Sima Bahous, The UN Women Chief Calls for Urgent Action Against Taliban’s Gender “Apartheid” In Afghanistan
New Age
Islam News Bureau
14 Aug 2023
·
Sima Bahous, The UN Women Chief
Calls for Urgent Action Against Taliban’s Gender “Apartheid” In Afghanistan
·
Skirt Too Short? Woman, Jeanne
JY, Uses Car Seat Cover to Abide by Police Station Dress Codein Malaysia
·
Dallas Salon Creates Hijab-Friendly
Space for Muslim Women
·
Film ‘Barbie’ Fever Hits Saudi
Arabia
·
Seema Haider Ready to Take
Legal Action Against Neighbour for Derogatory Statement
·
Bushra Bibi, Wife of Former
Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Appears Before Toshakhana Case JIT
·
Women In Afghanistan After Republic’s
Fall: Confronting Isolation and Financial Challenges
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sima-bahous-gender-apartheid-afghanistan/d/130459
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Sima Bahous, The UN Women Chief Calls for
Urgent Action Against Taliban’s Gender “Apartheid” In Afghanistan
Sima Bahous,
The UN Women Chief
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By Fidel Rahmati
August 16, 2023
On Tuesday, the UN’s lead organization
for promoting gender equality urged the international community to advocate for
change in Afghanistan persistently. The agency emphasized the urgent need to
address the extensive and unprecedented restrictions imposed on the rights of
women and girls throughout the country.
Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of
UN Women, issued the plea in a statement commemorating the second anniversary
of the Taliban’s resurgence to power in the country.
“It is now two years since the Taliban
took control of Afghanistan, during which time it has imposed the most
comprehensive, systematic, and unparalleled assault on the rights of women and
girls, Sima Bahous said.
She continued, “Through over 50 edicts,
orders, and restrictions, the Taliban has left no aspect of women’s lives
untouched, no freedom spared. They have created a system founded on the mass
oppression of women that is rightly and widely considered gender apartheid.”
“I urge the Taliban to reconsider and to
weigh the cost of these acts for Afghanistan’s present and future,” Bahous
added.
Bahous emphasized UN Women’s solid and
unwavering commitment to the betterment and empowerment of women and girls
within the nation.
She said the agency’s work there is anchored
in its fundamental relationships with women, who have described how these
“misguided, cruel and ultimately self-defeating” measures have affected their
lives.
“Despite these challenges, Afghan women
also tell me they will not give up or give in. They will continue to lead the
struggle against their oppression,” she said.
“In the face of the most hostile
circumstances, they speak out against the violations, deliver lifesaving
services, own and operate businesses, and run women’s organizations. Their bravery
must inspire us to greater action, their example to renewed determination,”
Bahous said.
“I urge the international community to
continue to apply every pressure and employ every means at their disposal to
press for change, including by answering the call of the humanitarian community
and fully funding the humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan,” she said.
During the occasion, Volker Turk, the UN
Human Rights High Commissioner, took the opportunity to underscore the
responsibility of the de facto authorities in upholding the rights of all
individuals, including women and girls.
UN human rights personnel remain in
Afghanistan, actively supervising, documenting, and advocating for various
human rights concerns. These span from fundamental freedoms to the protection
of civilians during conflicts and the preservation of the rights of detainees.
Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN
Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in Geneva, stated, “We are engaging with the de
facto authorities on these issues and remind them of their obligations under
international human rights law.”
The High Commissioner strongly
emphasized the necessity for the international community to sustain its
awareness of the difficulties confronting the Afghanistan people.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/un-women-chief-calls-for-urgent-action-against-talibans-gender-apartheid-in-afghanistan/
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Skirt Too Short? Woman, Jeanne JY, Uses
Car Seat Cover to Abide by Police Station Dress Code in Malaysia
The woman
put a seat cover over her skirt to make it longer, fastening it in place with a
jacket. – Jeanne JY Facebook pic, August 16, 2023
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16 Aug 2023
PETALING JAYA – Dress codes have always
been a hot topic in Malaysia. While some are logical, many can be cumbersome.
