Switzerland Announces Constitutional Face-covering Ban Targeting Muslim Women Will Go into Effect in the New Year
New Age Islam News Bureau
02 Nov2024
· Switzerland Announces Constitutional Face-covering Ban Targeting Muslim Women Will Go into Effect in the New Year
· Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom movement regains spotlight
· Montreal’s hijab decision shows how institutions fail to protect Muslim women
· Myanmar woman found dead in mattress with 12 stab wounds at Kajang rental; cops nab five for investigation, suspect jealousy
· Draft Standards for Equality Seal Empowering Women
· WTA Tour Finals attendance raises questions on interest in Saudi Arabia
· Muslim women also celebrate Chhat festival in Bihar
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/switzerland-announces-muslim-women-targeting-/d/133646
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Switzerland Announces Constitutional Face-covering Ban Targeting Muslim Women Will Go Into Effect in the New Year
Nov 06 2024,
Photo: MICHAEL BUHOLZER/GETTY IMAGES
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In the New Year, Switzerland will implement a new constitutional ban on face-coverings in public, a measure stemming from a 2021 referendum known as the "anti-burka" initiative.
Approved by 51.2% of Swiss voters, the law prohibits covering the face in public spaces, with violators facing fines of up to CHF1,000 (around $1,143 US). The law is part of the Federal Act on the Prohibition of Covering the Face.
The Swiss government clarified that, to minimize bureaucracy, fines will initially be issued at CHF100 ($114 US) and can be paid on-site. Those who refuse to pay the administrative fine on the spot may face the higher penalty under standard procedures.
Exemptions to the face-covering ban include places of worship, airplanes, and consular and diplomatic spaces. Face-coverings are also permitted for health, safety, weather, or traditional Swiss customs.
In limited cases, coverings may be allowed for artistic, entertainment, and advertising purposes. Additionally, coverings can be approved by authorities for public gatherings involving freedom of expression, provided security and public order are maintained.
The new law has stirred controversy for its impact on Muslim women who wear burkas or niqabs as expressions of faith.
Source:latintimes.com
https://www.latintimes.com/switzerland-announces-constitutional-face-covering-ban-targeting-muslim-women-will-go-effect-new-564934
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Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom movement regains spotlight
07 Nov 2024
Women in underwear hold placards in support of an Iranian female student, named as Ahoo Daryaei on social media, seen in her underwear at a Tehran university in protest against country's strict Islamic dress code, and all Iranian women who fight for freedom, during a rally in front of the Pantheon in Paris, France, November 5, 2024.
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When an Iranian university student stripped down to her underwear—a move that drew global attention from figures like Richard Branson to Nobel Peace laureates—her protest refocused attention on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
The mysterious young woman was said to have resorted to the unheard of action, in a strictly controlled Muslim country, after she was harassed by university security for not wearing proper hijab.
International human rights lawyer Gissou Nia said the female university student is another example in a long list of cases where women’s bodies are being policed.
Nia, who led a campaign to have Iran removed from the UN Commission on the Status of Women after the in-custody death of MahsaJinaAmini in 2022, said the discussions around Iran are finally shifting from geopolitics to human rights.
“As the discussion around the Islamic Republic becomes more focused on what their actions are in Israel, in Lebanon... and becomes more about geopolitics...we haven't seen as much in the global media that what was being sought for during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement is still an ongoing process,” said Nia an interview with Iran International.
A video surfaced online Saturday showing the woman in her underwear sitting on steps, then walking around the campus grounds at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran. The video, which lasted close to 15 minutes, later showed her being forcibly detained by authorities in a car.
Some witnesses said she stripped down after an altercation with Iranian authorities over the compulsory hijab.
According to an Iranian minister she is now undergoing treatment for mental health issues. This is not the first time the Islamic government tries to pin mental illness on dissidents and protesters.
"Investigations revealed that she is experiencing family and psychological challenges and is currently receiving treatment with her family’s support," science minister Hossein SimaeiSarraf said on Wednesday.
“They're famous for insinuating that anyone who dissents with their repressive rules is crazy. The reality is that women in Iran have a long history of resistance against their misogynistic rules,” human rights activist NazaninAfshin-Jam told Iran International news.
