Saudi Women’s Market Participation Surges 20%: General Authority of Statistics
New Age
Islam News Bureau
10 August
2023
• Saudi Women’s Market Participation
Surges 20%: General Authority of Statistics
• Qatar Attends Ministerial Meeting of
Arab Women's Committee Held by Arab League
• Mahr Matters: “Mahr Is My Right by
Islamic Law”
• Muslim Women in Golf: 'What Started
Off As An Idea, Has Turned Into A Movement'
• Being A Divorced Muslim Woman Has
Become More Acceptable in Community
• Taliban’s Repression of Women Nothing
Less Than “Gender Apartheid”: Ex-British PM Gordon Brown
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-market-statistics/d/130423
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Saudi Women’s Market Participation
Surges 20%: General Authority of Statistics
The ratio of
employed women to the population in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to
30.4 percent. (Shutterstock)
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August 09, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drive to
encourage female participation in the public and private sector has resulted in
the total number of employed women increasing 20 percent to 1.5 million in the
fourth quarter of 2022 compared with 1.2 million in the same period of 2021,
showed a government report.
According to the General Authority of
Statistics, the numbers of female workers in the private and public sectors in
the fourth quarter of last year were 861,197 and 609,364, respectively.
The ratio of employed women to the
population in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to 30.4 percent compared
with 27.6 percent in the same period in 2021, reflecting their growing economic
engagement.
Female labor force participation
increased to 36 percent, up from 35.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021 as
the Kingdom continues to exceed its Vision 2030 objective of a 30 percent rate.
The report further pointed out that the
total employed women subject to social insurance laws and regulations reached
970,330 in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Moreover, between October and December
last year, the highest number of female workers was in the combined economic
activity of wholesale, retail and repair of motor vehicles, which amounted to
192,952 female workers.
Construction activity was the
second-highest category for women workers at 139,654, and healthcare was the
third-highest activity at 111,052.
The GASTAT numbers echoed the findings
of the Saudi Human Rights Commission when in February, its president Hala
Al-Tuwaijri announced that the share of women employed in Saudi Arabia jumped
to 35 percent from 21 percent in five years.
The Kingdom’s unemployment rate dropped
significantly in the last five years, from 11.6 percent to 5.8 percent.
“As a result of these efforts, the share
of women in the labor market increased from 21.2 percent to 34.7 percent, and
the rate of their economic participation jumped from 17 percent to 37 percent
during the period between 2017 and 2022,” said Al-Tuwaijri during the 52nd
session of the UN’s Human Rights Council held in February.
Speaking at the G20 Riyadh summit in
2020, King Salman made clear the vital role that female engagement will play as
Saudi Arabia’s economy and society changes.
“Women are a main source of development
for any society. Hence, without empowered women, it is almost impossible to
implement any societal reforms. Throughout history, women have proven their
prominent and effective role in driving change and decision-making,” he said.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2352126/business-economy
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Qatar Attends Ministerial Meeting of
Arab Women's Committee Held by Arab League
Photo: Gulf Times
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AUGUST 09, 2023
Qatar yesterday participated in the
extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Arab Women's Committee. Held by the
General Secretariat of the Arab League via the digital platform, the meeting is
within the framework of preparations for the fifth session of the Arab Economic
and Social Development Summit scheduled to take place in Mauritania from
November 6-7.
HE the Assistant Undersecretary for
Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Sheikha Sheikha
bint Jassim al-Thani represented Qatar at the meeting.
The meeting discussed a number of
working papers submitted by a number of member states in preparation for
presenting them at the summit. They include: adopting the strategic framework
for the regional programme for the economic and social empowerment of Arab
women, launching an Arab action plan to encourage entrepreneurship among women
in the Arab world, and the political empowerment of Arab women.
The General Secretariat places the
empowerment of Arab women among its priorities and is keen to present issues
that aim to improve the status of women at the highest political levels, said
Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector of the Arab
League ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh. The meeting was held with the
participation of ministers and heads of national mechanisms concerned with
women's affairs in 19 Arab countries. (QNA)
Source: gulf-times.com
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/666164/qatar/qatar-attends-meeting-of-arab-womens-committee
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Mahr Matters: “Mahr Is My Right by
Islamic Law”
August 10, 2023
Gradually Muslim women are getting
educated about the importance of the Mahr and in lot many weddings the brides
seek a berth in the decision-making as it links to their security, status and
individuality, reports Babra Wani
In 1994, when she was just 18 years old,
Shabana’s (name changed) marriage was arranged by her parents. Every detail,
from her groom to the colour of her wedding dress, the wedding date, and even
her Haqq e Mahr (dower), was decided by the groom’s family, and she passively
accepted their choices without voicing her own opinion.
