Taliban Silences Afghan Women With New Laws, Bans Public Speaking
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 Aug 2024
· Taliban Silences Afghan Women With New Laws, Bans Public Speaking
· Fears Grow For Women’s Rights Activists Jailed In Iran After 87 Executions In One Month
·
Vegan Muslim, Shakira Murphy, On Reality Of
Life In Meat Heavy Culture
· 5,000 Leaders And Professionals To Attend Muslim World Women’s Summit In KL
· Iraqi Women's Political Influence: Two Decades Of Limited Impact
· 2 Women Journalists Killed In Turkish Airstrike In Northern Iraq: Local Officials
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Taliban Silences Afghan Women With New Laws, Bans Public Speaking
Nandini Singh New Delhi
Aug 23 2024
A Girl Sits With Women Wearing Burqas
Outside A Hospital In Kabul, Afghanistan October 5, 2021. REUTERS/Jorge Silva
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Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have imposed stringent new laws curbing women’s voices in public, deepening their restrictive grip on everyday life. The latest vice and virtue laws, approved by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and announced on Wednesday, target a wide array of activities, including public transportation, music, and celebrations, reported CNN.
Among the harsh regulations, Article 13 mandates that women must fully veil their bodies in public, ensuring face coverings to prevent ‘temptation’. Their clothing must not be thin, tight, or short. Women are further instructed to cover themselves even in front of non-Muslim men and women to avoid ‘corruption’.
Additionally, the laws deem a woman’s voice too intimate to be heard in public spaces, effectively banning women from singing, reciting, or reading aloud. Women are also forbidden from looking at men who are not their close relatives, and vice-versa.
“Inshallah, we assure you that this Islamic law will greatly help in promoting virtue and eliminating vice,” said ministry spokesman Maulvi Abdul Ghafar Farooq on Thursday.
Vice and virtue laws
This 114-page, 35-article document represents the first formal declaration of vice and virtue laws since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, marking a significant step in institutionalising their interpretation of Islamic law. The ministry for the “propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice” will enforce these laws, with powers to administer punishments such as warnings or arrests for alleged violations.
The new regulations ban the publication of images of living beings, the playing of music, the transportation of solo female travellers, and the mingling of unrelated men and women. Additionally, all passengers and drivers are required to perform prayers at designated times.
The ministry’s website outlines that promoting virtue involves encouraging prayer, adherence to Islamic law, and urging women to wear the hijab, while the elimination of vice focuses on prohibiting actions forbidden by Islamic law.
A recent United Nations (UN) report highlighted the ministry’s role in fostering a climate of fear and intimidation through these edicts. It expressed concern over the ministry’s growing influence in public life, including media oversight and efforts to eradicate drug addiction.
“Given the multiple issues outlined in the report, the position expressed by the de facto authorities that this oversight will be increasing and expanding gives cause for significant concern for all Afghans, especially women and girls,” said Fiona Frazer, head of the human rights service at the UN mission in Afghanistan.
The Taliban, however, dismissed the UN’s findings.
Source: business-standard.com
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/taliban-silences-afghan-women-with-new-laws-bans-public-speaking-124082300217_1.html
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Fears Grow For Women’s Rights Activists Jailed In Iran After 87 Executions In One Month
Deepa Parent and Annie Kelly
Fri 23 Aug 2024
Women in Evin prison in Tehran, Iran.
Human rights groups have signed an open letter to raise awareness of repression
and violence in the jail. Photograph: Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters
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There are fears for the fates of women’s rights activists imprisoned in Iran after a surge in executions since the election of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in July.
At least 87 people were reportedly executed in July, with another 29 executed on one day this month. The mass executions included Reza Rasaei, a young man sentenced to death for his participation in the Woman, Life, Freedom protests.
Human rights organisations fear further executions in the lead-up the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death in custody and the unprecedented nationwide protests that followed. Amini, who was 22, had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code before she died in September 2022.
About 70 women are now reported to be held as political prisoners in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, including two who have been given death sentences: the Iranian Kurdish journalist Pakhshan Azizi and the industrial engineer and women’s rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi. A further two activists – VarishehMoradi and Nasim GholamiSimiyari – have been given the same charges but are still to discover if they will be sentenced to death.
The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said multiple female political prisoners are at risk of executions based on “sham charges”.
“Faced with a women’s movement in Iran that refuses to back down, Islamic Republic authorities are now trying to threaten these women with the gallows, in a desperate attempt to silence dissent,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of CHRI.
The family of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Nobel peace prize winner and celebrated activist, say that she was among the women at Evin prison who were reportedly injured after being beaten by guards for staging a protest in the prison yard against the execution of Rasaei.
