– Pervez Bari
Bhopal, Sep 2: The Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has launched a month-long nationwide campaign in September 2024, centred around the theme ‘Morality is Freedom’. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the true essence of freedom and its intrinsic connection to moral values.
The campaign in Madhya Pradesh was inaugurated with a press conference here Sunday. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Mahnaz, Secretary of JIH Madhya Pradesh Women’s Wing, emphasized the growing epidemic of violence against women, which she attributed to a decline in moral values under the guise of freedom. She highlighted the various societal issues stemming from this decline, including the objectification of women, sexual exploitation, prostitution, extramarital affairs, and the increased use of alcohol and drugs. These factors, she stated, contribute to the harassment and exploitation of women.
Mrs. Mahnaz also pointed to the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), abortions, sexual violence, and breakdown of family unit as further evidence of erosion of the moral fabric of society. “The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Women’s Department is deeply concerned about the spread of moral evils in our society, and this campaign is our response to raise awareness about these pressing issues,” she said.
Ms. Rafia, State Level Convenor of the campaign, outlined the objectives of the initiative, stressing the need to warn society about the devastating consequences of unchecked freedom resulting from the decline in moral values. She questioned whether women are truly free and safe in the current climate of rising violence against them.
“True freedom does not equate to violence, violating others’ rights, exploiting women, or committing injustices. Our campaign seeks to guide society towards a healthier and more just mindset regarding the safety and dignity of women,” she added.
Mrs. Habiba Malik, head of JIH Women’s Department in Bhopal, reflected on the divine principles of justice and morality. She emphasized that just as God has provided air, water, and sustenance to all human beings, He has also instilled moral values within everyone. “One of the main objectives of this campaign is to encourage every individual to recognize and adhere to these inherent moral values,” she explained. “Justice is the will of God, and practising justice elevates one to a higher spiritual status.”
Mrs. Razia Masood, Media Co-Incharge of JIH Madhya Pradesh, echoed these sentiments, stating that true and lasting freedom can only be achieved by adhering to moral values. “Our campaign seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of caste, community, colour, race, sex, religion, or region, can enjoy the necessary freedom to meet their basic needs and rights.”
The campaign will feature a series of awareness programmes involving academicians, counsellors, lawyers, religious scholars, and community leaders at the national, state, district, and grassroots levels. Special initiatives will be conducted on educational campuses to engage students and youth with the concepts of true freedom and moral values. Additionally, interfaith discussions on common moral values will be organized, bringing together scholars from various religions and cultures for public discourse.
