On its second day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the international conference on “Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment” shed light on the status and rights of women in Islam, as well as their education within the framework of Islamic law and customs and traditions.
The goal is to raise awareness of women’s rights and empower them in the Islamic world.
Education holds significant importance in achieving comprehensive development and serves as a key to empowering women socially, economically, health-wise, and even politically.
Furthermore, it has a profound impact on future generations when women receive quality education and contribute to the progress of society.
Fatima Gailani, former president of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, will participate in one of the sessions to discuss Muslim women in their social environment, addressing the challenges and opportunities they face.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Gailani sees a lingering confusion in some Islamic countries regarding the concept of women’s education.
Some still believe that education is exclusively meant for men, without realizing that Islamic teachings emphasize education for all, with a strong emphasis on eliminating illiteracy among women in the Islamic world.
However, the reality in some Islamic countries contradicts these Islamic principles, and challenges persist when it comes to education and denying girls their right to it, not only in Afghanistan but also in many impoverished Islamic countries.
Gailani attributed the denial of female education in these countries to old customs and traditions, often overlooking Islamic teachings.
Furthermore, the laws in these countries are often established by men, and they tend to favor men’s interests while disregarding women’s rights.
Gailani emphasized that Islam introduced teachings that align with international agreements and standards in advanced countries.
Nonetheless, some impoverished countries still lag behind, clinging to their outdated beliefs, while advanced nations have made efforts to empower women and involve them in decision-making processes.
