India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—Prominent women activists, politicians, and social workers resolved to raise their voices together and strive for safeguarding the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity at a national webinar organized by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on the theme of “India @ 75: Assessing our Hopes and Aspirations”.
JIH Women’s Wing national secretary Mrs. Atiya Siddiqua, in her inaugural address, said that the fundamental question now is : “Whether we live in an India envisioned by our founding fathers 75 years ago.” She sketched out the status of women, as well as the broad social indices including education and employment which were very pathetic.
Welfare Party of India’s (WPI) National General Secretary Mrs. Sheema Muhsin highlighted the deterioration of the secular mindset and said that laws and policies should be made on the basis of evaluation so that people can benefit.
Ms. Edna D’Souza, an entrepreneur commented upon the positive aspect of the civil society found during pandemics when people reached out to each other, reflecting upon the true principles of the united freedom struggle.
Adv. Sumaiya Roshan, President of the National Federation of GIO, asked whether we had been able to create a safe space for young girls and women as well as ensure their right to choose and right to dignity. She expressed her concern over the increase in crime rates, unemployment, and the lack of equal opportunities for Muslim girls in education and job.
Activist Vidya Dinker demanded that the Indian society must ask important questions in a true humanitarian perspective going beyond narrow identities. She stressed the importance of August 15 and how every citizen should value it.
Nationalist Congress Party’s Rajya Sabha member Dr. Fauzia Khan, looked back at the idea of representation enshrined in the Constitution and the importance of the right to vote, study and choose. She pointed out how undemocratic the parliamentary system had become by citing the example of how bills were passed.
IUML Women’s Wing national president Mrs. Fathima Muzaffar advocated that more women should enter politics. She emphasized the roles of the governments as well as parents in guiding the future generation. She warned about the need to fight the brain poisoning that was going on in our country.
The Women Education and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) general secretary Mrs. Shaista Rafat spoke on the need to achieve a peaceful atmosphere beyond the creation of mere laws and superficial changes. She regretted that the country had failed in utilizing the large population as an asset.
JIH Women’s Wing national secretary Mrs. Rahmathunnisa, in her presidential address, emphasized the need to concretely do things for the country with unity, acknowledging the differences and going beyond in an inclusive way. Mrs. Khan Mubashira Firdaus and Ms. Rahe conducted the proceedings. Ms. Sarwat Fatima and Ms. SK also addressed the online audience.