A woman recently took to Facebook to
share her alleged dress code experience while at a police station in Perak.
Jeanne JY posted in the Bukit Indah
Facebook group, sharing her “creative” solution when told her skirt was not
long enough for her to be permitted into the police station.
She claimed that she was told by a
personnel member there that her skirt was not long enough and that it had to at
least be halfway across her calf.
With no sarong available for her to
borrow, she almost had to go home to change but she was struck by an idea as
she returned to her car.
After the personnel member apologised
for not allowing her to enter due to standard operating procedures, she asked
for five minutes.
Jeanne went to her car and removed her
car seat cushion cover. She put the seat cover over her skirt to make it
longer, fastening it in place with a jacket.
She went back and told the personnel
member that she had tried her best.
She said everyone there laughed and the
personnel member waved her in, and she even got a thumbs up.
Jeanne wondered if her skirt would now
qualify for the most creative costume award of the year.
Detailing her “adventure” to an online
portal later, Jeanne said she was aware of the dress code requirement and that
her skirt already reached below her knees. She just did not know it had to be
halfway down her calf.
She viewed the experience in a positive
light, remarking how Malaysia is a diverse country and that mutual respect is
important. – The Vibes, August 16, 2023
Source: thevibes.com
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/97811/skirt-too-short-woman-uses-car-seat-cover-to-abide-by-police-station-dress-code
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Dallas salon creates hijab-friendly
space for Muslim women
August 15, 2023
While Dallas has a large Muslim
population, there are many accounts of Muslims feeling singled out or that have
faced mistreatment due to misconceptions. In an effort to raise awareness and
be more inclusive, a top salon on Knox-Henderson created a space with Muslim
clients in mind.
Salon 5014 made a few adjustments to its
second floor to also offer its services to Muslim women who wear a hijab. The
hijab is a symbol of modesty and cannot be removed in front of men that are not
immediate family or the spouse of a woman.
The changes came after haircut
specialist, Chi Selim, joined the team. Selim markets herself online as a
hijab-friendly hair professional.
“I just started wearing mine about a
year ago, which is what exposed me to other hijabs here,” Selim said.
Her own experience opened her eyes to
the gap in the beauty industry for Muslim women. "They expressed how it
was difficult to find a professional hair salon. Even when they do find a salon
that they can go and get their hair done, that they feel a little like
discriminated against because they just throw them in a closet, don't even
shampoo them and just cut it."
Selim asked salon owner, Rachel Voss if
she could create a space to empower Muslim women without compromising the salon
experience.
“I spoke to Rachel about it and she was
extremely supportive and provided me with a wall barrier,” Selim said. “I have
my chair where I can do non-hijabs and then I have a wall divider.”
Iman Alfakih is a client of Selim’s. She
is a Dallas transplant and had searched online for a hijab-friendly
hairstylist.
“Wearing the hijab in general is
empowering for me. But when it comes to getting a haircut, there is definitely
some challenges,” Iman Alfakih said. “Not only are you looking for quality, but
also a specific environment.”
Alfakih is thankful for the private
space Selim and Voss helped create. As she said, it does not deny a relaxing
salon experience or her religious beliefs.
“I didn't have to worry about my privacy
because it was taken care of. All I had to do was book an appointment,” Alfakih
said.
Selim hopes hijab-friendly salons will
become a standard across North Texas.
“I do what I do to make people feel
beautiful. And now I can, you know, help hijabis feel beautiful and included,”
Selim said.
Source: nbcdfw.com
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-salon-creates-hijab-friendly-space-for-muslim-women/3317183/
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Film ‘Barbie’ Fever Hits Saudi Arabia
NADA ALTURKI
August 15, 2023
RIYADH: People have been rushing to
cinemas here to watch “Barbie,” the movie that has garnered $1 billion at the
US box office but also caused a storm of criticism, particularly from people
and governments in the Middle East.
Last Thursday, on the opening day in
Riyadh, movie goers descended on cinemas wearing various shades of pink and
their funkiest accessories, demonstrating how the popularity of the film has
affected local audiences.
