Category Archives: Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

“Let’s talk about consent,” says advocate Aaliya Waziri, author of ‘In the Body of a Woman’

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , ,

NEW DELHI :

For gender-responsive law-making, it is imperative to have a clear definition of consent.

An advocate at the High Court in Delhi, Aaliya Waziri lives with the horrors of the 2012 Delhi gangrape. In the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case, the J.S. Verma committee’s recommendations led to amendments in Indian criminal law. But why do women still live in fear? Waziri’s collection of essays, In the Body of a Woman, takes stock of the progress that has been made and the long road left to cover, even as she pushes for gender-responsive law-making. Excerpts from an interview.

Aaliya Waziri | Photo Credit: special arrangement

A majority of women and girls live in some sort of fear — they fear for their safety in buses and trains and sometimes even at home. After the Nirbhaya case, a stringent law was put in place. What more needs to be done to make women feel safe?

As women, we carry pain and fear for our safety. Ask any woman walking the street after sunset how many times she looks over her shoulder. Nirbhaya was the tipping point for our insecurities related to our safety. It was also a watershed moment in terms of pointing out the lacunae in the legal framework. It would be false to state that things haven’t changed since Nirbhaya. For example, we now have vulnerable witness deposition complexes in district courts, victim compensation schemes etc. but there is much more to be done. We can do more to strengthen our laws and have a robust system in place that does not allow for procedural lapses. We must have a judicial gender-sensitisation training system that ensures victims are not subjected to re-victimisation. We need to allocate more resources and personnel to fast track courts and precipitate the specialised redressal mechanism in place. We can expand the definition of consent to make it more gender responsive by affirming what consent is.

Students with placards emphasising the need for women’s safety at the ‘Freedom from fear’ rally organised in Mumbai. | Photo Credit: Vivek Bendre

Why should consent be at the centre of all discussions on gender sensitivity?

Talking about consent is perhaps the most important conversation when it comes to gender responsive law-making. Right now there is a grey area of offences that are not punishable by law because deciphering consent is tricky. Marital rape is one such example. The law defines consent in negative terms. At the same time, we have a statutory definition that talks about how consent must not be tainted with fear or duress or coercion. But this definition talks about all that consent is not instead of a definition that affirmatively defines what consent is, which is where the problem lies. Without a definition of what consent is, we are all shooting in the dark.

In a poor country like ours, why is it important for women to be equal beneficiaries in every sphere of life?

The answer is parity. Women are not a homogenous group. We are unevenly and disproportionately placed on the starting line. To give women a fair chance at competing with men, we have to first put them on an equal footing with men. Only then can we hope to ensure women are equal beneficiaries of the Indian success story. Unless women are equal recipients of state welfare mechanisms that form a conducive environment for women to participate freely in the open market, how can we expect women to enter, re-enter and exist in the work space? There is no one-step-panacea to put women on an equal footing with men but what is important is to identify and plug operational loopholes with affirmative action, no matter how much some of us might dislike the phrase.

Why do you want the focus to shift from a gender-neutral approach to a gender-responsive one if society and mindsets have to be transformed?

A gender-neutral approach might seek to bridge the differences between different genders. But what we need is an approach that acknowledges and addresses differences between genders and works towards parity and inclusion as opposed to homogenising them. I am not sure if the collective mindset of our society can be changed, that’s a pipedream, but we can take concrete steps towards smaller goals. Law is a mirror to our societal fabric and by inculcating a gender-responsive approach, we recognise that within the subcategory of women, we are not an analogous group, we differ in terms of our access to welfare services, the impact our geographical and marital status has on our socio-economic identities, and so forth. The goal is to target disadvantages that women face, simply by virtue of their gender, and equip them to better respond to these challenges.

In the light of the ‘sulli deals’, what should be done to prevent such cyber bullying?

The anonymous non-confrontational form of violence against women and girls, devoid of physical contact, in cyber space, must be viewed as an impeding factor to gender justice in the 21st century. Essentially, if women are at the receiving end of systemic gender-based violence in real life then the same will translate into an inequitable cyberspace.

