women Entrepreneurs
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-female-fencer-ruba/d/133245
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First Saudi Female Fencer, Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri, Appointed Student Sports Ambassador
Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri, Appointed Student Sports Ambassador
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AFSHAN AZIZ
September 20, 2024
JEDDAH: The first female fencer has been appointed as Saudi Arabia’s student sports ambassador to the International University Sport Federation.
The appointment of Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri to the role highlights the Kingdom’s empowerment of female athletes in recent years.
The FISU Student Ambassador program aims to promote the development of university sports and support sporting volunteer programs in ambassadors’ home countries.
Al-Masri told Arab News: “I consider this historic achievement for Saudi sports as a true turning point. It fills me with pride and honor. This success is not just an individual accomplishment; it reflects the tremendous efforts being made by the Kingdom to support women’s sports and empower youth. Seeing a Saudi girl shine on the international stage represents a dream come true, and it opens new doors for young talents.”
Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, highlighted Al-Masri’s achievement as an example of the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing women in sports.
She posted on X: “Women’s fencing in Saudi Arabia has made great strides from 2016 when Lubna Al-Omair competed in the Olympic Games in Rio to today with athletes like Ruba.”
The acknowledgement from Princess Reema was an emotional milestone for Al-Masri. She said: “It felt like a validation of all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices I had made throughout my journey as a female athlete.
“Her support and recognition not only inspired me but also underscored the importance of empowering women in sports. Knowing that such a prominent figure believes in my potential is a tremendous honor and a powerful encouragement to keep pushing forward.”
Al-Masri’s fencing journey began in April 2018 and was deeply influenced by her father, a former champion in the Arab region.
“Growing up, I was always surrounded by his memorabilia — photos and medals that showcased his accomplishments throughout his athletic career,” she said. “Moreover, with the recent initiatives led by our Crown Prince to empower women in sports, I felt encouraged to follow in his footsteps.”
Support from her family, particularly her parents, was instrumental in shaping her passion and ambition. But there were challenges along the path — Al-Masri faced several obstacles, including finding suitable training facilities and balancing her academic and professional commitments.
“Finding suitable training facilities and the ability to register female athletes in clubs were significant hurdles,” she said. “Despite these challenges, I am proud to say that I have persevered and built a name for myself in various fields. I hold a double major in law and aesthetic specialization, and I have simultaneously worked for three different marketing companies while excelling in my sport.”
As a student-athlete ambassador, Al-Masri intends to make a real impact on future generations.
“I aim to inspire young women to pursue their passions in sports while balancing their educational and personal lives,” she said.
“Having successfully navigated my own journey … I believe my experiences can serve as a powerful testament to what is achievable.”
A defining moment in Al-Masri’s career came with the challenge of establishing her name on the international stage, overcoming issues such as unfair judging.
“Despite these challenges, my determination only grew stronger,” she said. “With the guidance and expertise of my father, I developed a unique training plan which enabled me to achieve significant milestones, including winning the first Saudi bronze medal in the Under-23 European Championships in 2023. This was a groundbreaking accomplishment for Saudi fencers in Europe.”
Looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, Al-Masri is eager to engage with the FISU Student Ambassadors Program.
“I look forward to collaborating on group proposals, participating in educational webinars, celebrating the International Day of University Sport, and presenting our action plans,” she said. “This structured approach will empower me to support female athletes and contribute effectively to the broader student-athlete community.”
The support from her community and mentors has been pivotal.
“The Saudi University Sports Federation, particularly Dr. Professor Khalid Al-Muzaini and Salma Ibrahim, has played a crucial role in my development,” she said. “I am also grateful to my coach, Fawad Al-Nasiri, for selecting me as the first Saudi female athlete to represent our country at the 2023 Summer Universiade in China. Their influence has been profound, motivating me to strive for greater heights.”
And to young girls in Saudi Arabia interested in sports, Al-Masri advised: “Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t shy away from challenges. Surround yourselves with supportive mentors and friends who believe in you and encourage your growth. Your dreams and aspirations are valid, and you have the potential to achieve greatness in the world of sports.”
