Empowering Women for a transformed society
By: Khursheed Ahmad Rather
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The daughter is a source of blessings for her father, and a wife completes half of her husband’s faith. A son finds his paradise beneath the feet of his mother.”
It is important to remember that these teachings emphasize the importance of family and the respect and love we should have for one another. It is not about limiting or restricting anyone’s abilities, but rather highlighting the unique roles and responsibilities each member of the family has. Women can achieve great things and have the ability to soar just as high as men. Let’s encourage and support each other in pursuing our dreams and aspirations.
Women, a single word with profound meaning and immense importance. Women are not just individuals; they embody the roles of a family, partner, friend, guide, caretaker, and even the essence of non-living things like a diary or a garden. They possess the remarkable ability to tackle any task, no matter how difficult or seemingly impossible. It is undeniable that women are indispensable to our society.
They deserve equal rights and equality from every corner of society. Women empowerment is the key to achieving this, by granting women equal rights and opportunities to participate in society. Despite the obstacles of poverty, illiteracy, and lack of education, women have been fighting for their rights throughout history. Their empowerment plays a crucial role in the development of a country, especially in rural areas where it is a pressing necessity.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam emphasizes the importance of women’s empowerment in building strong families, societies, and nations. When women are happy, their homes and societies thrive, leading to a happy state. When the state is happy, it brings peace and contributes to the overall development of the country.
The fundamental rights of education, nutrition, and healthcare remain elusive for millions of girls around the globe. Numerous girls in rural areas abandon their education and find themselves engaged in employment or domestic chores.
Present-day women confront obstacles like early marriages, workplace discrimination, and domestic violence. It is of utmost importance that every girl and woman is granted access to education, adequate nutrition, and healthcare services. Legislation and its enforcement must safeguard the well-being of women. Women should be empowered to exercise their autonomy and, through education, contribute economically to their families. An educated woman serves as a pillar of support to her spouse.
When a woman receives education, she has the power to break the cycle of poverty globally. Empowering women is a highly intelligent approach to creating a healthier and more prosperous world. An educated woman has the ability to educate the entire community.
Women’s education is of utmost importance, surpassing that of men. As Hillary Clinton eloquently stated, women possess untapped talent, and a strong backbone (her husband) supports every successful woman in achieving her goals. Empowering women allows them to make independent life decisions.
Women serve as the fundamental pillars of society, and empowering them in turn empowers the entire society. Women’s empowerment fosters gender equality by providing equal opportunities for employment, education, and conomic development. Despite the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, there is still progress to be made in safeguarding the rights of all women. Men have been told for a very long time that women are commodities.
Women are seen as objects for pleasure, to serve and take care of the home and children. It’s always about the man’s needs. But society will change when we teach our sons to respect women and not degrade them. We need to empower our daughters to stand on their own feet and provide them with education.
In Islam, women have the right to choose their own spouse [Quran 4:19] and are considered equal to their husbands [Quran 8:187]. Husbands have the responsibility to protect their wives [Quran 4:34]. Divorce is also recognized as a right for both men and women [Surah At-Talaq]. However, iSeeking justice through legal means is encouraged.
In the realm of matrimonial unions, through personal research, I have discovered instances where families coerce their daughters into marriage. In such situations, our villages possess a sense of honor that we are reluctant to compromise due to external decisions. These young women engage in this act to uphold their family’s reputation.
However, upon entering the marital bond, they find themselves leading a life devoid of vitality, akin to that of a soulless machine. Their dreams, happiness, and inner peace become casualties, leaving them utterly devastated. When their families witness the plight of their married offspring, they realize the magnitude of their grave mistake.
Unfortunately, time slips away, and the lives of their children are irreparably damaged. In some cases, hope dissipates, leading to desperate measures such as suicide, resulting in the tragic loss of a beautiful soul. To mitigate such circumstances, it is imperative to grant women equal rights, enabling them to cultivate a life of beauty and contribute to the betterment of society.
Aurat Aak Aasi Chader Hoti Hai,
Jis Per Paani Sa Be Daag Lag Sakta Hai
In our discussions about caste on Earth, I firmly believe in the concept of a singular caste: humanity. Among this caste, women are recognized as the pillar of society. The absence of women renders the cycle of life incomplete. Hence, it is imperative to ensure that women are both educated and empowered. In the contemporary era, the education of women holds immense significance.
Throughout history, women have faced marginalization, underscoring the need to integrate them into the societal mainstream. Women should possess confidence, education, and empowerment to exercise their autonomy. Our government has implemented various programs and schemes for women, yet they also require moral support and the capacity to safeguard themselves. In Islam, the status of women is highly esteemed. A mother holds paradise beneath her feet, a wife completes her husband’s faith, and a daughter opens the door to paradise. As Brigham Young once stated, “You educate a man; you educate a man. But educate a woman; you educate a generation.”
Aurat Sa Agr Elim Cheen Liya Jiya Toh
Jahalat Naslou Tak Ka Safar Karti Hai.
(The author is a student pursuing his bachelor’s degree from GDC Kangan)