In contrast, Shabana’s 25-year-old
niece, Saima (name changed), who got married in 2021, took an active role in
deciding every aspect of her marriage, including her Haqq e Mahr. She sat down
with her parents to discuss the amount and even added a few new clauses to her
Nakahnama (marriage contract).
“Mahr is my right by Islamic law. It
serves as my security, and when I learned its importance, I knew I had the
right to have a say in it,” explained Saima. A professional engineer, Saima,
extensively studied all aspects of the Mahr and decided that she would set the
amount between Rs 50,000 to one Lakh rupees, depending on her groom’s financial
situation. She communicated her decision to her parents, who supported her.
Saima’s in-laws, including her husband,
were fine with her decision. “At the time of my Nikkah, my father-in-law paid
my Mahr in cash and some jewellery. My husband was supportive, and we discussed
it directly,” she revealed.
In contrast to Saima’s experience, her
aunt Shabana had no say in determining her Mahr. “My father informed me about
the decision made by my in-laws regarding the Mahr amount,” Shabana recalled.
“I didn’t even ask about the amount as it was decided by the elders of the
family. To be honest, in those days, I didn’t even understand the significance
of deciding the Mahr amount. Nowadays, girls are more knowledgeable about these
matters.”
While Saima received her Mahr at the
time of her Nikah, Shabana had to wait 20 years before her husband paid it. She
used her Mahr in the construction of their new home.
Mutual Family Decision
These stories are not isolated
incidents; many other women share similar experiences.
For Zainab (name changed), her father-in-law
determined her Mahr in 2020. “My father-in-law said they had set an amount of
Rs 50,000 for all their daughters-in-law, so my Mahr would be the same,” Zainab
said. “At the time of my Nikah, I received Rs 10,000. I didn’t complain because
I understood that my in-laws could only afford that much.”
Naira (name changed), 24, also had her
Mahr decided by her in-laws. “My Mahr included jewellery from my in-laws and an
amount of Rs 60,000. I received the possession of the jewellery at the time of
my Nikah, and they said the amount would be paid later.”
While in these cases the in-laws
determined the dower, there are also instances, like Saima’s, where the bride’s
side had the final say.
In Seema’s (name changed) case, her
groom and in-laws allowed her and her family to decide the Mahr amount. “My
father and uncle determined the amount, and my in-laws agreed to it. It was
paid to me in cash at the time of my Nikkah.”
In the case of Raheen, whose Nikkah took
place during Ramzan 2023, the amount was mutually decided by both families.
“Since we are family friends, it was a mutual decision,” Raheen said. “My
opinion was also considered. However, the Mahr was not paid at the time of the
Nikah, as it is more of a cultural practice here.”
Trend Setting
In not so distant past, Mahr was just a
formality and a number of couples still exist in whose marriage the Mahr was
merely mentioned but was neither paid nor demanded. In only a fraction of
cases, the mention of Mahr in Nikkah was invoked in case of a conjugal dispute.
However, the situation has changed a
lot. Now, in most cases, the jewellery that is being gifted to the bride at the
time of marriage is partly or fully made part of the Mahr amount. In many
cases, the families – mostly from wealthy backgrounds, offer and pay a huge
amount, which, in certain cases runs in millions.
In, quite a few cases, the vocal brides
suggest reduced expenditure in the ceremonies so that their Mahr becomes
handsome. This trend is dictated by the inflation in which brides do not see a
lot of worth in a paltry Mahr amount being decided by the two families.
Why Mahr?
Mahr, a financial obligation placed on
the groom and his family, is traditionally paid to the bride in Muslim
marriages, either at the time of Nikkah or later, depending upon the wife’s
priority. Although commonly provided in monetary form, it can also take the
form of land, gold, or other financial assets.
Unlike in some countries where the wife
receives no dowry, Mahr is considered one of the rights of the wife, and it is
her lawful entitlement. This is supported by various sources, including the
verse: “And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal
money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good
heart…” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:4].
The Mahr belongs exclusively to the
wife, and it is not permissible for her father or anyone else to take it
without her consent. In the past, it was common for fathers to take their
daughter’s Mahr, but this practice was abolished by Allah, granting women the
right to the Mahr they receive.
Additionally, if the wife voluntarily
waives a portion of the Mahr, the husband is allowed to accept and enjoy it
without any harm. The dowry amount can vary depending on customs, with some
offering cash, others gold, and some including a combination of gold, cash, and
household items. The wife’s guardian should not be overly strict regarding this
list, as it is recommended to keep the Mahr simple and easy.
Scholar’s Speak
In Islam, the Qur’an explicitly mentions
the requirement for a groom to pay a dower to his bride. According to Mufti
Feroze Ahmad, a respected Islamic scholar, women hold a revered position in
Islam, and Mahr is considered obligatory during Nikkah. He explains that Mahr
serves as a form of security and is the rightful possession of the wife. The
amount should be agreed upon within the means of both families involved, with
no upper limit. Mufti Feroze emphasises that a wife has the freedom to waive
the Mahr if she so chooses, as it is her property and decision.