With that in mind, we have to first understand the fact that the landscape of violence against women and girls has changed with the advent of technology. To counter this, what we need is targeted legislation that criminalises cyber violence against women and girls. In the absence of any special legislation, both the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code are interim solutions inadequate to contain the magnitude of problems brought on by digital technology.

In The Body of a Woman; Aaliya Waziri, Simon & Schuster India, ₹499.

sudipta.datta@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Author / by Sudipta Datta / October 20th, 2023

‘Quran in Embroidery’ a hand crafted phenomenon in 604-pages of velvet cloth – The Miracle of two Bengaluru sisters – Bibi Tabassum and Suraiya Quraishi

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Bibi Tabassum and Suraiya Quraishi who embroidered the Quran.

Bengaluru :

This is a miracle. An awe-inspiring phenomenon took place in this city a few days back, as two sisters- Bibi Tabassum and Suraiya Quraishi- embroidered the sacred Quran onto 604 pages of plush velvet cloth.

Showing excellent craftsmanship, they used needles and threads to meticulously prepare an embroidered holy Quran. This embroidered Quran, prepared under the watchful guidance of an Alim-e-deen (religious scholar), is not only easily legible but also heavenly captivating.

Bibi Tabassum, the younger of the two sisters, holds a great fondness for doing embroidery ever since she was a child. In the beginning, she used to embroider only small verses of the Quran, but one day, an idea graced Bibi Tabassum’s mind – to intricately embroider the entire holy Quran. This took her on a laborious journey, one fueled by love and devotion.

Expressing extreme gratitude to Allah for giving them the opportunity to prepare this embroidered Quran, Bibi Tabassum says that she aspires to gift this embroidered holy Quran to a library in the holy city of Madina.

Venturing on this embroidery voyage of the Quranic verses along with her elder sister Suraiya Quraishi, Bibi Tabassum started with the first inaugural Surah of the Quran i.e. Surah Al-Fatiha, and continued diligently. The last surah- Surah An-Nas marked the culmination of their hard labour.

This embroidered holy Quran is divided into five volumes, and each volume consisting of six chapters. It went through a meticulous binding process by the skilled hands of its creators.

Initially, in the detailed process of embroidery, Bibi Tabassum used to inscribe the verses of the Quran with a pencil on the velvet cloth, followed by both the sisters intricately weaving threads along those sacred lines.

Carrying on the demands of daily life, both sisters, driven by unwavering dedication, used to finish their household chores and then engage in the embroidery work of the holy Quran.

To ensure the utmost accuracy of the embroidered work, a learned religious scholar closely scrutinized each verse upon the completion of a page. Bibi Tabassum says, ‘After completing every page of the embroidered holy Quran, we would show that to our scholar and do any correction if required.”

In the aftermath of this big achievement, family members are thoroughly elated for the two sisters. They say that the two sisters have utilized their time for a very noble endeavour. Extending heartfelt gratitude, they thank Allah for the manifestation of this lovely artwork, which stands as a testament to the beautiful blending of devotion and artistry.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News> Society / by India Tomorrow (headline edited) / February 05th, 2024

Sheema Mohsin first Muslim woman on Karnataka wakf board

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Bangalore:

By her appointment as the member of the Karnataka State Wakf Board, a new chapter has been added to the history of the state where perhaps has never been a Muslim woman appointed on a statutory body like wakf board.

By profession a journalist and social activist Sheema Mohsin (36) is based in Bangalore.

She has been with “Spradha Prapancha” an educational magazine and All Rounder News Weekly.

Congratulating her on being appointed as the first woman member of the 11-member Wakf Board, TwoCircles.net asked her if she was taken by surprise at her appointment. Her answer was a simple No as she has been in the public field for long both as journalist and social worker.

She has been working in the areas of communal harmony, development of women, health awareness and awareness among backward classes.

She has been actively involved in creating awareness among the minorities about the schemes of Central and state wakf boards through the Institute of Research and Harmony (IRH).