Activists hold a poster of Reza Rasaei at a United Against Executions in Iran protest in Edmonton, Canada on 27 January 2024. Resaei was one of 29 people executed in August. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images
The family put out a statement saying that after the protests on 6 August, the women’s ward was flooded with prison guards and security agents, and an order was issued to assault the protesters. Several women who stood in front of the security forces were severely beaten. The family said they were told Narges had collapsed and fainted after being repeatedly punched by guards. UN human rights experts have condemned reports that the women had been denied access to timely and appropriate healthcare.
Azizi and Sharifeh Mohammadi were sentenced to death in July on charges of “armed rebellion against the state”.
Azizi, a 40-year-old Kurdish women’s rights activist and social worker, was reportedly subjected to torture during interrogations, including mock executions. In a letter written from the Evin prison by Azizi, titled Denying the Truth and Its Alternative and published by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights NGO, she said she was tortured, subjected to mock executions and put in solitary confinement.
ZeinabBayazidi, a former political prisoner and Azizi’s friend, told the Guardian that the death penalties against women and ethnic minorities were designed to dismantle the unified fight against the regime.
“The Islamic Republic is [retaliating against] the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution that spanned all borders from Kurdistan to Balochistan and Tehran, and caused solidarity and empathy and a revolution at this level, which has been unprecedented so far,” she said.
Sharifeh Mohammadi, 45, was arrested at her home in Rasht in December 2023, according to human rights activists.
Iranian woman reportedly paralysed in shooting over alleged hijab law violation
“Women have been among the strongest individuals standing against the regime during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. I believe by sentencing Sharifeh and others, they’re taking revenge.”
Tehran’s Evin prison, June 2006. Women there reported being violently beaten after protests over the execution of Rasaei. Photograph: MortezaNikoubazl/Reuters
Sharifeh’s family said they had been reluctant to share the news of her death penalty with her 12-year-old son. “It is very difficult and we are trying to seek help from a child counsellor to break the news with the least amount of harm possible.”
A UN fact-finding mission on Iran this month said minorities in Iran had been disproportionately affected by a “striking surge in executions since the September 2022 protests”, with several death sentences rendered most recently against women of ethnic minority backgrounds.
Activists warned the repression on female activists was also evident through long-term prison sentences based on fabricated charges and forced confessions.
Soma Rostami from Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, said: “It is clear to all that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s only purpose for executions is to spread fear among the people. There has been a lot of pressure on women’s activists and all kinds of repressions have been carried out to prevent women-led demonstrations from happening again.”
Source: theguardian.com
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/aug/23/fears-grow-for-womens-rights-activists-jailed-in-iran-after-87-executions-in-one-month
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Vegan Muslim, Shakira Murphy, On Reality Of Life In Meat Heavy Culture
24 AUG 2024
Husna Anjum
When Shakira asked for a veggie burger for the first time, her family replied 'what?' The Muslim teen was just 14-years-old when a hard-hitting documentary on the animal industry convinced her to ditch meat forever.
Since then the Moseley student swam against the tide of her meat-centric religion and culture to save the planet. Yet it is hard to find falafel or lentil curry at Ramadan or Eid events, with meat dishes traditionally being centre stage.
You have to ask what is it like being a vegan Muslim? The 22-year-old student shares her meat-free life and how, despite the older generation raising their eyebrows, and she says it isn't as difficult as you think.
"I always loved animals", Shakira Murphy said, "at 14 or 15 I watched a documentary called Earthlings which was about animal cruelty and I was very young and impressionable. That night my family were ordering food.
"My mum was supportive but didn't want it to be difficult, she suggested I go vegetarian first then vegan. It was about animals at first then after doing research I realised a lot of reasons like climate change and health."
Shakira welcomed the challenge of creative cooking without meat and coming from a melting pot family, everyone was very supportive. Her mother is mixed white and Pakistani whilst her father is mixed white and Jamaican. She feels the mix of cultures makes them more open minded.
Although the older generation question her more, Shakira respects their desire to stick to their traditions. So how does Shakira handle Ramadan and Eid where meat dishes are a staple?
Birmingham's South Asian population traditionally break their fast with kebabs, rice and samosas. Arab Iftars equally have many meat dishes, Shakira said: "It can be difficult going to Iftar events and the only thing you can eat is rice and samosas.
"You just put up with it as I can go home and make some nice food. There are veggie options but they are not substantial or have the protein you need.
"With family it is easier as they are accommodating and will make a vegan meal for me. Qurbani was hard especially growing up seeing sheep strung up in shop windows, but I know it is just the culture.