What Afshin-Jam pointed out is common practice in Iran. For example, during the height of the Masha Amini protests, Iranian authorities said protestor, NikaShahkarami, who became famous for standing on top of an overturned garbage bin, waving her headscarf, committed suicide. A CNN investigation uncovered dozens of videos and eyewitness accounts that she was chased and detained by Iranian security forces that night.
The details surrounding what led up to the university student’s incident are scarce. On social media people are calling her AhouDaryaei and people inside Iran are writing her name on bathroom mirrors across universities and people around the world have created murals out of her image.
Amnesty International is demanding her release, saying she was “violently arrested” after protesting Iran’s Islamic dress code.
“It is AhooDaryaei’s Rosa Parks moment,” said Afshin-Jam about the women who sparked another flame in the embers of Iran’s Women, Life, Freedom movement that haven’t burned out.
Source:iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202411069153
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Montreal’s hijab decision shows how institutions fail to protect Muslim women
06-11-2024
Sheema Khan is the author of Of Hockey and Hijab: Reflections of a Canadian Muslim Woman.
Oct. 27 marked the beginning of a hebdomadishorribilis for Muslim women in Canada, as they learned they could not depend on civil institutions to include and protect them.
Let’s begin in Montreal. Appearing on the current affairs show Tout le Monde en Parle, Montreal Mayor ValériePlante was asked about a pencil-sketch poster featuring a hijab-clad woman standing between two men. The sign says “Welcome to city hall.” Some had expressed discomfort with the sign for showing religious garb in a municipal building. Ms. Plante acknowledged the discomfort, reiterated the laïque (lay) nature of city hall, and stated that the sign would be removed.
The Mayor’s message was clear: all people are welcome at City Hall, except if you wear a hijab. This hits deep. I arrived in Montreal at the age of three from India. I experienced first-hand the openness, inclusivity and vibrancy of a special city, which allowed me to thrive in the dynamism of a francophone culture. The decision to remove a welcome sign because it features a woman in hijab goes against everything I know and love about Montreal.
This issue is part of a larger debate in Quebec about laïcité, which is distinct from secularism. The latter has its roots in Anglo-Saxon philosophy, where the individual has inalienable rights free from state intrusion. The former has roots in the views of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, where the individual obtains freedom through the state. In secularism, the state cannot favour any one religion; in laïcité, it cannot be seen as promoting any religion. During the Quiet Revolution, Quebec society methodically removed the hegemonic influence of the Catholic Church, which was seen as particularly detrimental to women. As Quebec lurches toward institutional laïcité today, it seems unbothered that just as the Catholic Church refused to uphold, let alone acknowledge, the personal agency of women, so too does laïcité. For the target of this debate in Quebec over the past two decades has been women in hijab.
The arguments have been tiresome: the hijab is a symbol of oppression; women who wear it have been brainwashed; they serve unwittingly as tools of Islamists, and so on. There is no willingness to respect the intelligence of Muslim women and their agency to make deeply personal choices about their faith. It is a patronizing attitude, which we hear even from some feminists: the need to protect these women from the evils of religion. It echoes Donald Trump’s unnerving promise to “protect women, whether they like it or not.”
Some critics of the hijab point to Iran and Afghanistan, where draconian laws dictate what women must wear in public. What is the relevance? Isn’t the answer to coercion personal agency? Isn’t this the cornerstone of civil society: The opportunity for every woman to exercise her conscience and intelligence in a meaningful way that benefits her personally, and society as a whole? Now Montreal’s City Hall, a civil institution by the people for the people, has removed the welcome mat for a certain group.
The devastating remarks by Ms. Plante were followed by those of assistant Crown attorney MoizKarimjee on a separate issue. Last May, during a protest at Ottawa City Hall, Lorna Bernbaum was filmed ripping off the hijab of pro-Palestinian protester HayfaAbdelkhaleq. Ms. Bernbaum was charged with assault, mischief and criminal harassment. Ms. Abdelkhaleq was so traumatized that she left both her job and Canada, feeling unsafe in this country.