She is the Secretary for Karnataka Chapter of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA), an organization formed in the post Babri Masjid demolition era by Justice Rajinder Sacchar, Swami Agniwesh and Kuldip Nayyar.

Being with FDCA she was part of fact finding committee into the riots which flared up in certain parts of Bangalore from January 19-21, 2007. Then FCDA submitted its report to the National Human Rights Commission.

Mother of three Sheema Mohsin is also the Convener of the Women’s Cell of Centre for Community Development (CCD).

She is also the Founder Secretary of Institute of Research and Harmony (IRH) and group leader of Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS).

At present among other social works, she is working with NIMHANS, a hospital in Bangalore.

She has also been actively engaged in providing awareness amongst the deprived classes and pursuing them to readmit the school dropouts, creating health awareness towards a better hygiene in the slums, conducted several free health camps for women and children.

Her mother Momina Naseer was the professor of Hindi Literature and also Principal of Al Hasnat Junior College, Bangalore. She studied literature in the college.

Not only this, she has a historical connection also. She said she is the great great grand daughter of Khumaiden Md. Ali, who was the Commander in Chief of Haider Ali.

The role of the man who appointed her as member of the state wakf board is not less. He is Mumtaz Ali Khan, Minority Welfare Minister of Karnataka.

“This is the first time in the recent government history of Karnataka that Muslim women are being given representation through their appointment on public post,” said Mumtaz Ali Khan to TCN.

The fact is that women constitute almost half of the total Muslim population in the country and also in the state. Who else will think about women’s development issue in a better way than the Muslim women themselves. They need to be given opportunities to raise topics pertaining to their problems and development, he reasons his decision to appoint Mohsin.

He further said that the person he has appointed is very dignified, reputed and hardworking social activist.

“Soon I am going to appoint not one or two but three Muslim women on the Tipu Estate Wakf Council, Shri Rangapatnam. I will also ensure that Muslim women are there on Minority Development Corporation,” points out the man.

Asked how he is going to address the conservative quarters of the community who are against this, the minister said, I will try to convince them. I told them when they raised questions on the appointment of Sheema Mohsin that I am not doing and I won’t do any thing against Islam. Whatever I am doing is sanctioned by Islam itself because Islam gives equal status to women.”

He said that the appointment has broken the stereotype, and made an initiative. It will go a long way in providing Muslim women of the state a representation and in their overall development itself.

Two.Circles.net learnt that there were some opposition of her appointment from a lobbying group named as the Waqf Protection Committee which recommended to the minority welfare minister the name of the Sajjadah Nashin of Gulbarga.

But largely it has been hailed as a historic and path-breaking decision when it comes to the representation of Muslim women, says Mohsin.In fact most of the Muslim scholars and religious organisations welcomed this historic decision.

TwoCircles.net talked to Syed Tanweer who is associated with Jammate Islami( JMI) and Muslim Muttahida Mahaz (KMMM),which is a conglomeration of JMI and Jamiatul Ulama Hind and others.

He welcomed her appointment as a “historic” and progressive and as the need of modern times.He appreciated her merit and her work in the social sector

Apparently agitated at the sheer lack of logic in opposing the representation of Muslim women, she pointed out that it doesn’t make any sense in keeping Muslim women isolated form such posts.

After all women constitute about 50% of the total Muslim population. Only women can understand the seriousness of women’s problems. In that case she questions,”who else will raise their problems and issues which concern them, if not they themselves, And that is not going to happen if they are not given proper representation.”

She said that on the issue of empowerment of Muslim women, the traditional quarters have always squirmed. There hasn’t been much work in the area. There is an urgent need to empower them on every level through the tool of empowerment like education, creating awareness among them about their rights.

What is also important that they be given representation at the higher decision making bodies, so that they should raise the problems of Muslim women at that level. This is how they will be able to influence and formulate the policy making so that the concrete decisions would be made for their welfare and development.

She said, “it should be kept in mind that if we are working for the development and empowerment of Muslim women it is actually the community itself which is being empowered and developed.”

She said that she wants to congratulate Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan that he realized this need to work for the cause of Muslim women.