Kuwait has banned “Barbie,” while there
is heated debate underway in Lebanon on whether to do so. Concerns have been
raised across the region about the movie’s supposed disruption of cultural
norms.
Rumors had been circulating that Saudi
Arabia would also prohibit the film when its screening was pushed to Aug. 31 —
a month after its US release. But the film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan
Gosling as Barbie and Ken respectively, was unexpectedly released on Aug. 10,
with only a few days’ notice given for advanced ticket purchases.
Some also rushed to criticism.
The movie is essentially about the
tribulations of a woman in the “real world,” but individuals across the Arab
region have been bashing the film, claiming it is packed with extreme feminist
ideologies that degrade men. Many also claimed it violated traditional family
values.
On Aug. 10, one person shared a post on
X that stated: “Honestly, whoever is booking, I assure you you’ll regret it and
won’t finish the film. You’ll just be wasting your weekend.”
The film’s marketing campaign,
reportedly costing a whopping $150 million, has left no commercial area free of
the signature Barbie color — from clothing and makeup collaborations, to
pink-coated desserts and tourist initiatives, which includes Airbnb listing
Barbie’s Malibu Dream House for bookings.
For weeks “Barbie” has gone viral on
social media platforms. Saudi movie goers have also weighed in with their views.
Mohammed F. told Arab News that the
film’s strong point is that it tackles issues such as patriarchal attitudes and
consumerism, in playful and fun ways, using Barbie dolls.
I enjoyed it for what it was and it was
definitely funny but the movie did not bring anything new to the table when
tackling feminism.
“It’s very educational especially for
women who don’t realize or have a clear understanding on why unfortunately a
lot of men with privilege abuse their rights and basically how the current
reality — patriarchy — affects women’s growth and dreams and aspirations to
accomplish greatness,” he added.
In the film, there are Barbies with
careers traditionally taken up by men, like doctors, astronauts and
construction workers, but central to the plot is a stereotypical Barbie still
trying to find her place in the world.
Mohammed continued: “I think that also
speaks to women who are currently objectified and put in a box, to then realize
how important it is to find themselves.
“I believe men should definitely learn
from this movie especially men who are toxic and objectify women because they
are unfortunately the ones who find this movie controversial because they feel
attacked by the truth they know is real.”
Many applauded the technical aspects and
script of the film, which include lavish wardrobes, elaborate set designs,
catchy soundtrack, and witty zingers in the all-so-pink world of Barbie Land.
For some women, it was the movie they
have been waiting for because it appeared to represent their transition from
innocent young girls to women facing the reality of contemporary society.
“It brought back so many precious
childhood memories,” Mashael Abdulrahman told Arab News.
“What touched me the most was that it
was about experiencing life, specifically through different human emotions. In
several scenes I was left speechless, the way Barbie was trying to make sense
of what she’s going through, how she was on a journey to self-discovery,
understanding what does she truly want. And Ken too,” Abdulrahman explained.
For some, the storyline fell flat. “It
just wasn’t very good,” said one woman who preferred to remain anonymous. While
it flipped the idea of patriarchy on its head, she believes it did not go much
further than that.
“Mostly I felt like it was a beautiful
movie that was poorly made. Some parts felt rushed or unnecessary … But
generally I felt like (it was) a modern blockbuster in the sense that it was a
movie about an IP (a company’s intellectual property), trying to revitalize its
image, and a director trying to break into making large blockbuster films.
There were plenty of parts that were fun and funny but I don’t think it’s a
breakthrough film,” the woman added.
Nora Al-Sadoon, who also watched the
film, told Arab News: “Personally, I walked into it expecting a slightly more
serious movie. I did like how it talked about Barbie presenting the dream for
girls and them being anything they want to be, but the script and the story
felt a little weak. I enjoyed it for what it was and it was definitely funny
but the movie did not bring anything new to the table when tackling feminism.”
Some said that they expected more from
Greta Gerwig, the actress, director, and screenwriter behind the
critically-acclaimed films “Little Women” and “Ladybird.”
Abdullah Faisal said that he “resonated
with some moments of the movie, yet given who worked on this movie, it wasn’t
as strong or impactful as I expected it to be. For major topics like patriarchy
and gender discrimination, the movie didn’t give them justice.”
