Pune

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently took on patriarchy and the mindset that treats women as inferior during an interaction with a gathering of Gen Z women in Pune by invoking Manusmriti, one of the hundreds of Indian ancient texts.

His remarks drew widespread appreciation across the country. Against this backdrop, a group of leading progressive and reformist Muslim activists has written an open letter to Gandhi, urging him to extend his campaign for gender equality to Muslim women as well.

The activists have appealed to Gandhi to take up the issues confronting Muslim women with the same conviction with which he has challenged patriarchal structures elsewhere.

The letter has been signed by prominent representatives of organisations including the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), which waged a historic legal battle against triple talaq in the Supreme Court; the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal (MSM), which has worked for decades to advance the reformist ideas of Hamid Dalwai; and Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD).

Firoz Mithiborwala, Norjahan Safie Niaz, and Dr. Shamsuddin Tamboli

The activists point out that most political parties, while positioning themselves as defenders of minority rights, often shy away from addressing questions of internal reform and women's rights within the Muslim community.

The letter also takes aim at those who claim to speak on behalf of Muslim identity while opposing gender equality. Among the key demands raised are a ban on polygamy, abolition of Nikah Halala, women's right to enter mosques and equal inheritance rights.

The open letter from the progressive activists reads:

Bringing a Vision of Gender Justice to Indian Muslim Youth

Dear Rahul Gandhi,

You delivered an unprecedented and inspiring speech at the Gen Z women's gathering in Pune. We are writing to wholeheartedly congratulate you.

You made a clear call to dismantle patriarchy and challenge systemic male dominance. Your message has resonated deeply across the country.

You strongly criticised the way the Manusmriti has historically placed women in a position of dependence throughout their lives—as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers. For years, lakhs of young women have been striving to draw attention to this important truth.

You made it clear that true freedom cannot exist in a conservative patriarchal society marked by institutionalised inequality.

Expanding the Vision of Gender Justice

Many courageous Muslim women are fighting for equal citizenship, respect and dignity guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. As Muslim reformist thinkers and progressive leaders, we urge you to look closely at this struggle.

Justice and equality are also central to the original spirit of the Quran. Patriarchy is an all-pervasive force; it recognises no boundaries of caste or religion.

The struggle against orthodox male dominance is continuing among Hindus and members of many other communities. At the same time, women and young people within the Indian Muslim community are fighting with equal determination for their rights. The country as a whole needs to recognise this reality.

The tide of fear, hatred and divisive politics is rising rapidly. There is no doubt that Indian Muslims are facing a growing sense of insecurity in this environment.

We are fighting these racist and fascist forces to protect minority rights. But we cannot wait for another "right time" to speak about essential reforms relating to gender justice.

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With unity and faith in the Constitution,

Javed Anand and Feroz Mithiborwala [Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy]

Zakia Soman and Noor Jahan Safia Niaz [Indian Muslim Women's Movement]

Shamsuddin Tamboli [Muslim Truth Seekers Association]