In the case of divorce (Khulla), Mufti
Feroze clarifies that the husband can request the return of the Mahr. Sumaiya,
who experienced forced marriage, shares her story of seeking a Khulla from her
husband. After reaching an agreement on the divorce, Sumaiya willingly returned
the Mahr and jewellery given to her by her husband and his family.
Another woman, who was divorced shortly
after her marriage, received her Mahr after the divorce settlement. “My
mother-in-law and husband returned everything they had given me during the
marriage, including the Mahr amount,” she said.
Failure to pay the Mahr in the event of
divorce carries a sin, as explained by Mufti Feroze. The husband is obligated
to settle this debt, and if he fails to do so, it remains until paid, even
after his death.
A Wife’s Right
Dr Aqsa Noorein, an Islamic scholar,
highlights that the determination of the Mahr primarily depends on the bride
and her family. However, in the case of remarriage, the bride has the authority
to decide.
The preferred practice, according to
several Islamic scholars, is to pay the Mahr at the time of Nikkah, based on
the groom’s financial situation. If a wife chooses to waive her Mahr during the
Nikkah, it is considered waived off.
Under Muslim Personal Law, Mahr is
defined as an amount of money that the husband owes to his wife upon their
marriage, either by mutual consent or by law. It can be either postponed
(Mu’wajjal) or prompted (Mu’ajjal).
Mahr is a concept within Shariah that
ensures women’s financial security. Advocate Irshad Ahmad Mir explains that
when a wife demands her Mahr, the husband is obligated to pay it. Failure to do
so can result in the wife filing a case for the recovery of the Mahr. However,
if a woman has waived her Mahr and subsequently faces divorce, the man is still
responsible for paying the Mahr.
Mahr, Mir added is an amount which is
paid to the woman as a means of respect and security, however, the aspect of
respect for the woman is more dominant. He stated that Islam regulated the mahr
as a recognition of respect as it was ordained in an era when a woman was
reduced to an abject commodity. In the case of nikkah in which rukhsati is
still pending and in case a divorce happens within that time period, half of
the mahr is paid. A woman, he said, can demand any amount but ideally, she is
supposed to consider her groom’s financial status as well.
Mahr can provide a subsistence amount to
a woman in case a divorce happens as it has been proven in many cases, one
court ruling suggested.
In matters concerning marriage, divorce,
Mahr, and Khulla, the Shariah and legal
laws are governed by Muslim Personal Law. This law deals with various aspects
of Muslim life, such as intestate succession, special property of females,
marriage, dissolution of marriage, maintenance, guardianship, gifts, trusts,
and Wakfs (excluding charities and religious endowments). The rule of decision
in cases involving Muslims is governed by Muslim Personal Law.
Source: kashmirlife.net
https://kashmirlife.net/mahr-matters-vol-15-issue-18-323102/
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Muslim Women In Golf: 'What Started Off
As An Idea, Has Turned Into A Movement'
Many Muslim women felt they couldn't get
involved in golf, but Amir Malik and Alistair Spink have created a range of
projects at Walton Heath, to allow more Muslim women to access and enjoy the
sport.
Source: skysports.com
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/golf/12936819/muslim-women-in-golf-what-started-off-as-an-idea-has-turned-into-a-movement
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Being A Divorced Muslim Woman Has Become
More Acceptable In Community
8.9.23
Being a divorced Muslim woman has become
more acceptable in our community. In fact, nearly a decade ago, it was
complicated and not very common – but nowadays, more people are becoming
outspoken about their unhappiness. Having said that, the taboo around divorce
still exists, and more so for Muslim women than men. Even after a divorce,
Muslim men can comfortably live normal lives, but Muslim women continue to face
difficulties.
I was trapped in an abusive relationship
– but in the community, women would say I was being selfish and ungrateful.
One woman stated that getting a divorce
actually set her free to live her life because she was so miserable. She said,
“I was trapped in an abusive relationship – but in the community, women would
say I was being selfish and ungrateful. My ex lived his life to the fullest
while I raised our children, returned to school, and worked. None of it was easy.
It required a lot of discipline.”
In an attempt to understand her lived
experience, the following is an interview she allowed us to conduct with her
where she was able to elaborate on her own personal story. Here’s what she had
to say.
As a divorced Muslim woman, do you ever
see yourself getting married again?
