Saudi Space Pioneer, Rayyanah Barnawi, Recognized by Guinness World Records as First Female Arab in Space
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 Oct 2024
· Saudi Space Pioneer, Rayyanah Barnawi, Recognized by Guinness World Records as First Female Arab in Space
· Violence Against Women in Bangladesh Jumps by 27pc in September
· Many Girls in Afghanistan Forced to Leave School Early Due to Poverty: World Food Programme
· Ensuring Women’s Safety: Bangladesh Govt to Form Response Cells in 64 Districts
· Two Arrested For Setting Fire To Girls’ School In Panjshir
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-space-rayyanah-barnawi/d/133334
--------
Saudi Space Pioneer, Rayyanah Barnawi, Recognized by Guinness World Records as First Female Arab in Space
Saudi Space Pioneer, Rayyanah Barnawi
------
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: The first female Arab astronaut has had her pioneering spaceflight recognized by Guinness World Records, the organization announced on Monday.
Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023. She was accompanied by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni aboard a craft bound for the International Space Station.
In her first message she said: “This trip does not represent me alone, but rather the entire Arab world and all Saudis. We are living a dream that once seemed impossible but has become reality.”
Al-Qarni and Barnawi — the first Arab woman to orbit Earth — returned on May 31 after an eight-day stay at the ISS. During their time there they carried out 14 research projects on microgravity, three of which were kite experiments involving 12,000 school students from 47 locations across the Kingdom, conducted via satellite.
During her mission, part of the Saudi Astronaut Program, Barnawi completed several groundbreaking experiments that included studying the response of immune cells and how microgravity affects biological processes.
Barnawi has spent her career advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of cancer stem cells. She worked at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre and holds a bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering and tissue development from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She also has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Alfaisal University in Riyadh.
Barnawi’s personal journey reflects her strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and her Sudanese heritage.
Her world record-breaking achievement follows in the footsteps of the Kingdom’s Prince Sultan bin Salman who, in 1985, became the first Arab to go into space.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573392/saudi-arabia
------
Violence Against Women in Bangladesh Jumps by 27pc in September
Gender-based violence is a social malady—it’s a pandemic that is as old as civilisations. Illustration: Biplob Chakroborty
-----
Oct 1, 2024
Violence against women and children saw a significant rise in September, with reported cases rising by almost 27 percent compared to August, said a report by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
The total number of victims increased from 147 to 186.
A total of 72 girls under the age of 18, alongside 114 adult women, encountered different forms of violence. The numbers were 51 and 96, respectively, in the previous month.
The report, "Statistics of Violence Against Women and Girl Children: September 2024,” was made public yesterday. It was formed based on reports published in 16 daily newspapers from September.
As per the report, incidents of rape increased from eight to 13, with three of these resulting in the killing of the victim.
Gang rape cases also rose, affecting 11 individuals -- five girls and six women -- up from seven cases in the previous month.
Additionally, five girls and nine women took their own lives in September, compared to four girls and seven women in August.
Overall, 49 were killed for various reasons, which is 19 more than August. The report also said the number of mysterious murders also doubled, rising from 12 to 27 cases. While no attempted child marriages were reported, one child marriage did occur. Meanwhile, dowry-related violence claimed a woman's life.
Besides, one girl fell victim to cybercrime, and 10 others experienced various forms of abuse and torture.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/violence-against-women-jumps-27pc-september-3716581
----------
Many Girls in Afghanistan Forced to Leave School Early Due to Poverty: World Food Programme
By Fidel Rahmati
September 30, 2024
The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that in addition to restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan, many are forced to leave school early due to poverty.
WFP reports that one out of every three girls in Afghanistan is unable to complete her primary education.
The organization also noted that many children survive on just bread and tea, and the nutritious food distributed by WFP in schools is often the only meal that keeps them full throughout the day.
This situation comes amid widespread unemployment and poverty in Afghanistan, causing many children to attend school on an empty stomach.
Two weeks ago, WFP also stated that many children in Afghanistan are attending school hungry, with three million children suffering from malnutrition.
The combination of poverty and restrictions on girls’ education creates a dire situation for Afghan children, particularly girls, who face immense challenges in accessing education and basic nutrition.