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2572121/saudi-arabia
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Iran Cordons Off Teen Protester Nika Shakrami's Grave on Death Anniversary
The death of Nika Shakrami, who would have turned 17 at the weekend, has become a focus for online activists. Photograph: Twitter
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
The Islamic Republic authorities have blocked access to the gravesite of a teenager killed during the 2022 protests, coinciding with the second anniversary of her death.
Atash Shakarami, the aunt of Nika Shakrami, reported that security forces have blocked roads leading to Hayat al-Ghaib cemetery, where Nika is buried.
Shakarami stated on Instagram that their family is being denied access to the cemetery and Nika's grave.
In her post, she wrote: "The roads to Hayat al-Ghaib cemetery have been closed by repressive forces and will remain blocked until Saturday, September 21."
She added that the movement of local residents has also been disrupted, funeral ceremonies in the area have been canceled, and daily life has been severely affected.
Friday marks the second anniversary of Nika Shakrami's death.
Nika Shakarami was a teenage protester who participated in the 2022 uprising sparked by the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amani. Nika was abducted by security agents and killed after being subjected to torture and sexual abuse.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/134094-iran-cordons-off-teen-protesters-grave-on-death-anniversary/
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Sweden Charges Lina Laina Ishaq, Associated With The Daesh Group, With Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity In Syria
September 20, 2024
DENMARK: Swedish authorities have charged a 52-year-old woman associated with the Daesh group with genocide, crimes against humanity, and serious war crimes against Yazidi women and children in Syria — in the first such case of a person to be tried in the Scandinavian country.
Lina Laina Ishaq, who’s a Swedish citizen, allegedly committed the crimes from August 2014 to December 2016 in Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the self-proclaimed Daesh caliphate and home to about 300,000 people.
The crimes “took place under Daesh rule in Raqqa, and this is the first time that Daesh attacks against the Yazidi minority have been tried in Sweden,” senior prosecutor ReenaDevgun said in a statement.
“Women, children, and men were regarded as property and subjected to being traded as slaves, sexual slavery, forced labor, deprivation of liberty, and extrajudicial executions,” Devgun said.
When announcing the charges, Devgun said that they were able to identify the woman through information from UNITAD, the UN team investigating atrocities in Iraq.
Daesh “tried to annihilate the Yazidi ethnic group on an industrial scale,” Devgun said.
In a separate statement, the Stockholm District Court said the prosecutor claims the woman detained a number of women and children belonging to the Yazidi ethnic group in her residence in Raqqa and “allegedly exposed them to, among other things, severe suffering, torture or other inhumane treatment as well as for persecution by depriving them of fundamental rights for cultural, religious and gender reasons contrary to general international law.”
According to the charge sheet, Ishaq is suspected of holding nine people, including children, in her Raqqa home for up to seven months and treating them as slaves. She also abused several of those she held captive.
The charge sheet said that Ishaq, who denies wrongdoing, is accused of having molested a baby, said to have been one month old at the time, by holding a hand over the child’s mouth when he screamed to make him shut up.
She is also suspected of having sold people to Daesh, knowing they risked being killed or subjected to serious sexual abuse.
In 2014, Daesh stormed Yazidi towns and villages in Iraq’s Sinjar region and abducted women and children. Women were forced into sexual slavery, and boys were taken to be indoctrinated in jihadi ideology.
The woman earlier had been convicted in Sweden and was sentenced to three years in prison for taking her 2-year-old son to Syria in 2014, an area that Daesh then controlled.
The woman claimed she had told the child’s father that she and the boy were only going on holiday to Turkiye. However, once in Turkiye, the two crossed into Syria and the Daesh-run territory.
In 2017, when Daesh’s reign began to collapse, she fled from Raqqa and was captured by Syrian Kurdish troops. She managed to escape to Turkiye, where she was arrested with her son and two other children she had given birth to in the meantime, with a Daesh foreign fighter from Tunisia.
She was extradited from Turkiye to Sweden.
Before her 2021 conviction, the woman lived in the southern town of Landskrona.
The court said the trial was planned to start Oct. 7 and last approximately two months.
Large parts of the trial are to be held behind closed doors.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2572080/middle-east
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FaezehHashemi, Daughter Of The Late Iranian President Rafsanjani, Says 'I Did Not Want To Leave Prison'
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
FaezehHashemi, political activist and daughter of the late Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, was released from Evin prison on Wednesday.