Aside from gender, Faisal said the film
seems to have highlighted generational differences in his family on certain
issues. While his 37-year-old sister felt connected to the themes as a Saudi
woman facing various societal challenges, his mother expressed a dislike for
the film. “She said it had great messages but nothing new or emotionally
provocative,” he explained.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2355861/saudi-arabia
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Seema Haider Ready to Take Legal Action
Against Neighbour for Derogatory Statement
Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, August 16
Seema Haider is all set to take legal
action against her neighbour Mithilesh Bhati, who called her husband Sachin
Meena 'lappu' and 'jhingur' in a recent viral video on social media.
Seema's lawyer AP Singh said Mithilesh
would face the music for making such a derogatory statement. Haider's lawyer
said they would file a defamation case.
According to reports, the lawyer said,
"In a diverse country like ours, insult based on skin colour, physical
attire will not be tolerated. We are planning to take legal action against the
woman.”
To this Mithilesh has responded, “I did
not mean to insult anyone. Those words slipped out of my mouth in anger. People
call me 'lappi' but that does not mean I become 'lappi'. Words such as 'lappu'
and 'jhingur' are commonly used here.”
Sachin and Seema had acquainted each
other while playing PubG.
In another viral video, Seema and Sachin
along with their family were seen celebrating Independence Day.
Source: tribuneindia.com
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/jhingur-sa-ladka-seema-haider-ready-to-take-legal-action-against-neighbour-535366
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Bushra Bibi, Wife of Former Pakistan PM
Imran Khan, Appears Before ToshakhanaCase JIT
By Shakeel Anjum
August 16, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Bushra Bibi, wife of former
prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Tuesday
appeared before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) investigating the Toshakhana
case and replied to a written questionnaire and verbal queries, JIT sources
told The News when contacted.
The JIT, headed by the DIG (Operations),
questioned Bushra Bibi. She remained with the JIT along with her counsels for about
an hour, the sources said.
Terming the allegations “a pack of
lies”, Bushra Bibi said that they have not sold any watch and other Toshakhana
gifts, the sources said.
Replying to a question regarding
producing fake and forged receipt to the JIT, she said that she was totally
unaware about any such receipt.
This development comes after the
sessions court directed Bushra Bibi to join the investigation at the
Directorate of Investigation and Intelligence on Tuesday. The Toshakhana case
involves allegations of forging receipts of a watch and other items gifted to
Imran Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The case has been
registered with the Kohsar Police Station.
A member of the legal team told The News
that the members engaged in the investigation seemed satisfied with Bushra
Bibi’s response. “Most of the questions were about the purchase, sale, and
receipt of the watch and other related items gifted to the then prime minister
Imran Khan. Bushra Bibi asserted that she had never been involved in buying,
selling, or owning any of the watches under scrutiny. She also claimed not to
have met with anyone in this regard,” the member said.
Earlier, Bushra Bibi visited the Attock
Jail to meet her husband, where the couple had a two-hour-long meeting. The
legal team accompanying Bushra Bibi was not allowed to meet Imran.
Source: thenews.com.pk
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100519-bushra-bibi-appears-before-toshakhana-case-jit
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Women in Afghanistan after Republic’s
fall: confronting isolation and financial challenges
By Fidel Rahmati
August 14, 2023
The resurgence of the Taliban in
Afghanistan following years of conflict has raised many concerns about the
well-being of women and girls within the country. This report examines the
impact of the return of the de facto authorities on women’s rights, education
and healthcare accessibility, participation in politics and the economy, social
entitlements, and the scope for women’s employment.
The recent political changes in
Afghanistan have significantly impacted the rights of women. Fundamental rights
such as education, political engagement, employment, and social involvement for
women and girls have been curtailed or wholly denied. During its previous rule
from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban had enforced policies that led to the arrest of
women in public spaces, restricted their educational opportunities, and banned
their employment across various sectors.
Following the collapse of the Taliban
regime in 2001, Afghanistan witnessed a transformative era for women and girls.