But what are the ways through which she is going to serve the interests of Muslim women.

She said that there are so much of Wakf properties which are going simply waste. They are not put to good and beneficial use.

What we can do is that they should be used to generate money. And this money can be used to uplift Muslim women.

She said that why every time we need to ask for the funds from the government when to an extent we can ourselves generate money if the Wakf properties are properly put to use.

So she wants to push the Wakf Board in this direction.

Until and unless women are empowered, how can you expect these women who are actually enslaved and helpless, to produce children who are on par with the merits of Sir Syed Ahmad khan and Moulana Azad.

It seems that her question is to all those who are against the idea of women on the key posts.

It is quite revealing here that her appointment is a part of the efforts to provide representation to women on higher posts. But actually this representation is not at all satisfactory as Sheema Mohsin will be a lone member of an 11-member Wakf Board.

Will she be able to break the stereotyped mindset It is early to say. TwoCircles.net wishes her all the best in her mission.

(Sheema Mohsin can be contacted at sheema.mohsin@gmail.com)

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Md Ali, TwoCircles.net / September 11th, 2008

Meet Captain Sariya Abbasi, A Troop Commander Army Air Defence Regiment

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Gorakhpur, UTTAR PRADESH:

Captain Sariya Abbasi, a troop commander with an Army Air Defence Regiment deployed near the contested LAC in Tawang sector. Her unit is one of the first AD regiments in the country to be equipped with upgraded L70 guns.

Indian Army’s Captain Sariya Abbasi briefing about the Upgraded L-70 air defence guns deployed at forward location along the Line of Actual Control near Tawang area in Arunachal Pradesh.

Captain Abbasi has been a part of the Indian Army for four years now and is currently posted in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). She came in the headlines as she spoke to media outlets about the recently deployed upgraded L-70 air defence guns.

Captain Sariya Abbasi passed out from OTA Chennai in 2017 / pix: ssbcrackexams.com

Sariya Abbasi belongs from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and she has a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology. Her father, Dr Tehseen Abbasi, is a retired station director from All India Radio while her mother is serving as a principal in a government school in Gorakhpur.

source: http://www.ssbcrack.com / SSB Crack / Home> Personality Development / by SSB Crack / October 22nd, 2021

Rising Beyond the Ceiling Recognizes Amtul Suhail as an inspiriing Indian Muslim Woman

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , ,

UTTAR PRADESH / Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, U.S.A:

Amtul Suhail, Executive Director at 2nd Generation at Allerton in South San Francisco, CA, is one of one hundred Indian Muslim women across the globe to receive a nomination from Rising Beyond the Ceiling for her contributions and accomplishments in the field of early childhood education. 

Rising Beyond the Ceiling is a non-profit organization focused on supporting and promoting Indian Muslim women and their leadership and contributions in their respective fields. Each year they spotlight one hundred Indian Muslim women who have made their mark in countries across the world. All the women have done their initial studies in India, but later moved to other countries where they received accolades and success in their professions. 

“I am elated. This is a pure and pleasant surprise,” said Amtul. “I have been working for decades to make a difference in the community by helping one child, one family, one group and mission at a time. I never expected anything in return.”

Working the field of education since 1985, she migrated to the United States in 1990, leaving behind her family on a quest to pursue her dream of caring for and teaching children. Amtul joined Bright Horizons in 2013 and is currently the Executive Director at Bright Horizons Allerton where she oversees the center operations and its programs. 

“My passion is children. Every single thing I do, I think “how would this impact a child?’’ This passion that drives me is because of my mother who always taught me what I call the ’golden rule‘ – when things go wrong, you do not go wrong,” said Amtul. “I lead with honesty, transparency, accountability and joy. My mom encouraged me to choose a career to work with children so I can make the difference for children and adults in the community where I work and live.” 

Amtul has a Masters in Mass Communication from Aligarh Muslim University. She also volunteers her time and talent for her University Alumni Association of Northern California. She is a guiding force behind the alumni association’s mission and has been involved as a coach and student trainer. 

