Eisha Sohail, Farnham
International Women’s Day, marked annually on the 8th of March, is a worldwide celebration of the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women and a call for gender equality. From politics to healthcare, women are advancing in their position within society and away from negative aspects of patriarchy, and this day is a way for the world to become aware and support this ongoing development and movement. Many girls and young women to this day are oppressed, simply because of the fact that they are female, and this type of thinking is what IWD is trying to battle against; At the age of 17, I am thinking of future life – university, employment – and fortunately, society’s opinion does not play a role in my decision to study whatever I wish later on. I am also an Ahmadi Muslim, and many people have this misconception regarding the supposed oppression of women present within society; however, this is simply not true.
Women’s rights in Islam are a very debated topic of conversation and one where I would like to enlighten anyone who is reading this. Women are regarded in a standing that is equal to men. In fact, in the Holy Qur’an, the topic of ‘hijab’ and the idea of modesty is first directed to men and then to women.
“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them…” – The Holy Qur’an, chapter 24, verse 31
My hijab is not a symbol of oppression but is a reflection of my faith and a part of my identity. As part of the women’s auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (Lajna UK), many women work in diverse workplaces and contribute their talents to the community, from working with younger children in their Islamic studies, to security duties, to being part of the broadcasting team of MTA (Muslim Television Ahmadiyya). Just as it is within our community, women play an incredibly significant role in society in general and this fact has been communicated many times by the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper).
At an Annual Convention in the UK some years ago, he addressed all female members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and spoke of the past and the traditional views of women being seen as nothing but property and the continuation of these views to this day. However, he also addressed the way that Islam encourages education for women just as much as men. His Holiness said:
‘…from whatever angle you look, women’s rights are safeguarded in Islam. So extensive is this safeguarding of rights that no Muslim women can be adequately grateful for these commandments in the Holy Qur’an. No other religious book or Shariah watches over women’s rights so well.’ [i]
His Holiness added:
“In a Hadith the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that sometimes a woman’s advice is exactly right and better than a man’s.” [ii]
I hope that we can soon see a day where women are regarded as equal to men in society and that misconceptions regarding the status of women are cleared for the rest of the world.
[i] https://www.alislam.org/articles/islam-and-womens-rights/
[ii] Ibid
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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