Over the last two decades, there has been remarkable progress with the
advancement and participation of women across various sectors. Women’s
influence has extended comprehensively, encompassing a significant increase.
They assumed pivotal roles across diverse domains, and in the years leading up
to its downfall, instances of violence against women witnessed a decline.
Furthermore, women’s representation in
crucial governmental positions, including ministerial roles, experienced a
notable upswing. However, the resurgence of the Taliban-led Afghanistan halted
this trajectory of continuous advancement and triggered a regressive backslide
for the country in this aspect.
The de facto administration’s stand on
women is evident through its explicit actions to curtail their personal and
social freedoms, reflecting an apparent disregard for gender equality. This is
exemplified by the dissolution of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the
revocation of the Independent Human Rights Commission, and the imposition of
strict restrictions on women’s education and employment opportunities. These
measures collectively underscore the Taliban administration’s policy towards
women.
Over two years under Taliban rule,
precisely 53 decrees, instructions, and distinct guidelines have been issued,
all aimed at constraining women’s lives. This unparalleled number of decrees
remains unparalleled in any other domain.
The de facto administration’s treatment
of women has garnered the label “misogynistic,” with UN reporters asserting
that the regime’s actions could amount to a crime against humanity.
Amidst restrictions on Women’s Education
Ministry staff and escalating limits on women, the Islamic Emirate additionally
barred girls beyond sixth grade from school, now spanning two years despite
global outrage.
Last December, women were deprived of
their right to pursue a university education. Following this, a subsequent
decree was issued imposing a ban on women’s participation in the workforce. The
comprehensive report by human rights organizations regarding the status of
women and girls in Afghanistan highlights a “gender apartheid” situation
prevailing in the country.
These restrictions extended beyond
education and work, affecting sports and media. In sports, women and girls were
prohibited from participating in group activities, while the media was directed
to obscure women’s faces on TV and avoided bright colours. Women were
restricted from travelling without a sharia mahram, even internationally.
Although driving restrictions were informal, Herat officials denied women
driver’s licenses. The caretaker government initially assigned separate
amusement park days, later entirely prohibiting women’s access nationwide.
In a recent move, the Ministry for the
Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice issued a decree urging the
women’s beauty salons to ban their business and evacuate the salons.
In the early days following the takeover
of Afghanistan, the de facto officials underscored their commitment to
involving women in diverse aspects of social life and incorporating them into
the governmental structure.
Nevertheless, Rana, a hairdresser in
Kabul, shared with Khaama Press: “My life has taken a sombre turn. Despite
graduating from university with numerous political science and law challenges,
I am compelled to adapt. As women are still prohibited from pursuing office
careers, I had no choice but to seek employment at a beauty Salon along the
second road of the Taimani project.”
She added, “While holding a higher
education, I also had to take up a job at a beauty salon. It has been two
months since I commenced my work there, and the experience has been quite
distressing,” referring to the ban of beauty salon by Taliban.
Meanwhile, according to women’s rights
activist Leila Basim, the women in Afghanistan face isolation and a lack of
financial independence. She emphasizes that these women are confined to
traditional roles, primarily centred on motherhood and childbearing.
He emphasized that before the decrees
banning women from work, numerous women held jobs and played a crucial role in
revitalizing their families’ economic situations.
However, the woman is now devoid of
employment, escalating the poverty threshold within Afghanistan. This
repercussion is not insignificant; it has not only impacted individual families
but has also dealt a substantial blow to the country’s economy.
Suraya Paikan, a prominent civil and
social activist, reflects on the two years of the Islamic Emirate’s rule in
Afghanistan, marked by stringent constraints on Afghan women and girls.
She emphasizes the vital significance of
reinterpreting the decree as a valuable source of lessons and enlightenment,
applicable not solely to girls but imperative for the advancement of any
society.
Mrs Paikan underscores, “Education
stands as a significant endeavour, akin to a noble struggle, and the interim
government must take proactive measures to reaffirm its commitment to launching
educational institutions.”
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/women-in-afghanistan-after-republics-fall-confronting-isolation-and-financial-challenges/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sima-bahous-gender-apartheid-afghanistan/d/130459