UN Rights Experts Warn Of Rise In Systemic Persecution Of Baha’i Women
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 December 2024
· UN Rights Experts Warn Of Rise In Systemic Persecution Of Baha’i Women
· Andre Toure, Widow of Guinea’s late President: Ex-African Presidents’ Wives Decry Neglect, Seek Dignity And Recognition In Africa
· I Wish You All Merry Christmas, Better Days Ahead: Nigerian First Lady, Remi Tinubu
· Syria's Future: Hopes And Fears For Women After Regime Change
· Company Creates Disposable Hijabs For Muslim Women In Health Care
· Taliban Official Claims Afghanistan Does Not Face Shortage Of Female Healthcare Workers
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/un-rights-systemic-persecution-women/d/134135
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UN rights experts warn of rise in systemic persecution of Baha’i women
2024-12-25
A composite picture of 10 Baha'i women recently sentenced by Isfahan's Revolutionary Court to a total of 90 years in prison.
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Independent human rights experts reporting to the United Nations expressed grave concern over the rise in the systematic targeting of women from the Baha’i religious minority in Iran in a joint letter published on Tuesday.
The experts including Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran Mai Sato highlighted reports of Baha’i women being subjected to arrests, interrogations, enforced disappearances, home raids, confiscation of personal belongings, travel restrictions and prolonged detentions without due process.
Noting that Baha’i women make up two-thirds of all Baha’i prisoners in Iran, the experts said many were being held incommunicado.
This increase in persecution, they warned, represents a worrying deterioration of gender discrimination and persecution of religious minorities in the country.
“In the larger context of the targeting of women in Iran and the challenges with gender equality, this dramatic rise in persecution against Baha’i women is an alarming escalation,” the experts said in a statement Monday.
“This is affecting a group of people who face intersectional discrimination and persecution: as women and as members of the Baha’i religious minority.”
The experts also pointed to the ongoing persecution faced by all Baha’is in Iran, including the denial of higher education, restrictions on economic and cultural participation, and bans on university attendance and public employment.
“We are concerned at the use of ambiguously formulated accusations such as ‘threat to national security’ or ‘propaganda against the State’ to systematically restrict the peaceful exercise of their rights,” they said.
“This may have a significant chilling effect on other members of the Baha’i religious minority and the exercise of their human rights and freedoms.”
The experts, part of the UN Human Rights Council's Special Procedures—a group of independent experts who monitor and investigate human rights issues worldwide—said they raised their concerns directly with the Iranian government.
The Iranian authorities responded by asserting that Baha’is enjoy full rights and face no restrictions. However, just days after receiving this response, reports emerged that 10 Baha’i women in Isfahan had been sentenced to a total of 90 years in prison.
The experts emphasized that the Iranian government's response contradicts the situation on the ground, where Baha’is continue to face significant challenges to their rights and freedoms.
The Baha’i International Community also warned on Monday that 71-year-old MahvashSabet, a Baha’i prisoner in Iran, had undergone open-heart surgery after being denied medical care for years. The BIC called for her immediate release, the cancellation of her sentence and assurances she would not be returned to jail.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412242844
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Andre Toure, Widow of Guinea’s late President: Ex-African Presidents’ Wives Decry Neglect, Seek Dignity And Recognition In Africa
25 December 2024
By EnioluwaAdeniyi
Wives of former African presidents have raised concerns over systemic neglect and relegation to obscurity following their husbands’ exit from power or demise.
The lamentations were shared during a conference in Conakry, Guinea, aimed at forming a united coalition to address the challenges faced by these women.
Andre Toure, widow of Guinea’s late President SekouToure, spearheaded the initiative, describing it as a platform to challenge the stigma and neglect experienced by former presidents’ wives.
“The coalition is to challenge the stigma and neglect faced by former Presidents’ wives, advocating their dignity and respect in society; to create a historical narrative that honours their contributions by establishing a museum dedicated to their lives and legacies, thus ensuring their stories are documented and remembered,” Toure stated.
The coalition’s vision resonated with other participants, including FatmataMomoh (Sierra Leone) and Isabel Vieira (Guinea-Bissau), who echoed similar struggles of abandonment and loss of dignity.
Toure highlighted that many women, once at the helm of societal recognition, are left without resources and treated with indifference.
“We are not just figures from the past; we have played significant roles in our nation’s histories, and we deserve recognition and respect,” she said.
The widow of late President Samuel Kedo also shared her story of struggle, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment and support from allies to advance the coalition’s cause.
The coalition unveiled plans to embark on a tour across African nations, engaging former presidents’ wives and seeking support from international partners to empower their members and advocate for their rights.
Toure said, “The coalition’s mission is not only about advocacy; it’s a call for international partners, governments, and civil society to recognise the vital roles these women have played and to support their initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and dignified existence for former Presidents’ wives across Africa.
“Their journey is a collective effort to reshape the narrative around women in leadership roles and to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these women are honoured and preserved for future generations.”