"I don't feel I am missing out on anything. With Qurbani you can donate money instead of sacrificing an animal for example.
"I find Ramadan exciting thinking about my Iftar meal. You have to get some protein in there and vegan food can be filling, but you don't always get enough nutrients as there is so much fibre. You have to think about it more."
Shakira loves Indian, Pakistani and Arab food which already have vegetarian options like dhal, vegetable curries, falafel, humus and fulmedames. Health wise she claims the vegan diet helps with her digestion.
In terms of ethical clothing and products Shakira takes a relaxed approach. She rejects the vegan stereotype of being strict about everything she buys and consumes, which she argues is stressful for a busy life.
She said: "As long as someone is trying to make changes to save the planet that's what's important." Does she think Muslims should consider vegan practices? She said: "I think so. I have heard the prophet only ate meat once a fortnight.
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/lets-more-open-it-vegan-29784338
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5,000 leaders and professionals to attend Muslim World Women’s Summit in KL
BERNAMA
24-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: About 5,000 leaders, entrepreneurs and professional women from Malaysia and other countries are expected to attend the Muslim World Women’s Summit at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre next month.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the summit, themed The Powerful Women Next Generation, Vanguard of Feminine Power, will involve participants from 57 countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“The three-day summit will serve as a platform for women across the Muslim world to share ideas and experiences, build networks, and form a shared vision for the future,” she told Bernama.
Dr Noraini, who is also the 2024 Muslim World Women’s Summit president, said the summit is expected to be opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
At the pre-launch event of the summit in February, Ahmad Zahid urged summit participants to seize the opportunity to voice women’s rights and work together towards a future where every woman can thrive and impact the world.
Noraini, who is also Wanita UMNO chief, said the movement aims for 30 per cent of the Wanita UMNO leadership at every level to consist of professional women, including successful entrepreneurs, corporate figures and academics.
She said this is to ensure a continuous flow of new ideas and the sustainability of strong leadership.
In the economic arena, Norainiemphasised that Wanita UMNO must fully leverage Malaysia’s leadership in the halal industry, which is currently valued at US$2.3 trillion (about RM10.06 trillion) and is expected to reach US$3.3 trillion by 2025.
According to her, Malaysia’s halal product exports reached RM54 billion last year.
“UMNO president (Ahmad Zahid) also shared information on the potential of the halal industry and mentioned that Wanita UMNO and I should assist in exploring how we can support women entrepreneurs in the vast halal sector.
“We accept the challenge, and we will hold discussions and collaborate with agencies and non-governmental organisations to implement and identify potential entrepreneurs to obtain halal certification,” she said.
Source: thesun.my
https://thesun.my/local-news/5000-leaders-and-professionals-to-attend-muslim-world-women-s-summit-in-kl-AK12902103
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Iraqi women's political influence: two decades of limited impact
2024-08-24
Shafaq News/ Despite a consistent presence in Iraq's political arena for nearly two decades, Iraqi women have yet to achieve substantial influence in shaping the nation's laws and policies, analysts say.
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, women have maintained a presence in Iraq's Parliament through five consecutive electoral cycles. Their participation has also included earlier governing bodies like the Governing Council and the interim and transitional governments. However, women have struggled to gain significant decision-making power or enact meaningful legislative changes despite this sustained involvement.
As the current parliamentary term nears its end, analysts' concerns about the lack of tangible progress for women in Iraqi politics persist.
International Frameworks and Women's Political Participation in Iraq
Global efforts to address the historical exclusion of women from political life have been grounded in international conventions and declarations that emphasize equality and the elimination of violence and discrimination against women. In its preamble, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores the importance of "faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human person, and the equal rights of men and women." Several key international instruments, such as Article 25 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, explicitly affirm the right to equality between men and women in political and public life.
The 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), particularly Article 7, focuses on women's right to political participation and representation at both international and national levels. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, through General Recommendation No. 23, further calls on states to take all necessary measures to eliminate discrimination against women in political and public spheres. Additionally, UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the first of its kind, recognizes the crucial role of women in peacekeeping and stresses their involvement in political negotiations.
Despite these international frameworks, structural challenges continue to hinder women's political participation globally. As of 2020, women occupied only 26% of positions in national parliaments worldwide. In contrast, Iraq, with a parliamentary quota of 25%, achieved 28.9% representation for women in the 2021 elections, ranking second in the Middle East after the UAE.
Efforts to Empower Women?
