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Last updated: June 5, 2023 at 15:25 IST
In the words of Bhiari Fatima, she chose to drive a rickshaw to support her husband financially. (Photo/News18)
Fatima hoped that the couple would be able to provide their children with a good education while earning each. She added that her work gives her the freedom to pick up her children from school and go shopping
In an unfamiliar sight, a Muslim motorist wearing a burqa on the busy streets of Chennai has captured media attention. In the words of Bhiari Fatima, she chose to drive a rickshaw to support her husband financially.
Speaking to News18, Bhiyari Fatima said that she was born and raised in Chennai. “I was only born and brought up in Chennai so I know this place very well. I am married with children. Covid has changed many people’s lives including mine. I wanted to support my husband in making a living hence I chose to drive a rickshaw.”
Fatima hoped that the couple would be able to provide their children with a good education while earning each. She added that her work gives her the freedom to pick up her children from school and go shopping.
Fatima also said that many of the passengers were surprised to see her in the driver’s seat. “Guys would sit in the auto-rickshaw and be like, ‘Okay, buddy? And then they’ll say, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were a woman.” I say, “Don’t worry, it’s all right!”. Some people actually said, “But I thought Muslim women couldn’t drive a commercial vehicle?” They think. That women are at home, busy cooking in the kitchen. I want to show them that we can do whatever we want.”
“I love driving, it helps me make a living and I can’t find anything wrong with that,” she said.
Let’s take a look at the state of women’s rights in Muslim countries
Rights of Muslim women in Afghanistan
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has stopped issuing driver’s licenses to women and to other provinces in the landlocked country. Driving licenses are issued to men only. Although there is no official ban on women driving, they cannot legally drive either. Before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women could be seen driving in some major cities including Kabul.
From banning girls from schools above the sixth grade to not allowing them to take trips on their own, there have been reports of the new government’s confiscation of women’s rights.
Barely a month after the Taliban took over, the administration effectively banned women from working in government offices, banks, media companies and other workplaces and said the system would fully implement Islamic law. In Afghanistan, women wishing to travel for anything other than short distances should not be given transportation unless they are accompanied by close male relatives. The regime also called on vehicle owners to offer trips only to veiled women.
The rights of Muslim women in Saudi Arabia
The Prince of Saudi Arabia, King Salman, issued a special decree, or ruling, giving women permission to obtain driving licenses on June 24, 2018. This was seen as a move to improve the female workforce in the country which in turn contributes a lot. for the economy.
The Saudi workforce landscape is forever evolving, with many progressive changes being made around gender equality and equal pay. For the first time, women in Saudi Arabia have even qualified to drive the Haramain Express trains also known as bullet trains that run between the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
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