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Islam, Women and Feminism ( 26 Dec 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Saveera Parkash, 1st Hindu Woman to File Nomination For 2024 Pakistan Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

New Age Islam News Bureau

26 December 2023

·         Saveera Parkash, 1st Hindu Woman to File Nomination For 2024 Pakistan Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

·         Shabnam Sheikh, An Ardent Devotee of Rama, walks from Mumbai to Ayodhya to Witness Lord Ram

·         Parisa Azada Afghan Activist Released from Taliban Prison After 40 Days

·         Sharjah Set to Host Thrilling Seventh Edition Of Arab Women Sports Tournament

·         Modi Govt Gave Muslim Women ‘Permanent Husbands’: RSS Leader

·         UN’s Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Urges Muslim Nations’ Involvement In Easing Women’s Restrictions In Afghanistan

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:  https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saveera-hindu-pakistan-elections/d/131389

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Saveera Parkash, 1st Hindu Woman to File Nomination For 2024 Pakistan Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

 

Saveera Prakash will contest elections on a Pakistan People's Party (PPP) ticket for upcoming polls.

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Dec 26, 2023

The general elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held on February 8 to elect the members of the 16th national assembly.

In a first, a Hindu woman in Pakistan filed nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming 2024 elections in the country. Saveera Parkash officially submitted her nomination papers for the general seat of PK-25 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district on Tuesday.

The general elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held on February 8 to elect the members of the 16th national assembly. According to the recent amendments made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), there is a mandate for a five per cent inclusion of women candidates in general seats.

Who is Saveera Parkash?

A member of the Hindu community in Pakistan, Saveera Parkash is the first ever woman candidate to file nomination for general elections.

Parkash is the daughter of a recently retired doctor and a dedicated member of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for the past 35 years, Om Parkash.

Parkash pursued MBBS and graduated in 2022 from Abbottabad International Medical College. She currently serves as the general secretary of the PPP women's wing in Buner.

Expressing her commitment to the welfare of the community, Parkash said that she aims to work for the betterment of women, ensure a safe environment, and advocate for their rights. She also aims to address the historical neglect and suppression of women in the development sector and to address these issues if elected, reported Dawn. Stating “serving humanity is in her blood”, Parkash said her dream of becoming an elected legislator stems from her firsthand experiences with poor management and helplessness in government hospitals during her medical career.

Meanwhile, a social media influencer from Buner, Imran Noshad Khan, expressed his ‘wholehearted’ endorsement of Parkash, irrespective of her political affiliation. He commended her for breaking stereotypes perpetuated by traditional patriarchy, emphasising the significance of a woman stepping forward to contest elections in a region where it took 55 years since Buner merged with Pakistan, reported ANI.

Source: hindustantimes.com

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/who-is-saveera-parkash-1st-hindu-woman-to-file-nomination-for-2024-pakistan-elections-101703570838822.html

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Shabnam Sheikh, An Ardent Devotee of Rama, walks from Mumbai to Ayodhya to Witness Lord Ram

 

Shabnam Sheikh, Courtesy Instagram

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26th December 2023

The countdown ticks on for the upcoming inauguration of the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil the temple on January 22, housing an idol of Ramlalla in its sacred sanctum. Thousands of dignitaries have received invitations from the Ram Mandir Trust, with preparations well underway. Amidst this fervour, Shabnam Shaikh, a young Muslim woman hailing from Mumbai, embarks on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya, yearning for a glimpse of Lord Rama.

Shabnam Sheikh, an ardent devotee of Rama and self-proclaimed Sanatani, commences a padayatra from Mumbai to Ayodhya. Carrying Sri Ram's banner, she has traversed over a hundred kilometres. Videos capturing her encounters with Shri Ram's devotees along the way, chanting 'Jai Shri Ram,' have swiftly circulated online. Shabnam regularly shares her trekking journey on Instagram, drawing immense admiration.