Source: naijanews.com
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/25/ex-presidents-wives-decry-neglect-seek-dignity-and-recognition-in-africa/
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I Wish You All Merry Christmas, Better Days Ahead: Nigerian First Lady, Remi Tinubu
24 December 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
First Lady, Remi Tinubu
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First Lady, Senator OluremiTinubu, has wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and encouraged all to anticipate the year 2025, asserting that brighter days lie ahead in the upcoming year.
In her Christmas message to the nation, Senator Tinubu sincerely appreciated the “steadfast support and patience as we strive to create a better Nigeria.”
She said, “I want to assure you that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to positive reforms that will benefit every Nigerian. Most of which are already yielding positive results.
“As this year comes to a close, let us hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Let us continue to love and support one another, foster unity, and embrace the diversity that makes our nation so great.
“I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 filled with love, joy, peace and prosperity.”
Earlier today, President Bola Tinubu felicitated with Nigerians and Christians worldwide on the 2024 Christmas celebration.
Naija News reports that in a statement he signed on Tuesday, Tinubu urged citizens to be kind to those facing difficulties and offer encouragement.
The president also urged Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels, stressing that Nigeria is on the path to restoration and progress.
Tinubu also expressed sadness over the death of Nigerians involved in the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The statement reads, “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.
“Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.
“Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.
“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.
“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.”
Source: naijanews.com
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/24/i-wish-you-all-merry-christmas-better-days-ahead-first-lady-remi-tinubu-tells-nigerians/
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Syria's Future: hopes and fears for women after regime change
2024-12-25
Shafaq News/ As Syria transitions from the Al-Assad regime to a new government under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), women’s rights remain a point of intense concern. While HTS has pledged to prioritize education and female participation in governance, its troubling history of gender-based restrictions and controversial rhetoric raise doubts about its commitment to genuine reform.
HTS and Women’s Rights: A Troubled Legacy
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which emerged as a dominant force in northwestern Syria after the civil war, has a controversial history regarding women’s rights. Originally founded as Jabhat al-Nusra in 2012, the group distanced itself from ISIS and al-Qaeda, rebranding and shifting focus from global jihad to local governance. Despite these changes, HTS’s past policies on women remain troubling.
Under its previous iterations, women faced strict restrictions, including mandatory full-face veils and severe limitations on their movement, education, and employment. Forced marriages and gender-based violence were prevalent, creating an oppressive environment for women.
In recent years, HTS has sought to project a more moderate image. Its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has highlighted improvements, such as over 60% of university students in Idlib being women. However, his recent actions, including requesting a woman cover her hair before taking a photo, have sparked controversy, with critics questioning HTS’s commitment to women’s rights.
While some saw the incident as a sign of plans for a stricter Islamist regime, al-Jolani defended his actions, calling it a matter of personal freedom.
“I didn’t force her. This is my personal freedom; I prefer to take photos in a way that suits me.” He said.
Despite efforts to project a more inclusive rhetoric, such as appointing Aisha al-Dabbas to lead the Women’s Affairs Office, HTS’s stance on women’s political participation remains a concern. Comments from HTS spokesperson Ubaida Arnaout, who suggested that women are unsuitable for key positions like in the Ministry of Defense, reveal the group’s conservative view on gender roles in governance.
Arnaout’s remarks about women’s roles in some state departments suggested that they are “unsuitable” due to their “biological and psychological nature.”
These actions, combined with HTS’s history of gender restrictions, fuel skepticism about the group’s true commitment to women’s rights.
HTS’s New Rhetoric: A Shift in Governance?
Political analyst RabieSha’ar believes much of the skepticism surrounding HTS stems from media campaigns. “There is a concerted effort to instill fear in Syrians and the international community about the new regime,” he told Shafaq News. “However, HTS today is more pragmatic and respectful of Syrian freedoms. For instance, 60% of students in Idlib’s universities are women, and they are increasingly involved in governance.”
Sha’ar also highlights HTS’s evolving attitudes toward women, noting their inclusion in social and political spheres. “This represents a significant departure from their earlier practices,” he adds.
Despite this optimism, activists remain uncertain about the next phase in Syria, particularly regarding women’s participation in the social and political arena.
A Painful Past and an Uncertain Future
Civil activist NajlaTemo from the KomelaŞawîşka Organization in Syria points out the diverse experiences of Syrian women across ethnic and religious communities. “Women’s realities vary widely due to Syria’s political and economic conditions and its ethnic and religious diversity,” she says to Shafaq News. “Under the previous regime, women experienced superficial freedoms enshrined in the old constitution but lacked practical empowerment.”
Temo points to systemic legal obstacles, such as laws governing inheritance, polygamy, and dowries, which hindered women’s progress. “While women engaged in education and small-scale employment, they remained constrained by patriarchal legal structures,” she notes.
“Although women participated in leftist political groups, they were often stymied by the male-dominated political environment and the repressive measures of the previous regime,” Temo explains.
Regarding the future, Temo expresses skepticism about significant progress under HTS. “Given HTS’s ideological roots and its ties to al-Qaeda, a breakthrough for women’s rights seems unlikely, particularly after Arnaout’s recent statements,” she says.
