JEDDAH: Muslim women should play an important role in the global fight against extremism and terrorism, said Samar Fatany, a prominent Saudi journalist and a radio talk show host here on Friday.
“Muslim women have been marginalized for too long. It is high time they play a more active role in defending Islam and Muslims and become advocates of tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” she said.
Opening a seminar organized by Thanima, a cultural organization of Keralite expatriates at the conclusion of a month-long campaign on “Empowerment of Women for Social Change,” Fatany emphasized that women should be educated about their legal rights.
Women should also obtain good education and achieve self-sufficiency through jobs. “Education is the key to empowerment,” she said.
In her keynote address, which was translated into Malayalam by Shamina Aziz of Al-Hayat International School, Fatany said women should raise their voice against abuse and injustice being inflicted upon them by men in the name of Islam. “Muslim women have been brainwashed into believing that they have no role to play in society and that they should remain subservient to men.”
Fatany said she was happy to attend a campaign aimed at empowering Muslim women in India. “Empowerment of women is the global duty of every educated man and woman.” She called on Muslim women to reach out to the international community in order to put an end to wars and conflicts and project the true image of Islam as a religion of peace and mercy. Women and children are the main victims of global conflicts and violence.
“We can no longer remain silent and allow our sisters in Islam to suffer from oppression and discrimination in the name of Islam,” she said. She described the rigid interpretation of Islam by hard-liners as a dangerous phenomenon that must be confronted for the promotion of world peace and security.
“Extremism has endangered the lives of Muslims, who are being targeted all over the world. Islamophobia is on the rise because of the acts of a few, who have tarnished the image of Islam,” she said.
Shahnaz Taplin Chinoy, chairperson of the US-based Muslim Women’s Fund, spoke about her organization’s efforts to raise funds for the uplift of Muslim women worldwide. Sheeja Reynolds said empowerment of women was a social necessity.
Campaign convener Sulekha Yaqub presided over the seminar. Bushra Suleiman presented a paper on the topic while Rashmi Salif and O. Samira also spoke. The program started with Mumthaz’s recitation from the Holy Qur’an.
Sehida Raheem welcomed the guests and M. Sahira gave a vote of thanks. A variety of cultural programs including Islamic and folklore songs and dramas, enthused the audience.