"Jai Shri Ram. Witnessing Shri Ram is my life's purpose, hence my journey to Ayodhya," expressed Shabnam Sheikh. Her endeavor garners support from friends, Hindus, and members of Hindu organizations, rallying behind this young woman, born into Islam, on her quest to behold Rama.

During the Ram Mandir's inauguration, religious ceremonies will grace 500,000 temples nationwide alongside the installation of Ram Lalla. RSS officials will oversee these programs, as affirmed by the Trust's General Secretary Champat Roy, urging followers of Sanatan Dharma to engage in religious observances at every temple across the land.

The landmark Supreme Court verdict on November 9, 2019, resolved the Ram Mandir dispute, sanctioning its construction at the revered Ram Janmabhoomi. On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this momentous temple.

Source: oneindia.com

https://www.oneindia.com/india/from-mumbai-to-ayodhya-muslim-woman-walks-miles-to-witness-lord-ram-3713011.html

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Parisa Azada Afghan Activist Released from Taliban Prison After 40 Days

Fidel Rahmati

December 25, 2023

Sources confirmed to Khaama Press that Parisa Azada, a member of one of the Afghan women’s protest movements, has been released from the Taliban administration prison after 40 days and has returned to her family.

According to the source, Parisa, who had been arrested on November 14, was released from prison on Tuesday, December 25.

Local media outlets have also confirmed the news of her release, citing members of the “Afghan Women for Justice and Freedom” movement.

The release of this protesting woman has been widely welcomed by women’s rights activists. Sahra Karimi, a filmmaker and former head of Afghan Film, has described Parisa as a “brave and valiant girl.”

Tamana Zaryab Paryani, a women’s rights activist, also welcomed Parisa’s release on the social media platform X, writing: “We look forward to the release of all prisoners.”

The conditions of Parisa Azada’s release from the Taliban administration prison and her physical and mental condition have not been disclosed yet, and her relatives have not responded immediately to the calls from Khaama Press.

Parisa Azada was arrested on November 14 while printing protest banners in Dasht-e-Barchi, west of Kabul.

Julia Parsi, Neda Parwani, and Bahara Karimi, three other protesting women, were also released from the Taliban administration prison on bail in recent weeks, and at least one other protesting woman, Manizha Seddiqi, is still in captivity.

Source: khaama.com

https://www.khaama.com/parisa-azada-released-from-taliban-prison-after-40-days/

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Sharjah set to host thrilling seventh edition of Arab Women Sports Tournament

December 26, 2023

Sharjah, UAE: In an electrifying spectacle, Arab women athletes are gearing up for the grand stage of the 7th edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) slated to take place in the vibrant Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, from February 2 to 12, 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, promises an unparalleled showcase of athleticism, camaraderie, and empowerment.

Eight adrenaline-pumping sports have been carefully selected, including volleyball, table tennis, basketball, shooting, archery, fencing, athletics, and karate, providing a platform for women's sports clubs across the Arab world to compete at the highest level.

The Supreme Organizing Committee, chaired by Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, has pulled out all the stops to extend the registration deadline until December 31, responding to the overwhelming demand from clubs across the Arab world. This extension ensures that no club misses the chance to be part of this monumental sporting extravaganza.

Sharjah's state-of-the-art sports arenas are ready to welcome fierce competitors from various Arab countries, creating an environment ripe for building connections and fostering communication on both individual and team levels. The committee underscores the continuous coordination and communication required among leaders in the Arab women's sports sector for its sustained support and development.

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasizes that Sharjah's commitment behind hosting the 7th edition of the tournament extends beyond just organising a sports event, he explains: “It is a testament to the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Women's Sports (SWS). This commitment is centered around supporting and developing the Arab women's sports sector, symbolizing a culture of empowerment, and contributing significantly to the comprehensive socioeconomic development progress.”

"This tournament transcends the realm of sports; it's an ode to women's achievements and an affirmation of their aspirations. Engaging in sports is a natural right for women in every society, aligning perfectly with Sharjah's vision to build individuals physically and intellectually," Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi adds.