Amtul adds: “My vision is to foster love and compassion for early childhood educators.  When they decide to join the education field and under my supervision, they feel empowered, autonomous and committed. I truly believe that consistency and continuity of care is extremely important.” 

To learn more about Rising Beyond the Ceiling, visit here. 

source: http://www.brighthorizons.com / Bright Horizons Home> Newsroom Archive / April 09th, 2021

Ulfat Khan: First Girl Parade Commander At Prime Minister’s Rally During Republic Day Parade

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Uri, JAMMU & KASHMIR:

At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities.

Ulfat Khan: First Girl Parade Commander At Prime Minister’s Rally During Republic Day Parade

New Delhi:

Ulfat Khan, a Senior Cadet Captain from Uri District, has created history by becoming the first girl cadet to be command the Parade at the Prime Minister’s Rally (PM Rally) during the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.

This remarkable feat not only brings glory to the JK&L Directorate and the 1 J&K Naval Unit but also showcases the Govt College for Women Gandhinagar Jammu, where Ulfat is pursuing her BA Eng (Hons) despite all odds.

Ulfat’s Challenging Journey

Ulfat was selected from among 2,274 NCC cadets from 28 States and Union Territories and from 17 Directorates across the Nation. Her journey from a remote village on the Line of Control to a national leader is a reflection of her unwavering determination and resilience. She faced many challenges, including geographical barriers, but she never gave up on her pursuit of excellence.

Ulfat was born in Uri, Baramulla District in 2002. She completed her schooling in various Kendriya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Jharkhand and Odisha before joining GCW Gandhinagar for her higher education. She participated in various NCC camps, such as NSC, SNIC, RDC, Mini Sailing, and CATC, where she sharpened her skills and leadership abilities.

Ulfat’s Achievements At Republic Day Camp

At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities and dedication to service.

Lieutenant Commander Ankur Kumar, Commanding Officer of 1J&K Naval Unit NCC, praised Ulfat’s dedication and perseverance, saying that she is a role model for cadets across the Nation. He said that her selection as Platoon Commander is a testament to her hard work and commitment. Sub Lieutenant Dr. Neelima, Ulfat’s ANO at GCW Gandhinagar, emphasized that Ulfat’s journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is a reflection of her strength and resilience.

She said that her struggles and triumphs inspire us all. Principal Prof. Minu Mahajan expressed her pride, stating that Ulfat’s achievement is a reflection of the values of discipline and determination instilled in our students. She said that she has brought immense honour to our institution.

Group Commander, Srinagar Group, remarked that Ulfat Khan’s journey from a remote area to becoming the first girl cadet selected as Parade Commander at the PM Rally is truly inspiring. He said that her resilience and determination in overcoming challenges are commendable, setting a new standard for excellence within the NCC.

Maj Gen R.K. Sachdeva, ADG JK&L Directorate, expressed that Ulfat Khan’s remarkable achievement is a reflection of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the NCC. He said that her selection as Parade Commander is a proud moment for the entire Directorate, and she is a shining example for cadets nationwide.

He said that Ulfat Khan’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Nari Shakti and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cadets across the nation. He said that her historic accomplishment at the Republic Day Camp 2024 reaffirms the power of dedication, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in the defence forces.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> News> India / by Syed Khalid Hussain Hussain / edited by Shivam Kumar Mishra / source : Bureau / January 31st, 2024

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Rasika Islam Tops APSC, Zohaib Hassan BPSC

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gauripur (Dhubri District), ASSAM / Purnia District, BIHAR :

Rasika Islam of Assam’s Dhubri district topped Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and Zohaib Hassan from Bihar’s Purnia district in Bihar topped BPSC examination for the recruitment of assistant professor in engineering colleges.

Khursheed Khan of Dibrugarh, a Central government employee, who joined as Inspector of Income Tax in 1996 and was promoted to IT Officer in 2005, said, “We are thrilled at the achievement of Rashika Islam.  It has been amazing journey from Inspector of Taxes to ACS No.1 within a span of 3 years. A living example of women empowerment, she has brought laurels to her community and entire Dhubri district. Dhubri has the lowest literacy rate in Assam – 60 percent; it is also the district with highest percentage of Muslims – 75 percent. Assam’s literacy rate is around 75% while Muslims’ literacy rate is less than 65 percent.