Evin prison authorities confirmed her parole, though Hashemi herself expressed a lack of desire for release. In an interview with IranWire, she emphasized that she resisted leaving prison but officials forced her out.
Hashemi’s most recent arrest occurred during the nationwide protests in 2022. She was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic" and "disturbing public order by participating in unlawful gatherings."
An open letter Hashemi wrote about the conditions in Evin’s women’s ward sparked significant reactions. In the letter, she described the relationships and behavior among some female prisoners as "fascist," comparing the dynamics in the prison to the Islamic Republic's treatment of society.
She concluded with a personal note: "My cousin, who deeply believes in dream interpretations, recently dreamt that I would be killed by fellow prisoners."
Hashemi has since refused to comment further on the letter, saying that she has already said everything that needed to be said and has been observing the reactions.
Many believe your release is related to the letter you wrote about the prison. What’s your view on that?
It was not unrelated. In my letter, I mentioned my cousin’s dream because I was considering different possibilities. After the letter was published, they called me and suggested that I move to a youth detention center for my safety, but I refused.
The next day, they asked me to apply for parole. I refused again. On the third call, they told me I had to apply for parole, saying, “We’ve been ordered that you should request parole, and it will be approved.” I had applied for parole before, but it was denied. I told them, “You may have orders, but I’m not your employee. I’m not asking for parole because I’m not seeking freedom right now. In fact, this release isn’t in my best interest.”
Every time they asked, I refused, and they would tell me to write down that I disagreed and that I was responsible for anything that happened. So, each time, I wrote, "I do not accept your offer, and I take responsibility for anything that may happen."
On Wednesday morning, they informed me my leave had been approved. I responded, “I didn’t request leave.” They explained that prisoners with general charges can take leave for three days a month, and I was now classified among general prisoners because my current charge was "insulting sacred things." They said, “You’ve been on the leave list for a month, and it’s your turn.” I told them, “I don’t want to leave. I don’t see any reason to leave prison right now, and in fact, leaving would harm me. I’m a political figure, and if I leave after the publication of that letter, it will look bad, as it wasn’t my intention to write for my freedom. So, I reject your offers.”
On Wednesday evening, the management office called again. I suspected they wanted to release me because they had already contacted me earlier in the day, and by afternoon, there’s usually no further business. I told them, “I won’t come.” I spoke with the secretary of Mr. HedayatFarzadi, the director of Evin prison, and told him over the phone, “If there’s something to discuss, let’s do it over the phone.” He replied that Mr. Farzadi doesn’t discuss things on the phone and that I should come in person. I refused again, saying, “You’re trying to release me.” He denied it, saying, “No, we promise you’ll return to prison.” I asked, “Am I supposed to trust your word?” They assured me, so I went.
When I arrived, Mr. Farzadi handed me a letter stating that my parole had been approved. I told him, “I never made such a request.” He said, “Regardless, it’s been approved.” He read the letter, explaining that parole meant I’d be released but under conditions - if I violated any terms, I’d return to prison with double the punishment or whatever the judge ruled.
I told him, “No, I didn’t ask for freedom, and I don’t accept this.” He responded, “It’s no longer in your hands. Once the release order is issued, we’ll be punished if we keep you even a minute longer. We can’t let you go back inside.”
I argued that this wasn’t what we’d agreed upon and that they’d deceived me, but they didn’t budge. In the end, they essentially kicked me out of the prison. They wouldn’t let me go back to my cell; instead, the other inmates gathered my belongings and sent them out to me.
Why did you insist on staying in prison?
In my view, staying in prison is not a badge of honor, but getting out by any means isn’t right either.
I’ve always exercised my rights as a prisoner. For instance, I applied for leave, which was sometimes approved and sometimes denied. When it was time for parole, I applied, but it was rejected by the prosecutor. After I made my statement and heard the reactions from all sides - claims that I wanted to be released because I was exhausted, sick, or because Pezeshkian took office and I want to be released - I no longer wished to leave. None of that was true, and my goal was never to seek freedom through such statements.