In an unprecedented move, this year's event places women in sports at the forefront. The slogan, 'Our Courts. Her Story.' resonates with the tales of inspiring champions, not just for Arab women but for women worldwide. The tournament aims to captivate the audience with narratives of resilience, determination, and triumph.

The previous edition witnessed a spectacle with over 1050 players and administrative staff from 78 clubs representing 18 Arab countries, supported by 131 referees and coverage from 519 media outlets. As the buzz builds around the seventh edition, the stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled experience that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Sharjah invites sports clubs from across the Arab world to seize this incredible opportunity, be part of history, and contribute to the legacy of AWST. The registration extension provides the perfect opportunity for clubs to secure their spot in this epic celebration of athleticism and empowerment.

Source: zawya.com

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/sharjah-set-to-host-thrilling-seventh-edition-of-arab-women-sports-tournament-sbvsca3r

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Modi Govt Gave Muslim Women ‘Permanent Husbands’: RSS Leader

25th December 2023

RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule and credited him for ‘providing permanent husbands to Muslim women’.

This blatant statement was made during the recent ‘Sankeerthana Yatra’ in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka on December 24. He was speaking about ‘Triple Talaq’, which was declared unconstitutional in 2017 by the Supreme Court of India. In 2019, the Indian Parliament passed a bill making Triple Talaq a criminal offence with a three-year imprisonment.

“When the Modi government came to power, triple talaq was removed. The Muslim men were unhappy with this. In reality, this should have been very happy news for Muslim women. They had a different husband every day, no permanent husband. They didn’t have one single permanent husband, the Modi government gave that,” he said.

The RSS leader claimed that it was PM Modi’s intervention that made Triple Talaq illegal. “Before, Muslim women did not have stable marriages. They had different husbands every day. PM Modi gave them permanent husbands,” Bhat said.

He urged Hindus present in the meeting to consider having more than three children to ‘preserve Hindu Dharma’. “How will Hindu dharma remain if you don’t have at least three children? We will turn into minorities. The number of Hindus in India has reduced, their population has increased, and soon there will be chants of Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

He also commented on Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement to withdraw the controversial hijab ban in educational institutions, challenging him ‘if they had enough power to lift the ban’.

“By announcing that hijab ban will be lifted, the Congress government has been creating a divide among the people. However, the CM does not have the power to withdraw the ban,” he said.

Source: siasat.com

https://www.siasat.com/modi-govt-gave-muslim-women-permanent-husbands-rss-leader-2941408/

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UN’s Special Rapporteur for Human RightsUrges Muslim Nations’ Involvement In Easing Women’s Restrictions In Afghanistan

26th December 2023

Milad Sayar

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, is urging Muslim nations to take a closer look at the ongoing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan.

In an interview with Amu, Bennett emphasized the need for Muslim countries to clarify that there are no inherent restrictions on the education of girls and women in Islam. He believes that any normalization process hinges on the return of women and girls to work and education.

“I am cautiously optimistic about the possibility of improving the situation for women and girls,” Bennett stated, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts. He urged countries in the region and the majority of Islamic nations to devote more attention to the issue, emphasizing that there are no restrictions on education beyond primary levels in Islam. Bennett stressed that the normalization process should include women and girls having access to education and work.

Simultaneously, Rina Amiri, the US Special Envoy for Human Rights in Afghanistan, called for an immediate halt to the Taliban’s ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Amiri expressed deep concern about the severe impact of the suspension on Afghan female NGO and UN staff, posing a significant threat to critical humanitarian assistance.

As the one-year mark of edicts further restricting women’s participation in education and employment approaches, Amiri advocated for lifting the bans, resonating with the Afghan people’s sentiments. The continuous restrictions imposed by the Taliban have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, with protests against limitations on women’s rights, education, and work.

Kabul residents are expressing their worries about the impact on women who are often the sole providers for their families. Despite domestic demands and international protests, the Taliban has maintained restrictions on women and girls, targeting their right to work, education, and freedom in the country for over two years and four months.

Source: amu.tv

https://amu.tv/77280/

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URL:  https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saveera-hindu-pakistan-elections/d/131389

 

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