What do you think of this courses and will they really help with tackling the Islamic Extremism in UK?
Answer
The initiative has been misunderstood. Just going to one or two courses will not enable Muslim women to tackle extremism. The idea is to help empower Muslim women and increase their participation in civic, economic and social life. This will involve tackling discrimination, breaking down barriers to employment and higher education as well as funding for a variety of courses. Empowered Muslim women will therefore be better equipped to get into decision making positions within their communities and society as well as being more confident in addressing grievances and problems. It is envisaged that making Muslim women more influential, will indirectly reduce extremism over the long term – not just violent extremism but the extremist attitudes towards women too.
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ahmad
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Question
I do support the muslims work especially women to combat extremism within the Muslim community in Britain, but what are the guarantees that this initiative don’t aim to change anything within Islam it self or to spy only on Muslims in the UK.
Answer
I am glad that you support the involvement of women in combating extremism – after all they are an under used resource as they make up 50% of the Muslim population. There are about 800 000 Muslim women in the UK.
I also understand that Muslims may have suspicions and concerns about the government initiative due to the general hostility towards Muslims.
However, it is not about spying on children – this is just scaremongering by some Muslims. It is easier to be negative as we are so used to pessimism. I would say it is about responsible parenting. If Muslim women, who constitute half of the Muslim population, continue to be disempowered, the Muslim community cannot progress, particularly since mothers exercise an important influence on their children.
Furthermore, the government – as far as I know are not planning the courses. Grass roots Muslim organisations will be able to apply for the funding for schemes that will help empower women in some way and could include understanding the differences between culture and religion and better knowledge of Islam.
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Samar - Jordan
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Profession
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Salam,
Have this initiative your any relationship with Tariq Ramadan or Amr Khalid?
Answer
This initiative has nothing to do with Tariq Ramadan or Amr Khalid. This initiative has come from Muslim women themselves. Muslim women have been asking the government for help to empower them and get them involved in tackling extremism. After the London bombings, the government had mainly been consulting Muslim men and had largely ignored the voices of women. However, it appears they are listening now.
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Editor
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Profession
Question
Answer
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I wonder if you could clarify this plan, as I cannot yet get clearly into the picture, i mean what is the role of the UK government basically? Thanks a lot:) Saad
Answer
I have answered a similar question already. Please read the answer to that.
But I want to add that the government have also set up a National MuslimWomen’s Advisory Group (NMWAG) to advise on issues that will help empower Muslim women.
It’s also great that the government recognise the potential that Muslim women have to tackle extremism.
Name
alissa
- Australia
Profession
Question
Salam,
What is exactly meant by assertivness courses Vs extremism? Sorry dont really understand...
Peace
Answer
I just want to reiterate – the government is not claiming that an assertiveness course will mean that Muslim women can go out suddenly and deal with extremists. The assertiveness course is just one example of a course. The idea is to empower Muslim women generally in all areas of life and this may inevitably mean going to some courses.
This does not mean all women are expected to go and get into decision making positions in the community and mainstream society. However, I feel that all Muslim women can contribute positively to society and their communities according to their abilities in some way.
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Khadega Saeed
- Belgium
Profession
Question
I belief that such an initiative which targets the most important category in any society -the women (Mothers)- who are always in charge of rearing the new generation, I do feel that the British Government is trying to brainwash the new generations through out these courses? What do you think?
Answer
No I don’t think it is about brainwashing at all as no one is telling women how to raise their families or what to teach them. This is up to Muslim women themselves. However, naturally if a mother is empowered with any skills or knowledge – she is bound to pass them down to her children. There is a huge potential for Muslim women be good role models and to play an active role in all areas of public life as well as raising children who are productive and active members of society.
So empowering Muslim women is empowering their children and thus empowering Muslim communities. If the benefit of empowering women means that it reduces extremism too – surely this is a good thing.
The Quran tells us ‘Allah does not change the condition of a nation until they change themselves’(13:11). Opportunities like this do not come along every day so let’s take advantage and empower our Muslim women and therefore our communities.
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Abdel Aziz Fahmy
- Germany
Profession
Pilot
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Salam All,
Thanks for the Live Dialogue, Worthy guest ;)
I want to ask you Ms. Shaista if she is optimistic about these initiative and how does she see it? I know that she is British Muslim, so does she personally accept to attend such courses or she does not believe in them?
Answer
Yes I support the government initiative and myself and would attend courses. For example, I am currently attending one that helps Muslims get their voices into mainstream media as there is so much negativity about Muslims in the media. I think any useful and positive knowledge and skills is beneficial.