Another reason I didn’t want to leave was the situation of my fellow inmates who supported me and protested the prison conditions. I felt it would be wrong to abandon them in that environment. But it didn’t turn out that way. Just like in 2012, when they forced me out of prison, the same thing happened this time. It seems my fate is that every time I go to prison, they eventually have to force me out.
Were you aware of the reactions and criticisms regarding your letter and your release?
Look, I don’t want to delve into the content of the letter anymore. I said everything I needed to, and it had its impact. I’ve seen the reactions, but I won’t discuss the letter further.
As for my release, there have been a range of responses. Some people don’t realize I wasn’t seeking freedom - I resisted, but they still threw me out of prison. Even if they hear that, they probably won’t believe it. Others, driven by malice, criticize me because I dared to speak out and state some truths. They didn’t like what I said, so they tried to twist my words and turn them against me. I anticipated this backlash when I wrote the letter. I knew that writing it would come at a cost, and these reactions are part of that cost.
As you mentioned, parole means that if you engage in certain activities, you might receive double the prison sentence depending on the judge’s ruling. Doesn’t this condition make you more cautious and passive as a political activist?
Look, for me, truth and reality are too important. I can’t deal with lies or things that are unreal. When I spoke against the regime or when I published that letter, it was because of this commitment to truth.
I can’t tolerate anything that contradicts the moral principles and ideals I hold. When I see such things, my first instinct is to raise awareness - not to threaten, but to point out what shouldn’t be happening. For example, I might say, "This shouldn’t happen," or, "If you’re going to do this, let others act according to their own beliefs." It’s wrong to suffocate the environment with suppression, claiming that only one group can impose its will and threaten anyone who opposes it. I’ve always stood against that, and I always will. My character doesn’t change, so I don’t think I’ll be silenced.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/features/134103-exclusive-faezeh-hashemi-says-i-did-not-want-to-leave-prison/
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Pioneering female entrepreneurs discuss progress, challenges in Saudi Arabia
RAHAF JAMBI
September 19, 2024
RIYADH: Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia was the focus of a panel discussion called “Empower Me”, hosted by the Atlantic Council Middle East Initiatives in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Speakers included Amal Dokhan, managing partner at MENA 500 Global and one of the Kingdom’s first female venture capitalists, along with Wafa Obaidat, founder and CEO of edtech company Playbook, and AfnanAbabtain, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia.
The panel discussion was moderated by Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief at Arab News.
For the third year running, the Atlantic Council’s Women Innovators Fellowship brings together a group of pioneering female Saudi entrepreneurs for a year-long program designed to enhance their business skills and expand their regional and international networks.
The 20 inspirational business leaders selected for the 2024-25 cohort represent diverse sectors such as technology, climate sustainability and healthcare.
In a virtual address, US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney said: “I want to first recognize our partner, the Atlantic Council, for their leadership in implementing this fellowship. I also want to thank all those involved for their invaluable support. Without you, this fellowship would not exist.”
The panel discussion began with a question about the role of female entrepreneurs in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic conditions and their alignment with Vision 2030.
Ababtain said: “We are seeing women contributing significantly to small and medium enterprises. Since Monshaat started operations in 2016, the participation of women has increased from 21 percent to over 45 percent.”
Dokhan encouraged aspiring female entrepreneurs to take the leap: “If you have a business idea, don’t hesitate to apply to MENA 500 Global. Remember, rejection is part of the process. Others have succeeded, and so can you. The investments are there — Saudi Arabia is backing many funds, and venture capitalists are excited about technology.”
Reflecting on her journey with Playbook, Obaidat said: “I found myself frustrated within traditional business networks that lacked real opportunities for engagement. It’s disheartening to see that while girls excel academically, less than 2 percent of VC funding goes to women, and fewer than 10 percent reach C-level positions.”
She emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment: “Playbook was born from the need to discuss strategies for advancing in business and normalizing female leadership.”
Since its inception, Playbook has attracted over 6,000 members, with 15 percent in C-level positions and 10 percent as female founders.
“We’ve raised over $1.5 million in pre-seed and seed funding, and our goal is to empower more women to navigate the complexities of the professional world,” said Obaidat.
