Women's empowerment comes at the expense of men

"Behind every great man is not a woman, she is beside him, she is with him, not behind him"

― Tariq Ramadan

"I am a woman; Most wonderful creation of God. I am all set and ready to render my contribution to this world.

I would bow down my head in front of none but God the Almighty. As a segment of the great humankind and as a wedge of this infinite and boundless Universe I am aware of my autonomy and my obligations.

I would try my best to use them without abusing. Before fitting me into the roles of sister, wife, and mother, think of me as an Individual. An individual with unique likes and dislikes, a being with flesh and feelings.

I have my own way of seeing this world, my own set of ideas. I have my own boundaries; I have a world of my own. Respect me for who I am. My freedom and rights were given to me by my God. Do not blockade them in the name of Culture and tradition."

If a woman can express herself flawlessly in these words and if the people around her life, can comprehend and let her live her life, I would say that she is the luckiest woman on earth.

There are many myths about women in general.

Some of us tend to think that Women's empowerment comes at the expense of men.

Another popular belief is that women cannot be trusted with financial affairs.

Institutions and movements tend to think there are not enough talented women to contribute and Lead.

Throughout the Islamic history, there are enough evidence that women contributed to build up the Islamic Civilization, brick by brick.

What is empowerment?

Does it mean women loses all her gentlest and beautiful qualities?

Does it mean, men should sit at home and women should go out and earn?

Does it mean there are more arguments in the household?

Empowerment means becoming capable and efficient spiritually, politically, socially, educationally and financially.

The ability to express one's thoughts freely.

The power to take decisions and take responsibility.

Women's empowerment does not come at the expense of men.

Empowerment does not come from wearing a certain brand shoe as shown in adverts nor getting a driving license; it is a way beyond that.

Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) ‘s wives Katheeja and Aisha were great examples of empowered women.

In Early days of Islam, women were dynamic contributors in the cohesive functioning of the society.

They voiced their opinions freely and their advice was highly sought after.

Women did not sit in the back and be submissive listeners in an organization, but they became stakeholders and the active participants in the process.

‘What can she do, she cannot even handle her own things'

‘She is too busy with children, engaged with housework and married to the TV'

‘We will discuss first and in the second phase let us involve women'

‘They are not ready to come and contribute'

‘They do not have much exposure'

When one is not given a chance to come forward and contribute, how can we expect her to prove her ability.

Exposure comes from creating opportunities.

Muslim women were long neglected in the activities of social and religious movements. They seldom take part in the active decision-making process and leadership of the organizations. It is clearly against the tradition of the Prophet.

It is not about having a women's column in a magazine nor having a Ladies wing in an organization.

Women should not only be capable of taking decisions and making policies regarding their own issues but they must also be able to make resolutions in all the issues regarding the society and the country.

That is the Dream; the trance and Vision Rasoolullah saw through the light of Quran.

Shameela Yoosuf Ali