Activist Shams Antar, however, voices optimism. “Women are working to secure representation in the next government…They aspire to hold positions in all ministries, including the presidency, which was previously reserved for men under the old constitution.”
Antar also emphasizes the broader political awakening in Syria post-Assad. “For decades, politics was a forbidden domain, particularly for women. With the old regime gone, women are increasingly participating in drafting Syria’s new constitution,” she says to Shafaq News.
On the other hand, feminist activist Mona Abdul Salam reflects on women’s pivotal role in the Syrian revolution. “Women-led protests joined civil society initiatives, and raised awareness about human and women’s rights,” she says to Shafaq News. “Many were arrested, tortured, or killed for their activism.”
Abdul Salam also highlights women’s participation in armed resistance. “Kurdish and Arab women in northeastern Syria fought alongside men to defend their communities against ISIS and other extremist groups,” she says.
Looking ahead, Abdul Salam expresses hope for a more inclusive Syria. “Despite fears of HTS’s Islamic inclinations, I hope the next phase will build a cohesive society where women play a central role in decision-making.”
While HTS’s assurances of educational opportunities and female participation in governance offer hope, the underlying fears of continued repression remain. Whether the next phase of Syria's evolution will deliver on its promises for gender equality or revert to old patterns of exclusion is yet to be seen.
Source: shafaq.com
https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Syria-s-Future-hopes-and-fears-for-women-after-regime-change
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Company creates disposable hijabs for Muslim women in health care
December 24, 2024
Two respiratory therapists had a problem. Both wearers of the hijab, they struggled to keep their patients safe from outside germs while also covering their heads.
Many nurses would bring multiple coverings to work to change between patients. With no personal protective equipment available for Muslim health care workers, they had little choice.
Knowing something had to change, Firaoli Adam and Yasmin Samatar created a product that will support Muslim women in medicine for years to come.They launched Mawadda in 2022, creating the "Hygienic Hijab" with a patented and FDA-compliant design. Manufactured in the United States, the product clears safety and Hijabi religious standards. According to the product website, it is breathable with a snug fit and slips right on.
First meeting while studying respiratory care at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, Adam told CBS News that Samatar "didn't know it yet, but she was going to be my best friend."
Both first-generation students, the two women had similar goals and experienced similar struggles in their chosen field, they told CBS News, especially as travel nurses across the country.Hospitals "had a beard cover. We looked at each other like, ‘They have a beard cover even? Why not a hijab cover? Something has to be out there,'" Adam told CBS.
Samatar's and Adam's main goal in creating Mawadda was to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in hospitals around the country, allowing more Muslim women to work in these fields comfortably.
"Bringing to market work attire that meets both safety and cultural requirements," the product website states, "will dramatically improve workplace conditions, productivity, and health outcomes."The Hygienic Hijab comes in two styles, pullover or wrap, both in packs of 10.
In the future, Mawadda plans to launch a line of scrubs with modesty in mind, including skirts and dresses, Samatar and Adam told CBS.
"Having the hijab there, you are telling a Muslim woman you are supported in this hospital and your voice and presence is valued, that sort of empowers you," Samatar said.
Source: sanluisobispo.com
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/article297529513.html
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Taliban official claims Afghanistan does not face shortage of female healthcare workers
By Siyar Sirat
December 25, 2024
KABUL, Afghanistan — Mohammad Hassan Ghiasi, the Taliban’s deputy minister of public health for policy, claimed on Wednesday that Afghanistan is not facing a shortage of female healthcare workers, despite mounting concerns after ban on women’s medical education.
“According to the statistics we have, there is no shortage of female healthcare personnel,” Ghiasi said. “This is a national issue that our leadership has been carefully addressing, and we will share the outcomes with you soon.”
Responding to a question about consequences of Taliban’s ban on medical education for women, Ghiasi said claimed that Afghanistan has nearly 30,000 trained midwives who are not currently integrated into the country’s healthcare system.
Ghiasi further claimed that the Taliban are working on plans to employ these midwives in newly established healthcare centers, ensuring compliance with what he described as “Islamic and Sharia principles.”
“We have more than 30,000 midwives who are awaiting employment opportunities,” he said. “We promise to utilize their expertise in appropriate roles within the healthcare system while adhering to religious guidelines.”
He downplayed the situation as a “lack of coordination” rather than a significant problem, adding, “We hope to share our achievements in addressing these issues with the public soon.”
The Taliban’s recent ban on women pursuing medical education has drawn sharp criticism from global organizations, including the United Nations, which warned that Afghanistan faces a severe shortage of female healthcare workers. This shortfall poses a critical threat to maternal and child health, particularly in rural areas where female medical staff are essential for providing culturally appropriate care.
While international experts continue to sound the alarm, the Taliban’s leadership appears to dismiss these concerns. Critics argue that the restrictions on women in healthcare will exacerbate an already fragile healthcare system, which has been struggling since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Source: amu.tv
https://amu.tv/146216/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/un-rights-systemic-persecution-women/d/134135