Onika Maheshwari / New Delhi

A panel discussion titled “Muslim Women in India: Rights, Realities and Challenges,” organized by the NGO Aawaz-e-Khawateen at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, emerged as more than a formal dialogue. It became a platform for deep reflection on ground realities, social perceptions, law, identity, and their multiple dimensions.

The discussion made it clear that understanding the condition of Muslim women requires not only a policy or religious lens, but an integrated view of history, society, literature, and present-day realities.

Senior journalist Saba Naqvi, Prof. Sabiha Hussain from the Indian Social Institute, Dr. Shabistan Ghaffar, Chairperson of CRDDP and AICWETE, and Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Firdous Qutub Wani shared their perspectives during the event. Drawing from their experiences and research, all speakers discussed in detail the rights of Muslim women, lack of resources, social barriers, and future possibilities.

The discussion highlighted a significant gap between constitutional rights and ground realities. Limited access to education and employment, lack of legal awareness, social pressure, and absence of decision-making freedom were identified as major obstacles to the progress of Muslim women. It was also noted that while many women are aware of their rights, social and family pressures often prevent them from asserting those rights.

Referring to literary figures like Mahadevi Varma and Ismat Chughtai, speakers emphasized that literature reflects society and helps in understanding the lived realities of women. They observed that for a long time, women have been viewed not as individual human beings, but merely as “women,” which has restricted their identity and freedom.

Prof. Sabiha Hussain stated that viewing Muslim women solely through a religious lens is a narrow approach. She stressed the need to understand issues through the four dimensions of “Rights, Resources, Realities, and Roadblocks.” Sharing her personal journey, she said she was the first Muslim woman from Bihar to reach JNU, achieving this milestone without a strong academic background. She emphasized that talent can overcome barriers, provided there is proper guidance, and highlighted the crucial role of teachers as mentors and counselors.

Dr. Shabistan Ghaffar stated that the root cause of the condition of Muslim women is not religion but poverty and lack of resources. She pointed to poor-quality education, lack of basic facilities, and growing economic inequality as major concerns, remarking that “the poor are becoming poorer and the rich richer.” She also stressed that government policies are not effectively reaching the grassroots level and called for urgent attention to the lack and closure of educational institutions for Muslim women.

On legal aspects, it was noted that India has sufficient laws for women’s protection—whether related to marital rights or other safeguards—but access and awareness remain limited. Speakers observed that girls are often denied decision-making power within households, whether related to education, career, or life choices.

Advocate Firdous Qutub Wani advised women to choose their life partners wisely, saying, “Choose a partner who supports you, not just permits you.” She also highlighted the importance of emotional support within families and encouraged women to move towards self-reliance.

The discussion also touched upon identity, where the hijab or scarf was described not as a burden but as a personal identity. Citing examples, speakers noted that many women embrace their identity with pride and express it as a form of individuality.

Speakers emphasized that education is the most powerful tool to break stereotypes and discrimination. They stressed “equity” rather than just “equality,” arguing that every woman should receive opportunities according to her circumstances. The role of religious and community leadership was also highlighted as crucial in spreading positive messages and proper guidance.

Dr. Ghaffar further shared her experiences, emphasizing cultural diversity and the importance of education, stating that religion is not merely inheritance but a matter of understanding and practice. She encouraged women to engage actively in religious knowledge and social transformation.

It was also noted that mere observance of symbolic days like Women’s Day is not enough; sustained and concrete efforts are required for real empowerment.

In conclusion, participants actively engaged in the dialogue and reached a consensus that empowering Muslim women requires a combined focus on education, awareness, legal access, social support, and policy reform. The event not only served as a platform for dialogue but also proved to be an important step in shaping the way forward.