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Selma Brown
- Denmark
Profession
Question
How did you reach this idea, why don't you think about tackling the Ilsmic Extremism throughout the Schools in UK or Online websites?
Answer
Although the government have announced the initiative – it has come from Muslim women at the grass roots level – they have been asking the government for this. I think your idea is great about tackling extremism via schools and websites. There are other initiatives dealing with these areas. There are in fact many initiatives to tackle extremism – it is hoped that collectively these will help reduce extremism. It is in our interests to reduce extremism as extremists are giving our beautiful religion a bad name and we are suffering as a consequence.
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Samy Mohamed
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Profession
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Why didn’t the government to ask the people (especially the Muslims in UK) about their ideas and suggestions for tackling the Islamic Extremism before deciding on these courses? Were their any surveys on the issue before deciding on the Courses as a tool for defending Extremism?
Answer
That is an interesting question as some Muslim organisations have also condemned the government for not consulting Muslims on this initiative. However, a consultation process would have been a pointless exercise as Muslim women have been asking the government for help to empower them and get them involved in tackling extremism. Perhaps those organisations that are complaining should have been more proactive and not waited to be consulted. It is therefore not surprising that Muslim women’s groups and networks are springing up every week in the UK and challenging the government themselves.
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Kasem
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Are your organization Linked to British Muslim women help line?
Thanks and good luck
Answer
There is an organisation called the Muslim Women’s Helpline but I am not a part of that organisation.
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Rahma
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
Do you think that such courses are the best solution for the Islamic Extremism dilemma in UK? Can you guarantee that within 20 years the courses’ impact will be clear allover UK?
Answer
I think that empowering Muslim women and attending various courses to help the women to achieve that are only a part of the solution. I am hoping that collectively all initiatives that are around to tackle extremism will make a difference in 20 years time. Even if one thinks that such initiatives will not work – surely it is worth a try. If we don’t try, matters will only get worse. It is easy to be negative and angry, it is much harder to be optimistic. If we want to progress, we need to be more proactive and positive.
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Belal Salem
- Chad
Profession
Doctor
Question
Why didn’t Hazel Blears try to present these valuable ideas to the EU, as all Europe needs such courses and plans and not only UK? Are there any plans that collaborate EU together for the purpose of tackling the terrorism and Islamic extremism?
Answer
Well that’s a great idea. I don’t know if Hazel Blears is planning to share her ideas with other European countries. I shall certainly pass those sentiments on to any meetings that I am invited to by the government. I am sure that there are many Muslim women in other European countries that would happily trade places with the Muslim women in the UK so they have the opportunity to get empowered and have a stronger voice.
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Farauk Hussein
- Turkey
Profession
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Does that plan come as a reaction for Samina Malik case? And whether yes or not, i guess that it would be better if they focus on Muslim Youths in UK not women?!
Answer
No it is not a reaction to Samina Malik’s case as some funding has already been used prior to the announcement to strengthen the voices of Muslim women and get them more active in their communities and societies. It’s just that the government perhaps want more funding targeted specifically towards Muslim women. In fact the government are launching a good practice guide in a few days (i think on the 23rd January 2008) that will highlight some Muslim women’s organisations doing some fantastic work.
And you are right about focussing on Muslim youth. This is already happening. For example, the government has started to consult with organisations that represent and deal with Muslim youth. There is also lots of funding available aimed at helping Muslim youth.
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S. Elgazzar
- Germany
Profession
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As-salamu 'alykum,
first of all, I'd like to know, How did you reach the idea of this course, and when will it be applied and given?
Are there any other initiative in the field of removing the misconception around Islam, and raising a new Muslim generation, with moderate attitudes?
Answer
I have already answered how this initiative has come about. I agree that more needs to be done to remove misconceptions about Islam –the government needs to do more in this area. There is one annual initiative called Islam Awareness Week which happens in November every year and is aimed at non-Muslims. It is organised by Islamic Society of Britain.
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Darine Hamed
- United Kingdom
Profession
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I just want to encurage these courses, and i would really like to volunteer with your organization: Muslim Women's Network UK, how could i do that please? Is there any other Branches for your organization in France, i have a lot of friends in France who are welling to volunteer with such an organization?
Answer
Thanks for the enthusiasm. Please e-mail me on contact@mwnuk.co.uk
There are no branches in France – however it would be great to make some links abroad and share experiences and good practice so we can all learn from each other. There is nothing to stop your friends from setting up a French Muslim women’s network. There are dynamic Muslim women around – but in the minority. By all working together, collectively we will be stronger and can make a greater impact on our communities and society.