On the performance of Muslims in APSC, he said, “Overall performance of Muslims in the APSC has been very dismal. In the current list out of 86 candidates selected for ACS cadre, 8 are Muslims, 6 male and 2 female. Out of 65 candidates selected for APS cadre, 4 are Muslims, 3 male and 1 female. Muslims account for more than 1/3 of the state’s population. However, their share in the government job is dismal.”

Hailing from Guaripur of Dhubri district, Rasika is the toper of Assam Civil Services (ACS) 2022, result of which was declared by APSC on April 17. She cleared APSC 2018 exam in her first attempt and was selected as Inspector of Taxes and posted in Dhubri. She has worked for three years as Inspector of Taxes.  Her husband Roushin UL Alom is also an ACS and working as election officer in Dhubri district. Her father Shahidul Islam is voluntarily retired colonel of Indian Army.

Rasika scored 89 percent in ICSE-Class X exam, did her XII from Narengi Army School and graduated from Cotton College in 2016.

On the performance of Muslims in BPSC, Dr Maskoor Usmani, former President of AMU-SU, said, “Almost 7 percent of Muslim candidates have qualified for the 67th BPSC examination in 2017. According to reports, among 101 Muslim candidates who have qualified, 50 imparted coaching from Bihar Haj Bhawan, which has set a paradigm for change. I am sure in coming times more Muslims will qualify such examinations and will serve the state and country. Muslims constitute 17% of Bihar’s population and I believe this is a positive step towards achieving affirmative action. More needs to be done to get the results of 20 percent.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / Radiance News Bureau / January 19th, 2024

Khair Ull Nissa is among 100 Inspiring Women List, Top Women CEO for 2023

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , ,

UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps.

You have been recognized as one of the “Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world”, and are to be among the “100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP”, and listed at “50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year 2023. How do you feel?

It’s truly an honor to be recognized in such prestigious lists. Being acknowledged as one of the ‘Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world,’ making it to the ‘100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP,’ and being listed among ‘50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year’ is humbling.

These recognitions come from esteemed organizations like World Trade Center, RBTC, International organisations like Prodigy, various Trade organisations. They have acknowledged my contributions to the Growth and Development towards Trade and Development, Towards Women Empowerment and declared me CEO of the year 2023. I’m grateful for the support and recognition.

What according to you should be done for women empowerment in India?

Fostering women empowerment in India requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to focus on education, skill development, and providing equal opportunities in all sectors. Encouraging entrepreneurship among women, creating a supportive work environment, and ensuring gender equality are essential. Additionally, awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and cultural norms, along with legal reforms to protect women’s rights, can play a crucial role

For any successful entrepreneur what according to you should be the social responsibility?

For any successful entrepreneur, social responsibility is paramount. Beyond financial success, entrepreneurs should actively contribute to the community and address social issues. This can involve initiatives such as supporting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By giving back, entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on society and contribute to its well-being.

How do you like to share the feelings of your parents after your achievements?

When my father came to know about my achievements, he shared his views to me and all by saying, “On the day of having performed another Umrah in Makkah (20th January 2024), my daughter Khair Ull Nissa has been chosen and honoured on the calendar of 2024 as “MUSLIMS WHO SHAPED THE MODERN WORLD. Allah blesses her with blessings and honour her with more respect and be able to perform the duties of Good Muslim. She has made me a proud father and I am humbled.”

I believe my father’s words are a source of great motivation for me. They’re a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family throughout my journey.

Tell us about your educational, professional journey and family background?

Currently, I am on an international assignment which focuses on USD 500 Billion of Revenue and setting a benchmark for Trade and Investment between two countries.