I’m not sure. I still have reservations
about it, but it’s not off the list. I’m not sure how I would, though, because
meeting someone isn’t as easy as one may think. Dating isn’t allowed, and many
will say it’s haram or culturally inappropriate. If you asked me this question
a couple of years after my divorce when I was still healing, I would have said
there was no way I’d ever get married again. But somehow, after healing from
all the pain of an abusive marriage, I’m finally feeling better and more open
to the possibility of marriage again.
Do you feel judged or criticized by your
community?
I used to. At first, I got a lot of hate
and negativity from everyone, including my family, so it was hard to deal with.
I was a single mom trying to make a better life for myself and my kids. That
was something many of these women couldn’t understand. Leaving was the best
decision I ever made, and I don’t regret it. I’ve seen how much happier my kids
are and how they can be themselves. We take family trips and have pizza and
game nights – simple things we didn’t do before. The best part of my life is
watching my kids grow and mature without violence in the home. This has been
the most rewarding part for me. I’ve also noticed the shift in my community.
They’re more supportive of women wanting a divorce because they’ve seen how my
life improved. That’s another reward for me.
Do you feel lonely sometimes?
Honestly, no. I’ll tell you why. My
kids, job, pets, and friends keep me so busy; I don’t have much time to get
lonely. I’m constantly involved with projects or taking trips, so I don’t have
time to sulk. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not cold, but sometimes I do wish my kids
had a great father figure. Having someone to help me with maintenance around
the house would be nice because it’s been hell trying to keep up with my
schedule. A pair of extra hands would be great, but those hands must be kind
and compassionate. My career, for now, is motherhood. My kids come first, so a
man in my life takes low priority right now. Plus, being a single mom, you
become overprotective of your heart because you really can’t just be with just
anyone. Only single parents can truly understand the struggle. I have friends
who don’t have kids, and they constantly comment about how I should remarry or
at least date. They don’t realize you don’t have that luxury as a single
parent. Whoever you bring into your life will become a part of your child’s
life.
What advice do you have for divorced
Muslim women?
Please don’t rush into another
relationship, no matter how difficult things get. It will not be easier for
you. In fact, it can become more difficult. It takes two to be in a marriage,
so don’t go for the most convenient option. You deserve better, and so do your
kids. If you’re childless, do whatever your heart desires. But as a single mom,
your decisions also impact your children, so take your time, heal, then go from
there. Divorce can be rewarding for some and harmful for others. No two stories
will be the same. My story is unique because I have gained independence by
providing for myself and my children. Many women stay in unhappy or unhealthy
marriages because they are financially trapped. Having some form of
independence, like your education, work experience, a good network, and a
support system help. And remember, it’s important for us to support other
women.
Source: muslimgirl.com
https://muslimgirl.com/this-is-what-it-looks-like-for-a-divorced-muslim-woman/
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Taliban’s Repression Of Women Nothing
Less Than “Gender Apartheid”: Ex-British PM Gordon Brown
By Fidel Rahmati-
August 9, 2023
The former British Prime Minister Gordon
Brown said in an article published by the Guardian that the severity of
oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan and the violation of their rights
can only be reflected by the term “gender apartheid” and emphasized that it is
time to define gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Girls and women in Afghanistan have
persevered through two years of ever-intensifying repression since the Taliban
took over in August 2021, risking their lives in the struggle for their right
to employment and education, Brown said, as reported by the Guardian.
“But no one should be in any doubt that
what Afghan girls are experiencing is not a temporary disruption. It is nothing
less than “gender apartheid”, the chilling words used recently by the permanent
representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations,” the report said.
Brave children in Afghanistan are
currently attending underground classrooms while living in constant danger of
being arrested, imprisoned, and tortured for disobeying the Taliban’s
rights-violating decrees.
The UNHCR and the partnership Connected
Learning in Crisis support a significant online education initiative in
colleges.
Meanwhile, he said that individual
Taliban members may be held accountable for gender discrimination under the
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to which Afghanistan
acceded in 2003.
The policy on the crime of gender
persecution, issued by the ICC in December 2022, notes that “gender persecution
severely deprives a person … of the fundamental right to be free from
discrimination in connection with other fundamental rights deprivations,
contrary to international law. For example, it may deprive a person of the
right to … education,” the document reported.
He also suggests that individual states
could take action through their own domestic legal systems to express their
criticism of the Taliban’s repression, for instance, by imposing sanctions
against specific Taliban members.
Meanwhile, he suggested we must ensure
that education can get through to girls in Afghanistan through the online and
radio courses the rest of the world offers. while saying that education Cannot
Wait, Unicef and others should be given the resources to provide educational
opportunities for Afghan girls inside and outside the country.
The greatest advocates of education for
everyone are the millions of women who attended school and universities in the
two decades before 2021.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/talibans-repression-of-afghan-women-and-girls-nothing-less-than-gender-apartheid-ex-british-prime-minister/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-market-statistics/d/130423