Name
Taher Saied
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Profession
Scientist
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Salam IslamOnline,
Thanks for tackling this topic.
I want to ask the guest about her suggestions in the Middle East Case, as we are here facing the same obstacle; terrorism, do you think that here in the Middle East we can foolo the same approach as a way for facing the problem?
Answer
I think empowering Muslim women around the world can be strategic in tackling not just violent extremism but the extremism towards women.
Unfortunately some Muslim men will regard women having a more active and prominent role within their communities as a potential threat to their status quo. This is not surprising as generally the Muslim community has patriarchal and conservative views and even questioning a women’s status can be challenging and difficult. But we must try!
Name
Sameera
- France
Profession
Question
How do you seem British Muslim Women now and 10 years later?
I want your valuable horizons please: )
Answer
Society and even the Muslim community may have reduced Muslim female identity to their dress codes. However, Muslim women have started challenging stereotypes by fighting to be heard by policy makers and their communities. Advancing women’s rights despite numerous obstacles they face while striking a balance between family and work clearly “is a testament” to the great capacity that Muslim women have. I believe all Muslim women can contribute positively to society according to their abilities. The significant role and achievements of women needs to be more appreciated and understood. I look forward to hearing about the continuing achievements of Muslim women that will provide inspiration and motivation for all.
I think that now Muslim women have started to empower themselves, we should see a positive difference in 10 years time.
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Visitor
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Can you tell us the worst problem in your opinion that the British Muslim women do face? What is the role that the government play for supporting the British Muslims genrally and the British Muslim Women specially? Does the Muslim Women's Network in UK receive any support from the government and if yes what kind of support?
Answer
The Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWN-UK) started off a working group of the Women’s National Commission (WNC) – which is a Department in the government. The WNC advise the government on policies relating to women. However, MWN-UK has broken away from government and become an independent organisation. We aim to provide a channel for grass roots Muslim women’s organisations so their voices can reach decision makers in government. We apply for funding to charitable sources and government. Like any other organisation we have to put forward ideas for projects and compete for funding. We do not receive any money from government to run the MWN-UK.
As for the worst issues faced by Muslim women in the UK, these are:
1. In mainstream society – they have felt the greatest negative impact on ‘the war on terror’ as they are visibly more identifiable as Muslim. This has resulted in negative discourse by politicians, the media, discrimination in employment, public services and verbal and physical abuse.
2. In the Muslim community – even in the UK, generally the Muslim community has patriarchal and conservative views, so Muslim women face many barriers within the community. Even many educated Muslim women are not aware of their Islamic rights. Many Muslims are importing a cultural version of Islam from their countries of origin.
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Khaled Ibn Alwaleed
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Profession
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Salamu Alikum,
I have checked your website http://www.mvuk.co.uk/index.asp and I really liked it, how could I help you with updating it or participating in it?
My Mail is: Salma_Khareegy@islamonlin.net
I would be glad to contact you.
Answer
Great! Please contact me on contact@mvuk.co.uk
b>I am currently in the process of revamping my website and plan to run a survey in the next couple of weeks on the Iraq War to coincide with the 5th anniversary of the war.
I would like to find out what Muslims think 5 years on.
Name
Ishak Kamel
- Switzerland
Profession
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Salam IOL and MS. Shaista
I have an idea that will support the courses' plan which is making use of the British Muslim women's role model to hep with spreading this great idea... i am ready to send many ideas and i have got your mail through one of your previos answers, are you in charge so that i can send you these ideas or who is responsible for that?
Answer
More ideas the better. I think that Muslim organisations and individuals should not only form networks locally, nationally and internationally.
If we can share good practice and ideas - this will benefit our communities and societies.
Yes, please do contact me.
Name
Sally
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Profession
Question
What are the targets of Muslim Voice UK (MVUK)?
Answer
I run MVUK without funding - I finance it myself as i passionately believe in getting the voices of individual Muslims at grass roots level heard by the media, the Muslim community and policy makers and decision makers in government. I am hoping that my research will help others understand Muslim opinion and also to take it into consideration.
For example, I recently carried out a survey on the proposed anti-terror laws and sent a 40 page report to government criticising many of the proposals. So I don't always agree with government!
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Editor
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Dear visitors,
The session has ended. We would like to thank Ms. Shaista Gohir for taking the time to answer your questions and we apologize for not being able to accommodate all the questions within the time allocated to this session.
We request our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
