– Shakilur Rahman
Patna, Feb. 27: “Atrocities against women have increased in our country. There has been a sustained increase in violence against them, whether at home or in public places. If the Constitution is secular, our country should also be secular. Religion is being used negatively by linking it with politics. The kind of hatred that is visible now has not been seen in the last 75 years.” National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Rahmathunnissa A. expressed the views in an interview with Loksamvad. She stressed that Muslim women become empowered, cooperate in building a better society, and gain their rights democratically.
“Muslim women and girls have immense potential. Whenever they get an opportunity, they prove their mettle. Shaheen Bagh protest is a vivid example of this. The way our women and girls resisted ban on Hijab in Karnataka is a good example. Many girls have proved their talent, their impotence and abilities, donning Hijab during that time,” she added.
Mrs. Rahmathunnissa was in Patna to address the two-day (February 24 and 25) conference hosted by JIH Bihar for their cadre. Discussing the current situation of Muslim women, she said that violence and riots are being conspired in the country by creating doubts. And then Muslim youth are targeted and arrested.
“It has been observed that the husband is missing, giving doubt whether or not he is alive. Due to violence and many other reasons, Muslim women are becoming widows. Many women are worried about this issue. Women’s lives have become torturous. There is a dire need to end such a situation. ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has become just a political slogan. In fact, every daughter is in trouble. There are a lot of regulations in place that could be implemented properly, which is not happening. Many new bills are passed to demonize different communities, especially Muslims. For how long will this situation continue?” she questioned.
She stressed that an atmosphere of peace should be created in the country. This is the duty of the government. Besides, attention should be paid to education and development issues. Unemployment is a big problem; care should be focused on it.
As far as women are concerned, there has been a huge increase in atrocities against women, whether it is domestic violence or violence in public places. Public places should be female-friendly. Secondly, many women want to be educated but it’s equally important to provide primary facilities for it. The facilities like lavatories etc. for women in government schools and colleges are not proportionate. Their privacy is also in danger. Institutions should also be female-friendly.
Continuous efforts are being made to demonize Muslims. Educational institutions are also not left. In Karnataka, the life of girls wearing Hijab was made difficult. Because of this many girls had to leave their studies midway. There is a need to end this game, and to lead religion in a positive form to encourage brotherhood in society. People of every religion should be allowed to contribute to the development of the country with their religious culture and identity and not by eradicating it.
We see and hear many slogans, but all these things are happening in the opposite direction. Due to this our country is moving in the opposite direction. Instead of developing, our country is going backward in education, economic and cultural fields. We all have to work together to move forward in these fields.
In reply to a question, Mrs. Rahmathunnissa appealed to Muslim women that they should fully exercise their responsibility of voting. And voting should be done thoughtfully. Because it is our responsibility to decide who should be our representatives in Parliament and Assemblies. Who will raise our voice? We have to use our vote to see who will work for peace and justice. There is a need to fulfil the duty of casting your vote to encourage value-based politics and eliminate hatred. Our organization is making efforts to awaken people about this. There is an equal appeal to women that as citizens, it is our responsibility to decide how our representatives should be. And to ensure our rights we have to exercise our franchise given by our constitution to both women and men.
JIH, along with secular people, is appealing to the people that peace should be established in the country and there should be maximum focus on development issues. Value-based politics should be brought into the country. We have to move the country forward by ending the politics of hatred. Everyone, religious and non-religious, should have equal opportunity to live together in this country.
We have to work for peace and justice. Muslim women and young girls also have these things but the problem of our country is that they do not get equal opportunities. The problem is one of opportunity, not ability.
