UNICEF India Ropes in Assam's Nahid Afrin, Runner Up of 2015 Edition of Indian Idol Junior, To Fight Against Child Marriages
New Age Islam News Bureau
20 May 2024
·
UNICEF
India Ropes in Assam's Nahid Afrin, Runner Up of 2015 Edition of Indian Idol
Junior, To Fight Against Child Marriages
·
Emirati
Creative Hoor Al-Qasimi Appointed Artistic Director of The Biennale of Sydney
·
Saudi
Arabia's All-Women Psychedelic Rock Band, Seera, That Is Challenging
Conservatism with Music
·
Int'l
Day for Women in Maritime: Recruit More Female Mariners, Say Speakers
·
Jailed
Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Faces New Trial, Family Says
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/unicef-nahid-indian-idol-child-marriages/d/132352
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UNICEF
India Ropes in Assam’s Nahid Afrin, Runner Up of 2015 Edition Of Indian Idol
Junior, To Fight Against Child Marriages
Muslim clerics issue fatwa against 16-year-old Indian Idol runner-up
Nahid Afrin
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20-05-2024
Assam’s
Nahid Afrin first shot to fame when she became the second runner up in the 2015
edition of Indian Idol Junior. In 2016, she made her debut as a playback singer
in Bollywood with the film Akira starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role.
Nahid
Afrin had recently been appointed as UNICEF India's Youth Advocate marking a
significant milestone in her career. Nahid along with three other Youth
Advocates will work with Bollywood’s star actor Kareena Kapoor-Khan, who is
named as the National Ambassadors by UNICEF.
Besides
Nahid, UNICEF India has also appointed its first-ever Youth Advocates –
Gauranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh, Kartik Verma from Uttar Pradesh and
Vinisha Umashankar from Tamil Nadu. They will work to champion critical issues
such as climate action, mental health, innovation, and Girls in STEM (science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics).
In an
exclusive interview with Awaz-The Voice Assam Nahid Afrin shared her
experience, thoughts, and her new job as Youth Advocate of UNICEF India. Below
are excerpts of the interview.
You have
recently been selected as a Youth Advocate by UNICEF India. You will get the
opportunity to work with the Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor. Why have you
been selected for this responsibility? What will be your new role?
First of
all, I would like to thank everyone who has sent me messages of greetings and
blessings. I would also like to thank UNICEF India for selecting me as their
Youth Advocate. I would like to share with you a small incident that happened
in 2018 when UNICEF India selected me as the 'Child Rights Champion' for the
North East. I took that responsibility and worked with UNICEF India on behalf
of Assam for two years. At the time, I was working on child marriage. I have
also made many efforts to create awareness against child marriage in different
parts of Assam.
In 2018, UNICEF organized a program on child
marriage in the Assam Assembly. The then Speaker of the Assembly presented a
report on the negative impact of child marriage in society and discussed how it
can be addressed. I was involved with anti-child marriage activities and
campaigns till 2020. In 2023, I received
a call from the UNICEF India Regional Office informing me that I had been
nominated as their Youth Advocate. They have nominated me and a very few other
young people like me from different states of India for this post. After that
we had a one-year workshop and they gave me this responsibility for Assam.
When we
talk about UNICEF, we usually understand that it is an international
organization working for the mental and physical development of children. As a
youth advocate, how will you focus on addressing the various issues faced by
children, especially girls?
I have
been associated with the problem of child marriage in Assam for the last few
years. And now that I have been selected by UNICEF as their Youth Advocate, I
will now have the opportunity to work on this issue in an international forum
or platform to solve problems like child marriage in Assam.
When we
think of girl children, we usually think of education, health and development.
Now I am planning to work on child marriage as well as children's mental
health. This is because nowadays it is often seen that most of the students or
children are mentally disturbed and depressed. Children aged 13-19 are
especially vulnerable to stress. This is because they are faced with
competition in their studies and other fields. They also suffer from parental
pressure, social pressure and they are so worried about their career that many
of them eventually take extreme decisions like suicide. I think I will have
some responsibility in this regard as a Youth Advocate of UNICEF India and
since I am doing my degree in the Department of Psychology at Cotton University,
I will focus on how to explain and create awareness to make children free from
stress.