This marks the fourth year since the Taliban banned education for girls beyond the sixth grade, a decision that has significantly worsened the current situation.
The lack of access to education has not only deepened poverty but also led to a sharp increase in forced and early marriages across the country, as many families see marriage as the only option for their daughters in the absence of schooling.
The ongoing restrictions, combined with widespread poverty, are pushing Afghan girls further into a cycle of hardship, depriving them of their right to education and a better future.
The ongoing hunger crisis highlights the need for continued international aid and sustainable solutions to ensure children’s ability to learn and thrive.
Without immediate and long-term support, the prospects for Afghanistan’s younger generation remain bleak, as malnutrition and lack of education could have devastating effects on their future. Addressing these interconnected crises is critical for the overall development and stability of the country.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/wfp-many-girls-in-afghanistan-forced-to-leave-school-early-due-to-poverty/
----------
Ensuring Women’s Safety: Bangladesh Govt to Form Response Cells in 64 Districts
Oct 1, 2024
In an effort to address abuse and discrimination against women and children, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will establish rapid response cells across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, according to Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the ministry.
Speaking as the chief guest at an event held at Bangladesh Shishu Academy on National Girl Child Day yesterday, Murshid announced this initiative, aimed at creating a safer environment for girls and women nationwide.
The event was jointly organised by the ministry and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum.
"These cells will include government officials, public representatives, and children, and are designed to provide a swift and coordinated response to any form of abuse or violence, ensuring accountability," Murshid said.
She also emphasised the government's commitment to doing everything possible to prevent child abuse.
She called for a safer future for women and girls across Bangladesh, stating, "We must build the future of Bangladesh based on the dreams of our girl children. In that future, there will be playgrounds, schools near their homes, and they will sing, dance, and move freely."
Nazma Mobarek, secretary of the ministry, reiterated the importance of educating and protecting girls. Citing Napoleon Bonaparte's famous words -- "Give me an educated mother, and I will give you an educated nation" -- she highlighted the need to ensure that girls receive proper education, nutrition, and protection to secure their future.
Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, president of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum, said the August 5 uprising had opened new possibilities for the country, stressing the need to create a safer Bangladesh for girls.
He urged everyone to contribute, stating that while girls should focus on acquiring knowledge and developing skills, it is the responsibility of government bodies, NGOs, and parents to provide an environment that supports their full potential.
Keya Khan, director general of the Department of Women Affairs, emphasised the need for both society and the state to fully support girls in realising their dreams.
Khan called for a change in societal attitudes to ensure respect and dignity for women and girls.
Shishu Academy Director General Tania Khan stressed the importance of raising awareness about discrimination against girls and ensuring their safety and opportunities for growth. Save the Children Acting Country Director Reefat Bin Sattar highlighted child marriage as a major barrier to girls' progress.
As part of the celebration, a cultural programme featuring performances by children followed the discussion.
Two documentaries were also screened, one focused on girls' perspectives on the future of Bangladesh, and the other paid tribute to the late Nasima Akter Jolly, former Secretary of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum, highlighting her contributions and legacy.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/40000-people-104-villages-waterlogged-3716621
----------
Two arrested for setting fire to Girls’ school in Panjshir
By Fidel Rahmati
September 30, 2024
Authorities confirmed on Monday, September 30, that the Bibi Amina High School, located in Paranda, Bazarak, Panjshir province, was torched at around 9 p.m. the previous night.
Officials further stated that the fire department arrived promptly after the incident and extinguished the fire.
Police have arrested two individuals accused of setting fire to a girls’ school in Panjshir province. The suspects have confessed to the crime, and their case is now under legal review.
Their case will be processed through the legal system.
The motive behind the arson and the identities of those involved remain unclear.
A similar incident had occurred in Panjshir province previously, indicating a worrying trend.
Since 2021, girls in Afghanistan have been banned from attending school beyond the sixth grade, deepening the country’s educational and humanitarian crisis. The ban has left millions of girls without access to education, worsening poverty and hopelessness in the nation.
This policy has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with many calling it a violation of basic human rights. Amid dire poverty, the denial of education only exacerbates the country’s suffering, leaving a generation of girls without prospects for a better future.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/two-arrested-for-setting-fire-to-girls-school-in-panjshir/
----------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-space-rayyanah-barnawi/d/133334