Islam the only religion which respects, protects rights of women-Malawi Muslim scholar

As the world is today commemorating International Women’s Day, one of the Islamic scholars in the country, has described Islam as the only religion which respects and protects rights of women.

Speaking to Radio Islam on the sideline of the commemoration Sheikh Ahmad Chienda, said in the pre-Islamic era women were not accorded the much respect they deserve.

Sheikh Chienda said Islam came to abolish all systems and behaviors which were meant to block the freedoms and rights of women.

He however added that it is very unfortunate that such systems are resuscitating today in the name of modernization.

Meanwhile, Muslim Women Organisation MWO says Muslim women have made tremendous achievements worth celebrating.

Speaking to radio Islam, Chairperson for MWO Asiyatu Lipenga said apart from developing their homes, Muslim women have attained both secular and religious education.

“It is encouraging that Muslim women of today have become more knowledgeable of their religion and are qualifying as sheikhats,” Lipenga

She has urged the Muslim women not to relent but aim higher.

Still on women’s day, Minister of gender, community development and social welfare has advised women to start respecting and supporting fellow women in leadership positions

Patricia Kaliati has said this during the commemoration of international women ‘s day

Kaliati women withstand various challenges which must be dealt with by all groups of society

The Minister said Covid- 19 is a huge setback as it has reversed the progress made in women empowerment because the country has witnessed a surge in teenage pregnancies, child marriages and gender based violence and economic hardships

“Most people have lost employment as companies closed businesses and this has created pressure for elected women to provide for their constituencies,” Kaliati

In order not to leave women behind she stressed that the nation must ensure effective gender mainstreaming in covid-19 responses and recovery

The Minister of gender asked women organization to intensify their effort of sourcing resources for programs that support women and empower them economically