Ashraf al-Dahhan, Director-General of the Office of Non-Governmental Organizations in Iraq, highlighted during the 2023 Middle East Forum that "The Iraqi government has established a department for women's empowerment within the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers." He noted that the government has also developed strategies to enhance women's participation in society, including the National Strategy for Iraqi Women 2023 in cooperation with the United Nations.
"Iraq has over 298 active non-governmental organizations focused on women's rights, 73 of which are led by women," al-Dahhan added.
However, these initiatives often face obstacles due to entrenched patriarchal attitudes and the dominance of male-dominated political parties. Member of Parliament Noor Naif voiced concerns about the quality of women's representation, stating that "the issue lies in the qualitative representation, which is very low due to the presence of some who are not capable and are controlled by their parties."
Naif added that women often end up supporting men rather than other women. "In reality, there is a problem with women supporting women. The opposite is happening; women support men, and even women running for elections receive more support from men than women."
The proposed amendment to Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 has ignited widespread controversy in Iraq, both within Parliament and among the public. The debate continues, with prominent parties, particularly Islamic ones, pushing for the amendment while female MPs and civil organizations demand its cancellation. Opponents argue that the amendment would permit the marriage of girls as young as nine years old, potentially returning Iraq to the "era of concubines."
Gender Disparities in Leadership and Policy-Making
Former Lawmaker Nada al-Jubouri told Shafaq News Agency that the gap in female representation in Iraq's leadership is a "critical political challenge." She noted that a review of Iraq's report for the Beijing 2024 Action Plan revealed significant gaps, particularly the absence of female leaders in the three presidencies and the Supreme Judicial Council.
Al-Jubouri emphasized the importance of Iraq's commitment to international agreements, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which mandates women's participation in political decision-making. While the constitution guarantees women 25% representation in legislative councils, al-Jubouri argued that this is insufficient, as executive decisions remain dominated by male leaders.
She stressed that increased female leadership is essential for Iraq to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. "Without addressing this gender disparity in executive decision-making, it will impact social cohesion and delay the enactment of legislation beneficial to society, children, the elderly, and women."
Al-Jubouri, who is also a physician, highlighted women's health issues, arguing that the Ministry of Health alone is not equipped to address these challenges. She called for a higher committee led by a female specialist to tackle women's health concerns, reduce maternal mortality rates, promote early breast cancer detection, and provide vaccines for cervical cancer.
She also pointed out that poverty has become a predominantly female issue due to unequal employment opportunities. "The most effective and appropriate solution for the advancement of society is to ensure the credibility of what Iraq has ratified and signed by all Iraqi governments," she said.
Political Analyst's Perspective
Political analyst MukhaladHazem described the role of women in Iraq's Parliament over the past 20 years as "extremely limited." He noted that only a handful of female lawmakers have played a role in legislation, objections, and interrogations, and there has been little genuine impact from women in Parliament.
Hazem added that many female lawmakers rose to Parliament through the political blocs they belong to, making them unable to deviate from their bloc's agenda and subject to the will of their leaders. Consequently, a genuinely opposing voice pushing for the public interest has been absent."Most current male and female parliamentarians belong to political blocs whose leaders pursue their interests, relationships, and affiliations. As a result, a truly democratic reality has yet to emerge in Parliament or the executive branch," Hazem explained to Shafaq News.
Baghdad vs. Erbil
Observers note that women have made significant strides within Kurdish political parties, actively contributing to political work and peacebuilding in the Kurdistan Region. They have become notably involved in party activities and have taken part in decision-making positions. From 1992 to 2004, women represented 7% of the members of the Kurdistan National Assembly.
Additionally, women have participated in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), with Kafia Suleiman being appointed the first female minister and serving as Minister of Municipalities in 1996. Since then, several women have held ministerial positions and served as deputy ministers, district governors, subdistrict managers, and judges. In fact, the incumbent speaker of the Kurdistan region is also a female.
In the Kurdistan Region, the legal quota for women's representation in Parliament is 30%, compared to the 25% quota in Iraq's national Parliament. In the Kurdistan Parliament, 29 of the 111 seats are held by women. In the executive branch, women occupy three ministerial positions in the current cabinet, which consists of 40 ministries.
Role of Political Parties in Women's Political Empowerment
Political parties play a crucial role in shaping political landscapes by mobilizing voters, presenting election candidates, raising campaign funds, and influencing public policy and laws. They also hold the power to appoint individuals to leadership roles within the government. Political parties are central to women's access to political positions in this context. The internal practices and public stances of these parties significantly affect the political empowerment of women, making them key players in creating political opportunities and pathways for women's participation.