Second,
I will work on the overall development of children. In rural areas it is often
seen that after the birth of a baby, little attention is paid to the nutrition
of the child due to lack of proper knowledge among parents. They don't even
know how important breastfeeding is after the birth of a baby. As a youth
advocate of UNICEF India, I will be responsible to create such awareness among
parents
What
will be your role as a youth advocate? Will you get the opportunity to work in
Assam?
UNICEF
India also has a regional office in Assam. I was working with them from 2018 to
2020. Since I have now been appointed as youth advocate of UNICEF India it has
become my responsibility to work on issues for which this international
organization is committed. My first priority will be Assam. In addition, I will
have to do my own research on what is happening among children in other states
of India and I will receive information from other regional offices of UNICEF
India. The impact of child marriage is very high in Rajasthan and thus I have
to visit this state.
You are
a student in the Department of Psychology at Cotton University, a singer and
now you have been assigned with a new responsibility as a Youth Advocate from
UNICEF India. What are your plans to fulfil all these responsibilities smoothly
without disturbing your academic life?
Till
today I have been able to maintain a balance in every work that I do. I love
studying psychology and thus I am currently pursuing the subject in Cotton
University. In fact, I never feel bored with reading. But once I couldn't sit
for the exam for some reason, my university and teachers helped me a lot. And I
hope my teachers will continue to help me in the future so that I can continue
to do good things for people and society.
You have
been working for the cause of children in Assam. What according to you are the
main problems faced by children in Assam?
The
prevalence of child marriage is very high in Assam. Being a Youth Advocate of
UNICEF I visit places and villages worst affected by such marriages. I will
gather information and try to find out the root cause. I will then discuss with
senior officials of UNICEF to work out an effective and long term solution.
Recently I meet an official from Kenya at the UNICEF India headquarter in New
Delhi and he had assured me to visit Assam to study the problem of child
marriage in Assam.
In terms
of mental health, I have seen that urban children are more affected than their
rural counterparts. Nowadays, children suffer from many mental problems due to
parental pressure and societal pressure. On the other hand, some children
become addicted to alcohol, cannabis and drugs due to bad friends and
acquaintances. Such children do not really know which way they are heading.
These children need proper and effective counselling and guidance. I will work
in this field.
You made
headlines in the past for your multi-talents. How challenging has been your
journey as a Youth Advocate for UNICEF India since winning the Indian Idol
title?
I think that any kind of journey is never
easy. Everyone has to do something to succeed in life and when you move towards
your goal of doing something, you have to face many obstacles along the way.
But it is very important to face obstacles in life. At one point, I feel very
bad or sad thinking about why this is happening to me. But I am what I am today
because of those setbacks.
If I did not face those challenges, I probably
wouldn't be able to sit down and talk to you today. My parents and every member
of my family have always supported me in everything and never let me down.
Because of their support, I gain a mental strength that helps me to keep going.
My parents never discriminated between boys and girls. As a Muslim girl I have
never faced any resistance from my family to achieve my goals.
You have
sung in Assamese films as well as Bollywood films, and you are currently a
talented student at Cotton University. What would you like to introduce
yourself in the future?
Many
people ask me this. In fact, I will continue to pursue music, education and
social service. God or Allah has been so kind to me so far to shower many
blessings on me. One thing I must assure is that what I become or whatever I do
in the future it must benefit the society. I would like to be remembered as a
human being who has contributed something to make this world a better place to
live in.
You can
be a role model for the youths. What message do you want to convey to the
younger generation?
I admit
that the youths are facing a lot of challenges these days. Sometimes I even
become frustrated and uncertain about the future. But my association with
successful people has taught me to believe in myself. Believing in you is very
important. I want to advise my friends, younger brothers and sisters to believe
in themselves and they should not become mere copy cats. Do not follow others
blindly. Every individual has talents and a unique personality. One needs to
understand himself or herself to develop talents. Everything is on our mind. If
we think we can do something, the sky's the limit.
Source: awazthevoice.in
https://www.awazthevoice.in/youth-news/unicef-india-ropes-in-assam-s-nahid-afrin-to-fight-against-child-marriages-28872.html
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Emirati
Creative Hoor Al-Qasimi Appointed Artistic Director Of The Biennale Of Sydney
Al-Qasimi created the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009 and is currently
its president and director. (Instagram)
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May 18,
2024
DUBAI:
The Biennale of Sydney announced this week that Emirati creative Hoor Al-Qasimi
will become its artistic director for 2026.
