Citizenship and Ethnic minorities
Story: Nasira Amin
A series of seminars recently took place at Firshill School by a group of professional Muslim women to promote greater understanding of their belief.
Naeema the organiser explained how the seminars came about and why they were organised.
“I wanted to do something to address the misconceptions of Muslim women in the media. I was appalled by the constant negative stereotyping. I also wanted to raise awareness amongst Muslim women who didn’t know about the rights Islam gives them. In their ignorance they are being oppressed by everyday situations from rights in divorce, marriage, education and so forth.”
At the citizenship and minority rights seminar the general discussion was that despite claims society is fair and equal there are inequalities for some. Throughout history minorities from the Irish, Scottish, black community and now Muslims have been singled out, faced hatred because of the image portrayed by the media and politicians.
“We need to go to our neighbour and say Muslims are not like they are portrayed in the newspaper. We have a responsibility to do this.” Local Resident
“What does integration mean? I have a car, I have a job, I listen to Coldplay! Is this not enough? People still think it’s about taking off the hijab.” Nighat Rashid
The message taken from all the seminars concluded that oppression emanates from culture whereas Islam liberates women; the way forward is dialogue with the wider society to create an understanding that Islam is based on equality, healthcare, welfare, right to security for all citizens which is a stark contrast to the pessimistic ideas pushed.
“It’s been good to discuss things. You don’t get chance to discuss these issues even with other Muslim women, because we all know the issues but we don’t talk about them.” N Ali
For information on future events, you can contact Naeema on naeema_khn@yahoo.com.