Feminism, Why Are People Afraid?

Because a lot of people still have a lot of misunderstanding about feminism, it is necessary that we explain it again and again.Before explaining feminism I wish to remember and pay my tributes to all our feminist foremothers and fore-sisters on whose shoulders we stand tall. Whatever we have achieved as women and girls, is a result of their struggles and courage.

Some people, including some young, strong and bright women, feel feminism is no more necessary. It is a thing of the past because girls and women have equal rights now. I wish it was so. On the one hand women have broken many barriers, they have proven themselves in every area of work and life, we have pretty good laws and policies, but at the same time violence against women is not less, if not more and this is so all over the world; in India the female male ratio continues to dip. For the first time in human history, there are fewer women than men on this planet thanks mainly to gynocide (killing of women) in India and China. The employment rate of women in India in the formal sector has been going down while the GDP has been rising. Our religions, customs and traditions, our languages not just in India but everywhere, continue to be patriarchal. The media and advertisements are filled with misogynistic (woman hating) images, stories and item numbers. Therefore, for me feminism is still relevant and required.

Mother, What is Your Name?

Grandpa calls you “Daughter” Uncle calls you “Sister”, I call you “Mom”.

Papa would call you “wife” – Mother, what is your name?

I went to school, then college but I didn’t need your name. Whenever I presented myself, no one asked for your name!

When I came of age by law and got the right to vote, there was no mention of your name on the card. I became a citizen, but with Dad’s name. I got a job, this too with dad’s name. I am the daughter of a nameless mother -Tell me, mother, what is your name?

I want to make it known to one and all, as your name never needed to be spoken anywhere. Please speak mother, what is your name?

Women's Leadership in Islam, Are You Still Doubting?

Recently I was invited to facilitate Training on Gender and Islam on 29-30 October 2013 as co facilitator in Poso. The training was held by co organizers consisting of Institute Mosintuwu, GP Anshor and Fahmina. The aim of the training is to strengthen practical skill among Muslim activist to be able to use argumentation using Islamic text in regards to gender equality and justice. We had two prominent scholars to help, KH Husein Muhammad and Faqihudin Abdul Kodir, from Fahmina, who gave a new skill among participants how to interpret Islamic text and arrange argumentation to support women's leadership. This short writing is summarized from one of case study during the course regarding how to interpret text using four approaches.

When we talk about women's leadership, we always refer to a certain verse of Qur'an, which considered as a core source within Islamic text, is Surah Annisa verse 34. The complete version of surah as below: 

Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand. (translation by Yusuf Ali).

Is Positive Peace with Us? Exchange Program of Muslim Women from Aceh, Pattani and Mindanao

On the occasion of AMAN’s 20th anniversary held in Pattani in January 2011, AMAN organized a workshop titled “Women in Armed Conflict”. This workshop was a part of its Assembly that focused on Multi-culturalism and World Peace. The workshop brought together women living in conflict areas and through experience-sharing and analysis of women’s roles as peace builders, addressed the relevant issues and formulated recommendations regarding the problems faced by women in areas such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Aceh, Mindanao, Myanmar/Burma, Kashmir, Manipur in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

As a follow up to the workshop, AMAN brought together eight women two from Southern Thailand (Mrs. Gareeman Saree-Nga, Yaseming Yama, Haibah Lohma), three from Mindanao (Remma Baban, Ruby Andong, and Mo'mina Abdul Jalal), and Aceh (Rizki Afiat, Kusmawati Moh. Hatta, Yusdarita) who are either affected by armed conflict and/or work for women and children affected by the same. The workshop was held in April 21 to may 3, 2012 comprising of class orientation, field visit to Aceh and Pattani, and reflection. To get insight experiences of women living in conflict area, AMAN invited eight women from Aceh, Pattani and Mindanao to document stories of women during their visits to Aceh after peace agreement comparing with situation of Muslim women in Pattani, who struggling for access to justice till now.

Girls Education Fund in Kashmir

September 8th 2013, Dr.Shabistan Gaffar, was alumni of Peace Studies Course of AMAN, now Chairperson of Committee of Girls Education, National committee of Minority Educational Institution belong to Ministry of of Human Resource Development, has launched Girls Education Fund to help more girls and young people from Minority Groups in Kashmir to enjoy education, health and vocational skill. Though the Indian Constitution assure equality of education access for people despite their gender, race, caste, religion, age and background. However, Muslim Girls are still left behind compare to majority population. Disparities of opportunities among girls to get access of school enrollment, lack of autonomy to select her own major, and marriage pressure from the family are mostly  influencing factors, why Muslim women are less competitive than men in seeking job opportunity. The initiative that promoted by Dr. Shabistan will be able to increase the number of girls enjoying school time and postpone marriage time so they could reach higher education and find better job.  When Muslim women are having enough education, they are better to decide the best for family and better negotiation with husband in the future. When they have equal power relation, violence against women is likely avoided.  *** 

The complete report can be seen at http://aicwete.org/admin/uploads/Annual_Report-01.pdf

Source of Photo: http://aicwete.org/