The 25th
edition of the biennale will run from March 7 to June 8.
Since
its inception in 1973, the biennale has grown to become one of the
longest-running exhibitions of its kind and was the first biennale established
in the Asia-Pacific region.
Al-Qasimi
created the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009 and is currently its president and
director. Throughout her career, she acquired extensive experience in curating
international biennials, including the second Lahore Biennale in 2020 and the
UAE Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015.
In 2003,
she co-curated the sixth edition of Sharjah Biennial and has remained the
director of the event since.
Al-Qasimi
has been president of the International Biennial Association since 2017 and is
also president of the Africa Institute. She has previously served as a board
member for MoMA PS1 in New York and the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in
Beijing, among other roles.
She is
also the artistic director of the sixth Aichi Triennale, scheduled to take
place in Japan in 2025.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2512406/lifestyle
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Saudi
Arabia's All-Women Psychedelic Rock Band, Seera, That Is Challenging
Conservatism with Music
May 20,
2024
In
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the electrifying sounds of Seera reverberate through the
air, defying the traditional norms of a conservative society. Led by Nora's raw
vocals and backed by a symphony of guitars and drums, Seera's performances are
an example of the changing cultural landscape of the kingdom. Seera, an
all-women psychedelic rock band, merges traditional Arabic melodies with the
renewed spirit of psychedelia, drawing inspiration from bands like Tame Impala.
Their music, once unimaginable ..
Meesh,
the band's bassist, reflects on their journey, stating, “We didn't know how
people would react. We believe strongly in self-expression. To our surprise,
they really had open arms for us.”
About
Seera
The name
'Seera' holds deep significance, signifying "life" or
"biography" in Arabic. The band members infuse this essence into
their music, blending cultural roots with modern sounds.
Seera's
musical narrative delves into the life experiences of its Saudi national
members. Singing in the Saudi dialect of Arabic, Seera bridges the gap between
tradition and modernity, as showcased by drummer Thing's adorned red face
covering, symbolizing cultural heritage.
Thing
elaborates, “I thought this would be great as a reflection of the culture, the
heritage and the roots. At the same time, it would be a cool representation
between the traditional and the modern and the expression of it. That's also
within our sonic identity as well.”
While
Seera acknowledges predecessors like The Accolade, who pioneered underground
music in 2008, the kingdom's recent cultural shifts under King Salman and Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman have paved the way for greater artistic freedom.
With women gaining rights such as driving and relaxed dress codes, Saudi
Arabia's art scene is gradually embracing inclusivity.
Seera's
recent performance at The Warehouse in Riyadh's Diriyahneighborhood symbolized
this cultural evolution, with youths reveling in the music sans the typical
trappings of Western punk shows.
Thing
remarks on the progress, stating, “Things have become definitely better, more
towards inclusivity and in a broader perspective and in a broader way. There's
definitely room for more growth."
Seera's
Future Plans
Looking
ahead, Seera plans to launch their debut album, marking a milestone in Saudi
Arabia's music landscape. Their international debut in Dubai signifies a new
era of artistic exploration and cultural exchange.
Nora
envisions Seera as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation,
advocating for self-expression within societal boundaries.
“It’s OK
to look, act, behave the way you want as long as you’re not harming anyone,”
she affirmed. Seera's journey reflects not just a musical revolution but a
cultural renaissance, echoing the changing dynamics of Saudi Arabia's societal
fabric.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/meet-seera-saudi-arabias-all-women-psychedelic-rock-band-that-is-challenging-conservatism-with-music/articleshow/110268344.cms?from=mdr
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Int'l
Day for Women in Maritime: Recruit more female mariners, say speakers
May 20,
2024
Experts
urged Bangladeshi flagged ocean-going vessel owning companies to come forward
in giving priority to recruit more female cadets from the country's marine
academies.
They
said both the state-owned and privately owned ocean-going vessels should give
more chance to the female cadets to complete their mandatory one-year sea
training internship to pave the way to acquire academic certificates that are
required for eligibility in applying for professional certificates.
