Seminar highlights educational disparities, calls for increased awareness and reform to empower Muslim women
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — A recent seminar organised by the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy and the Shakira Khatoon Educational Welfare Society revealed the challenges faced by Muslim women in accessing education. Held at the Madrasa Shakira Lilbanat in Dhobha in Siddarthnagar District, the event shed light on the dismal state of Muslim women’s education in Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2001 census, only 49% of Muslim girls enroll in government schools, and a staggering 88% of Muslim women in North India remain illiterate.
Maulana Abdus Sami Almadni, the main organiser of the programme, expressed deep concern over the declining numbers. “While 50% of Muslim girls initially enroll in schools, less than 20% complete their education,” he said. This alarming dropout rate underscores the systemic barriers faced by Muslim women in pursuing education.
The seminar also highlighted the stark contrast between North and South India, with the latter faring significantly better in terms of female literacy. Maulana Hafizur Rahman Qasmi, a prominent speaker at the event, attributed the crisis to a flawed perception of education. “Education is often seen merely as a means to earn money, and it is not considered essential for women,” he remarked.
Afreen Arshi Azimi, another participant, emphasised the need to redefine the purpose of education. “Education is not just a tool for employment; it is a source of personality development, critical thinking, and knowledge,” she said. “Our ancestors never sought knowledge solely for profit but propagated it selflessly.”
Kulsoom Jalal Tayyabati echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of educated mothers in shaping future generations. “When awareness about the true purpose of education spreads, the desire to raise a talented and responsible generation will grow. This will naturally lead to a greater emphasis on educating girls and ending caste-based discrimination,” she said.
Despite the grim statistics, there are signs of progress. Maulana Hafizur Rahman Qasmi noted that in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Muslim girls pursuing higher education. “Girls are now outperforming boys in class 10th and 12th examinations across many states, and they are achieving remarkable success. However, there is still a pressing need for them to enter fields of research and specialization,” he added.
The seminar concluded with a call to action, urging communities to prioritise educational awareness and reform. As Afreen Arshi Azimi aptly summed it up: “The journey towards empowerment begins with education. It is time to break the chains of illiteracy and pave the way for a brighter future for Muslim women.”