According to Mr. Karimjee, members of Canada’s Arab, Palestinian and Muslim communities also felt a diminishment of safety following the assault. He also acknowledged Ms. Abdelkhaleq’s right to protest, while describing Ms. Bernbaum’s actions as “a serious offence against law and order.” And yet he dropped all charges. Why? Because he opined that part of Ms. Abdelkhaleq’s protest, which included the chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” was problematic. It could be perceived as genocidal, stating “anyone chants this at his or her own peril” because they could be charged criminally.
While Ms. Abdelkhaleq was not charged, her chant was a key factor in preventing the Crown from pursuing a conviction. The situation has echoes of blaming a sexual assault victim for provoking her assailant because of her clothing. This sets a terrible precedent: Muslim women cannot count on the justice system if they are assaulted in broad daylight. It also signals that protesters invite assault if their slogans are perceived the wrong way.
And thus ended a horrible week, when Muslim women realized that civil institutions, such as city hall and the courts, cannot be relied upon for inclusion or safety.
Source:theglobeandmail.com
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-montreals-hijab-decision-shows-how-institutions-fail-to-protect-muslim/
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Myanmar woman found dead in mattress with 12 stab wounds at Kajang rental; cops nab five for investigation, suspect jealousy
07 Nov 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Police have detained five Myanmar nationals to assist in the investigation of a murder case involving a female compatriot whose blood-stained body was found in a rented room in the Bandar TeknologiKajang industrial area near here yesterday.
Kajang District Police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said all suspects, including two women aged between 28 and 45, were arrested separately between 1 pm and 6.30 pm in the Bandar Teknologi and Semenyih areas yesterday.
During the search, police found and seized a knife, and clothing from one of the male suspects.
“A report on the discovery of the woman’s body was received through a call from a 52-year-old local man at 1.09 am, informing us that the 40-year-old victim was found unconscious and covered in blood, believed to have been murdered in her room.
“Police investigation at the scene found the victim, who was confirmed dead, with 12 stab wounds across her body, wrapped in a mattress inside the rented room,” he said in a statement today.
According to Naazron, a witness, who is a neighbour renting another room in the same house, reported hearing a commotion and the victim shouting for help before a suspect, believed to be a man, was seen fleeing the building while holding a knife.
“The autopsy conducted by a pathologist from Hospital Serdang at 10 am today confirmed that the victim suffered injuries from sharp-force trauma to the abdomen, resulting in significant blood loss.
“The motive behind the incident is believed to be jealousy. All suspects will be remanded tomorrow to assist in the investigation,” he said yesterday, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
He urged members of the public with any information regarding the case to contact the nearest police station or the case investigating officer ASP Mohamad HafeezHamzah at 019-6556536. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/07/myanmar-woman-found-dead-in-mattress-with-12-stab-wounds-at-kajang-rental-cops-nab-five-for-investigation-suspect-jealousy/156068
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Draft Standards for Equality Seal Empowering Women
07-11-2024
The government has developed a draft of standards for the institutional equality seal, aimed at empowering women in both the public and private sectors. This initiative is a key step toward increasing women's participation in the economy.
As highlighted in the recent progress report on the executive program for Economic Modernization Vision 2023-2025, the government has rolled out several regulations intended to elevate Jordan's ranking in global gender equality indices and business-related reports. These include new guidelines for the management of daycare facilities in workplaces, both private and public.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the government has trained 67 participants from diverse regions on integrating children with disabilities into daycare settings, promoting inclusivity and support for all children.
Source:ammonnews.net
https://en.ammonnews.net/article/76304
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WTA Tour Finals attendance raises questions on interest in Saudi Arabia
11.6.2024
World No. 3 women's tennis player Coco Gauff said that it “would take time” for the WTA Tour Finals to generate greater interest in Saudi Arabia, according to Futterman& Eccleshare of THE ATHLETIC. Gauff drew “comparisons” with the WNBA, and called Sunday’s challenges “growing pains.” Sunday’s event garnered “around only 400” people despite the cheapest tickets going for $8.66 (32.50 Riyals). The 5,000-capacity arena “felt eerily empty, in contrast to Saturday when it had been around three-quarters full.” No. 2 IgaSwiatek said she “quite enjoyed the tranquility of the near-empty stadium” on Sunday during her win over No. 13 BarboraKrejcikova. Gauff then beat No. 6 Jessica Pegula “in a pretty flat match,” though “neither blamed the lack of atmosphere for that.” The WTA said in a statement: “It’s important to remember that this is the first time a WTA event has been held in Saudi Arabia, so we’re bringing tennis to a new audience and that takes time to build.” The statement added: “We always anticipated lower attendance with the start of the Saudi working week on Sunday but anticipate that numbers will build as we approach the weekend.” Futterman& Eccleshare noted “not everyone in tennis is so sure.” In a Zoom interview last week, leading WTA coach Patrick Mouratoglou said that he “hoped the finals would be a success but expressed frustration at a perceived missed opportunity to better promote the marquee event on the women’s tour” (THE ATHLETIC, 11/4).