Facing
difficulties and long delay in getting jobs and even sea-training internship
female cadets are being discouraged and are ultimately giving up their dreams
in mariner profession, a vital foreign currency earning sector, they opined.
They
made the requests at a discussion on the occasion of International Day for
Women in Maritime-2024 held at a hotel in the port city yesterday, reports our
Chattogram correspondent.
Bangladesh
Merchant Marine Officers' Association (BMMOA) organised the programme to
celebrate and acknowledge the talented and hard-working women contributing to
the maritime industry at home and abroad.
Addressing
the ceremony, BMMOA President Captain Anam Chowdhury informed that a total of
114 female cadets have passed from Bangladesh Marine Academy and Bangladesh
Marine Fisheries Academy since 2014.
But 53.5
percent of these cadets failed to get seafarers' job so far while many of them
opted to join shore-based or other jobs while some just gave up, he said.
He said
female mariners face immense challenges including gender discrimination,
non-cooperation from families as well as from male co-workers and employers,
antagonistic cultural and religious views, lack of job opportunities and timely
promotion.
Female
cadets and mariners at the programme described the difficulties, challenges and
discrimination they face in acquiring sea-training internships and jobs even in
the ships of state-owned Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).
They
said no female cadets has so far got a chance for internship or job in any
privately owned ocean-going vessels of the country.
Captain
Mohammad Hasan, principal of Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Academy, Chattogram,
urged all the stakeholders to work together to address and solve the challenges
faced by the female cadets and mariners.
BMMOA
General Secretary Md Shakawat Hossain informed that BSC has recruited several
female cadets in the last 10 years but none of their jobs has yet to be made
permanent.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/rights/news/intl-day-women-maritime-recruit-more-female-mariners-say-speakers-3614201
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Jailed
Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Faces New Trial, Family Says
18 May
2024
PARIS,
France – Jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi faces a new
trial over her accusations that Iranian security forces sexually assaulted
female prisoners, her family said on Saturday.
The
trial, due to begin on Sunday, relates to an audio message she shared from
prison in April shared by supporters and in which she decried a “full-scale war
against women” in the Islamic Republic.
She is
charged in this latest case with making “propaganda against the regime,” it
said.
There has been no comment on the case by
Iranian judicial authorities.
Her
family quoted Mohammadi as saying that the trial should be held in public so
“witnesses and survivors can testify to the sexual assaults perpetrated by the
Islamic Republic regime against women.”
Mohammadi,
who is held in Tehran’s Evin prison, urged Iranian women in her April message
via her Instagram page to share their stories of arrest and sexual assault at
the hands of the authorities.
She
pointed to the case of journalist and student Dina Ghalibaf, who, according to
rights groups, was arrested after accusing security forces on social media of
handcuffing and sexually assaulting her during a previous arrest at a metro
station. Ghalibaf was later released.
The
authorities in Iran have in recent weeks intensified a crackdown obliging women
to obey the country’s Islamic dress code, notably making use of video
surveillance.
Mohammadi has been incarcerated since November
2021 and has not seen her Paris-based husband and twin children for several
years.
She said
the trial that opens on Sunday will be the fourth such case against her.
Mohammadi
is already serving sentences based on several convictions issued in recent
years. Her family says she is being punished for campaigning for women’s
rights.
According
to her family, her sentences now amount to 12 years and three months of
imprisonment, 154 lashes, two years of exile, and various social and political
restrictions.
Mohammadi
has long been a staunch opponent of the obligation for women in Iran to wear
the headscarf and has continued her campaign even in prison, refusing to wear
the hijab in front of male officials.
She was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for fighting against the oppression of
women in Iran.
Mohammadi,
a 51-year-old journalist and activist, has spent much of the past two decades
in and out of jail for her campaign against the mandatory hijab for women and
the death penalty.
Her
receipt of the award came amid widespread protests in Iran against the
country’s Islamic regime. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of Mahsa
Amini and were eventually suppressed by authorities after 500 people had been
killed and 22,000 were arrested.
Source: timesofisrael.com
https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-nobel-laureate-narges-mohammadi-faces-new-trial-family-says/
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/unicef-nahid-indian-idol-child-marriages/d/132352