The discussion panel was hosted by the Atlantic Council in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia and PepsiCo. The session can be
Source: arabnews.com
viewed at https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/the-state-of-women-entrepreneurshi...
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2572075/saudi-arabia
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Rani Hamid’s Incredible Run Continues As Bangladesh Women Beat Sweden In The 45th Chess Olympiad 2024
20 Sep 2024,
Rani Hamid carried on her remarkable winning run in the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024. This time, the 80-year-old beat higher-ranked Swedish opponent to record her fifth straight win from as many matches she competed in the ongoing competition.
Riding on Rani’s incredible feat in Budapest, Bangladesh women team also beat higher-ranked Sweden team and climbed to 28th in the ranking after the end of the 8th round.
Bangladesh won the 8th-round game by 2.5-1.5 points as Rani and Nusrat Jahan Alo defeated Margarita Zaritovskaja and Inna Agrest respectively.
Wadifa Ahmed drew with Anna Cramling while Walijah Ahmed lost to Pia Cramling.
While it was five in a row for Rani, it was third consecutive victory for Bangladesh women team. They earlier beat Uruguay and Dominican Republic.
In Open section, Bangladesh lost the 8th-round match to Kazakhstan by 3-1 points.
The women team is up against Argentina while the open team will face Lebanon in the 9th round Friday.
Source: dhakatribune.com
https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/other-sports/359080/rani-hamid%E2%80%99s-incredible-run-continues-as
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Online Business: A Lifeline for Afghanistan Women Entrepreneurs
Shiva Sadat
September 20, 2024
When the Taliban banned women from working, many found themselves jobless and confined to their homes. But rather than giving in, these women sought new ways to support themselves. One promising path was online or “network marketing,” which allowed them to work from home. Today, many young women are involved in this industry, with some even achieving financial independence.
Sana Rasooli, a determined young woman, entered this market eighteen months ago. She takes great pride in having ignored others’ doubts and starting her own business. From a young age, Sana had always dreamed of standing on her own. In her childhood games, she would pretend to be a businesswoman, confident and self-reliant.
Her first job was teaching girls who were not allowed to attend school. At just fifteen, Sana balanced her own studies with tutoring these girls. She continued this for three years but had to stop when her university entrance exams demanded her full attention. When the Taliban took control, her dreams were shattered, as they barred her from both school and her courses.
In 2022, the Taliban promoted female students without requiring any exams, and Sana was declared a high school graduate. Universities still welcomed female students at the time, which reignited hope in Sana’s heart and in thousands of other girls. Wasting no time, she enrolled in a private university, choosing economics—her long-standing passion. While there, she reconnected with an old classmate who introduced her to the idea of running a business from home. After learning more from friends and doing her own research, Sana decided to take the plunge, despite the risks involved.
Reflecting on her decision, she says: “I had already lost money on a few ventures before, so my family warned me not to jump into something I had no experience in. But I always dreamed of being an independent businesswoman, and the Taliban had robbed me of that chance. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.”
Sana started her network marketing business with no capital. She borrowed money from friends and began investing. The judgment and negative comments came quickly, escalating to mockery and insults. But Sana tuned it all out and stayed focused on her goal. Once she started, she was prepared for any losses or challenges that might come her way. Yet, against all odds, within just a few months, she repaid her loans and even helped support her sisters financially: “My drive to succeed only grew stronger every day. Although I faced huge pressure early on, attending endless meetings—both online and in-person—and barely sleeping or eating, I felt proud. I had tasted the sweet joy of independence at such a young age.”
The only thing that kept Sana grounded after universities were closed to women—and that prevented her from spiraling into depression and isolation—was her work. She now firmly believes that everyone should focus on their goals, no matter what others think, and enjoy the journey. She remains optimistic, believing that even in the worst conditions, one can grow and achieve their dreams. As she puts it: “As the saying goes, ‘The sun shines on the plant that lifts its head out of the soil.’ Every venture has its risks, but we’ll never know what’s possible until we start.”
Source: 8am.media
https://8am.media/eng/online-business-a-lifeline-for-afghanistan-women-entrepreneurs/
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-female-fencer-ruba/d/133245