CROWD CONTROL: In London, Simon Briggs noted Tim Henman became the “latest tennis legend to question the staging of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia,” although his concerns “focused less on sportswashing than the absence of spectators in the stands.” Henman, now a Sky Sports commentator, said, “It’s extremely disappointing when you’ve got the world’s best players -- IgaSwiatek, Coco Gauff -- performing in front of a crowd like that today.” Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend pointed out on air that there are “numerous countries” in the world where the likes of Swiatek would “draw a significant crowd without any need for educating the local population in the attractions of the game.” The previous two editions of WTA Finals, held in Texas two years ago and Cancun last year, both also “suffered from poor attendances.” Henman said, “Texas and Cancun were both arranged at the last minute, whereas the announcement of Riyadh came back in April” (London TELEGRAPH, 11/3).
Source:sportsbusinessjournal.com
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/11/06/wta-finals-saudi-arabia-attendance
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Muslim women also celebrate Chhat festival in Bihar
07-11-2024
Muslims in different parts of Bihar are not only helping to clean the banks of the Ganga and other rivers for the devotees to hold prayers during the ongoing Chhath festival, but many women from the community are also participating as worshippers and believers.
Saira Begum of the Kalibari area of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, has been observing Chhath fast with full devotion for the last eight years. She says that this fast is especially associated with the Sun God.
Saira started this practice after taking a vow before ChhathiMaiya (The Goddess, feminine energy) in 2015 that she would keep the three days of fasting and celebrate the festival usually associated with Hinduism if her husband's health gets better.
Her wish was fulfilled and it made Saira and her family members perform the Chhath Puja with devotion every year.
Saira says, "I will continue celebrating the Chhath festival as long as I am alive because it has become a symbol of faith and belief for me."
JaimunKhatoon, a resident of Bajitpur village in Sitamarhi district, is also a Muslim woman who has been observing Chhath with full rituals for the last several years.
JaimunKhatoon says that she also gets full support from the people of the Hindu community in this festival.
Other Muslim women of her village also express their faith in this great festival and worship the Sun God. They say that this festival not only gives them strength of faith, but it is also a symbol of social unity and harmony.
Another interesting aspect of the Chhath festival this year is that Muslim prisoners are also celebrating the three-day festival participating in the jails of Bihar.
This time 47 women and 49 male prisoners are observing Chhath fast in Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail of Muzaffarpur, including three Muslims and one Sikh.
This scene also reflects a new and positive change in the jails of Bihar, where people of different religions and communities are participating in this great festival under one roof, respecting each other's beliefs.
Muslim women who celebrate the Chhath festival start observing ‘purity’ as soon as the Dussehra celebrations are over.
JaimunKhatoon and Saira Begum say during this period till the culmination of the Chhath they don't cook food with garlic and onion at home. Like others, they walk up to the Ghat of Ganga early morning with the offerings of local crops to the Sun God at sunrise and sunset and pray for the health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of their family.
Thus, Chhath, the great festival of folk faith, is not only giving the message of purity and cleanliness, but it is also presenting an example of communal harmony and unity. People of different communities celebrate this festival while respecting each other's beliefs, promoting tolerance and brotherhood.
The participation of Muslim women in the Chhath festival in Bihar proves that there should not be any kind of discrimination in the name of faith and devotion, and this great festival is equally important for all.
Source:awazthevoice.in
https://www.awazthevoice.in/culture-news/muslim-women-also-celebrate-chhat-festival-in-bihar-32422.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/switzerland-announces-muslim-women-targeting-/d/133646