I had the privilege of being a Board Member of the World Trade Center Association in New York and served as the Executive Director for Asia Pacific and India. In this role, I played a key part in driving monumental growth, catalyzing strategic partnerships, and achieving a 3x growth in global distribution reach. My expertise encompasses spearheading revenue generation, navigating markets in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Overseeing the development of 500+ million square meters to achieving notable sales and lease milestones, fuelling global expansion. My strengths lie in optimism, decisiveness, effective communication, collaboration, mentoring, and adaptability.

Throughout my career, I’ve received recognitions such as the Economic Times ICONIC Women in Realty for 2021 and 2022, as well as the Top 50 Global Inspirational Women Award in 2023.

I’ve also been actively involved as a Founding Member of various organizations like NAREDCO MAHI and the Real Estate Women’s Wing of NAREDCO.

I hold an MBA in Marketing & International Business from Leeds University in the UK, which has provided me with a solid foundation in business strategy and global market dynamics.

As a CEO of the year, what would you like to demand in the coming budget for the women entrepreneurs in India?

As the honored CEO of the year, I stand at the forefront, a voice for change and progress. In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps – increased funding opportunities that go beyond token gestures, robust tax incentives that truly level the playing field, and strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the skill sets and networking capabilities of women entrepreneurs.

We are at a pivotal moment where unleashing the untapped potential of women-led businesses is not just a matter of equality but a strategic imperative for the nation’s economic development. The call is not for mere lip service but for the creation of an environment that not only supports but propels the growth of women entrepreneurs. It’s time for our budgetary allocations to reflect a commitment to inclusivity and to recognize the immense contributions that women entrepreneurs can make to our nation’s prosperity.

This is not just about gender equality; it’s about recognizing and harnessing the power of innovation, leadership, and economic contribution that women bring to the entrepreneurial landscape. As the CEO of the year, I urge policymakers to seize this opportunity, break through conventional barriers, and usher in a new era of empowerment for women entrepreneurs in India. The time for action is now, and together, we can build a future where every aspiring woman entrepreneur has the resources and support needed to thrive and lead.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship / by Mohd Naushad Khan / Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2024

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA:

Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country and the first woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court of an Asian country.

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

The first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice M Fathima Beevi, was on Thursday posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Justice Beevi received India’s third-highest civilian award in the field of Public Affairs.

The former Supreme Court judge passed away aged 96 in November last year. Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country.

She was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father encouraged her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal.

She started her career as an advocate in Kerala and worked her way up to become a district and sessions judge in 1974. In 1980, she joined the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and was appointed as a High Court judge in 1983.

She made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

As a Supreme Court judge, she became the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court judge in Asia.

After retiring in 1993, she had served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

She had resigned from the post of Governor of Tamil Nadu after rejecting the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Read more about the former judge here.

source: http://www.barandbench.com / Bar and Bench / Home> News / by Bar and Bench / January 27th, 2024

Lucknow’s Naseem Bano receives Padma award; You must have also worn their designed kurtas

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , ,

Thakurganj , Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH:

Naseem Bano: Naseem Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985.She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for his work, he said.

pix: proiqra.com

Naseem Bano: Uttar Pradesh’s chikankari artisan Naseem Bano has been honored with the Padma Award by the government. “I got a call from Delhi last night informing me that I have been awarded the Padma Shri award. Me and my entire family are very happy with this achievement. We thank the government and our God for this award.”

Naseem Bano, a resident of Thakurganj area in the
state capital, started chikankari at a very young age. She is known for popularising fine chickan embroidery in the Awadh region of the state. Bano said that she learned the art of chikankari from her father Hajan Mirza.

What did Bano say?
“Whatever I am today is because of the support of my family and the education I gave to me through my father. She has tried to keep the tradition of fine chikankari alive and has also made it her goal to spread this tradition to young artisans. “I have trained more than 5,000 chikankari artisans in the art. I hope they will protect this tradition and carry it forward.”

Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985.
She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for her work, he said. Bano said she has been invited to showcase her art in different cities of the country and in nine countries including the US, Germany, Canada and Oman.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Zee Salaam / by Taushif Alam / pix edited – source: proiqra.com / June 26th, 2024