In Iraq, following the regime change in 2003, the new Iraqi Constitution of 2005 introduced a 25% parliamentary quota for women. This quota, largely imposed on conservative and traditional political blocs due to pressure from the feminist movement then, was quickly adopted by political parties. These parties began to draw in female candidates and electors, modifying their approaches through amendments to electoral laws. Law No. 16 of 2005, which implemented closed lists in 18 electoral districts, and Law No. 9 of 2020, which established open districts in 83 electoral districts, reflected this adaptation.
However, the"Women in Politics: 202" index issued by UN Women ranks Iraq 70th globally for women's participation in Parliament and 176th for women in ministerial positions. This disparity highlights the limited progress in empowering women in executive roles despite the maintained parliamentary quota over four electoral cycles post-2003. The contrast between women's legislative and ministerial representation raises critical questions about the political agendas for involving and empowering women in Iraq and the genuine commitment of political parties to achieving gender equality.
Overcoming Barriers
In light of the challenges to female representation in Iraq, several key actions are recommended to enhance women's leadership in government and public life.
According to experts, the Iraqi legislature should amend the Parties Law to ensure that women hold at least 25% of leadership positions within political parties. Additionally, parties should be required to develop and empower female cadres through their political platforms and organizational strategies. Civil society organizations, particularly those focused on women's issues, must also create training programs to develop the skills of women already active in the political arena.
Moreover, the media plays a vital role in raising societal awareness about women's roles in politics and the workforce. "Non-governmental institutions, intellectuals, organizations, and media outlets must work together to promote a fair and equitable value system in Iraq, emphasizing the significance of women's contributions." An expert told Shafaq News.
To achieve these goals, the government should establish a comprehensive national initiative to promote women's political participation, addressing all forms of discrimination at every level, including a bottom-up approach and appropriate financial resources. A law introducing a women's quota for the executive branch should be enacted, as their representation in the Council of Ministers is often significantly lower than in Parliament.
Political parties also have a role to play by implementing clear, equality-sensitive rules to ensure transparency in the nomination process for leadership roles within political parties. They should increase the representation of women in party structures, such as the General Secretariat and executive committees, and consider adopting a voluntary quota system. Providing support and funding for women's electoral campaigns is also crucial to enable equal participation in elections.
Civil society organizations should encourage the formation of women's networks or coalitions that include activists, advocates, and parliamentarians to push for laws and policies addressing discrimination against women. They should support and promote the electoral campaigns of independent women candidates and offer training and capacity-building programs to enhance the political skills of female candidates.
Furthermore, international organizations should support NGOs that promote equality and women's participation in political and public decision-making processes. They must also ensure a sustainable and safe civic space for women and women's rights organizations to hold decision-makers accountable on issues of discrimination and violence. Facilitating public dialogue between civil society organizations and political parties is also necessary to address women's obstacles and develop strategies to increase their political representation.
Source: shafaq.com
https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraqi-women-s-political-influence-two-decades-of-limited-impact
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2 Women Journalists Killed In Turkish Airstrike In Northern Iraq: Local Officials
23 August 2024
Two female journalists were killed in a Turkish airstrike that hit their car in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, local officials and media said on Friday.
The journalists, Hero Baha'uddin and Golestan Tara, worked for a local Kurdish media company, according to local media outlet Roj News and an official in Sulaimaniyah province who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly.
QubadTalabani, deputy prime minister of the regional government in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, condemned the strike.
“They were two women journalists, not members of an armed force to be a threat to the security and stability of any country or region,” he said in a statement.
Roj News reported that six other journalists were injured “with varying degrees of severity".
An earlier statement by the Kurdish region's counter-terrorism service based in Irbil said a strike near the village of Teperash had targeted a car carrying members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that has waged an insurgency against Turkey since the 1980s and is banned there and in Iraq.
It said the strike had killed a PKK official along with a guard and their driver.
It was not immediately clear if the two accounts were referencing the same strike and whether there were one or two cars hit.
There was no immediate statement from Turkish officials. Earlier Friday the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement that its forces had “neutralized” 16 PKK members in other parts of northern Iraq.
“We will continue unpredictable, unconventional, rapid and continuous operations to destroy terrorism at its source,” the statement said.
The PKK has maintained bases in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. In recent months, Turkiye has built up its troops in northern Iraq and has threatened an offensive to clear PKK forces from the border area.
Turkiye often launches strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq that it believes to be affiliated with the PKK. Baghdad has complained that the strikes are a breach of its sovereignty, but has also taken a tougher stance against the PKK in recent months.
Source: outlookindia.com
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/2-women-journalists-killed-in-turkish-airstrike-in-northern-iraq-local-officials
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