Huma Masih
New Delhi–On Saturday, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Delhi Women Wing, organized a programme on the topic `Duty of Women in the Changing Scenario’.
A galaxy of women scholars and social activists participated in the programme that was held at JIH headquarters in Delhi.
Dr. Fatima Tanveer, secretary of the Public Relations Department of JIH, Women’s Department, Delhi was the main organizer of the programme.
Dr. Seemin Mushi, Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia, Dr. Sabiha Ilyas, Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi, Fauzia Naheed, former lecturer and social worker of Aligarh Muslim University, and Dr. Tarannum Siddiqui, researchers, Jamia Millia Islamia, women study center, participated in the programme.
In her introductory speech, Dr. Fatima Tanveer said India is currently in the throes of communal forces. “People are discriminated against in the name of religion and caste. Some people in the country are intoxicated with nationalism. They are spreading communalism. Burqa, beard, and cap are like a red rag. Muslims are being attacked just for the dress they wear,” she said.
She regretted that even those running the country are promoting this kind of ideology. “Atrocities on women have also increased. Women have become unsafe in the country. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of women to rise to the occasion and counter such situation,” she said.
Speaking on the issue of domestic violence, Dr. Seemin Mushir said many laws have been made in the country against domestic violence. “Every woman should have knowledge and understanding of the laws made on domestic violence. This is the only way that we can fight domestic violence,” she said.
Sharing her views, Dr. Sabiha Ilyas said some people consider only physical touch as sexual abuse. She said there are different aspects of sexual abuse and people need to understand it properly.
Dr. Sabiha said alcoholism and pornography are the main reasons for increasing sexual abuse in society. “Obscenity through films and serials also contribute to incidents of sexual abuse. There is a need to strengthen the institution of marriage,” she said.
Dr. Fauzia Naheed, who works for the upliftment of women and children in Greater Noida slums, said women from marginalized communities have been the worst victim of demonetization and lockdown.
She said girls are living a miserable life in the slums. She called upon Muslim women to join hands and work for the uplifting slum dwellers.
Sharing her views on `Constitutional Rights’, Dr. Tarannum Siddiqui said justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity are the soul of the constitution. “However, even after 75 years of independence, women have not been able to get their rights,” she said.
Citing the example of Imrana case, she said matters related to marriage and divorce are resolved in Panchayats and Masjid Committees. “We have to see that women are aware of the rights under Islam and the constitution,” she said.
Referring to the Shaheen Bagh movement, Dr. Tarannum said all citizens should be aware of their fundamental rights. “Due to lack of information, our rights can also be violated,” she said.
Nuzhat Yasmeen, Secretary; JIH Delhi, in her presidential address, quoting from the life of Prophet Muhammad, explained how an ideal Islamic society should be.
She said that due to continuos incidents of crimes against women, people got encouragement to commit brutal crimes.
“This has to be stopped. We cannot be so insensitive towards the injustice against women,” she stated.
To achieve this, she said, “We need unity. we must unite at a single platform and fight for women’s rights. Every individual has to contribute to bring a change in our society.
She gave examples from Quran & Hadith that how a drastic change can come in a society if these principles are adopted. Women can play a very vital role to fullfill this responsibility of a positive change in our country.”
