Govt should encourage education among Muslim women

Updated on: Monday, July 04, 2011

Education is the basis for growth and development of not just an individual but of the community and the country at large.

The famous saying, "Educate a man and you educate an individual, educate a woman and you educate a family'', applies very well in the Indian context more so in the context of Muslim women, a large section of whom have been denied education for a variety of reasons, each rooted in either government apathy or poor understanding of the religion.

In these progressive times, when there is so much emphasis on educating a girl child, the issue of educating Muslim women has seldom been raised. Women account for more than 50% of the Muslim population in AP and it is startling to note that their education has not been a priority. According to the Sachar Committee report, the Muslim community has the poorest literacy rate in the country. And bringing about any improvement in literacy levels among Muslims would be difficult if this 50% of the community's population is not encouraged to educate itself.

The main reason why a large chunk of Muslim women are not literate is lack of schools and colleges in the areas where there is a higher concentration of the Muslim population. Girls are enrolled in nearby schools and are not sent far off to study due to safety reasons.

Lack of proper public transport only works against any girl child's desire to study. It is essential to increase the number of schools and colleges in these areas and improve the public transport system which will motivate the families of the girl child to not only send them to schools but also make sure they study at college. According to a household survey conducted in 2,000 houses in one of the areas in the Old City of Hyderabad, seven out of ten girls who had passed their tenth standard exam but not studied further cited lack of transport and non-availability of colleges in their areas as the reason for discontinuing studies. There is not much effort being made to educate women in the Muslim community and there is a need for drastic measures to ensure that proper facilities are provided.

One more reason for illiteracy among Muslim women is the restrictions that they face in the society. Families bow to traditions prevalent in the society and restrict girls from educating themselves in the name of societal and religious pressure. A lot of people have a notion that education is not permitted for the Muslim women. But contrary to this, Islam emphasizes and encourages seekers of knowledge and does not discriminate between men and women. The Prophet stated that "whosoever follows a path to seek knowledge shall walk the path of paradise''.

Despite such importance to education given by the religion, many families restrict women from studying, ironically citing religious prohibitions, clearly showing their lack of knowledge about their own faith. It is also the responsibility of the religious leaders to educate the community about educating women and its importance. It is important to understand that education brings with it knowledge and ability to reason and it would in no way interfere in any religious belief or practice. It would only strengthen it.

Early marriage is yet another factor that limits the education of Muslim girls. Many families marry off their daughters at an early age and the girls discontinue education soon after. In current times, where the institution of marriage is shaky there is more reason for families to educate a girl child, make her capable of being financially independent should a need arise for her to support herself. Many intelligent girls have sacrificed their education to get married and we often hear stories of regret__ of a girl child's stunted growth who could have touched the skies had she been encouraged. Parents and family elders need to take firm decision regarding educating the girl before marriage. Only with the conscious effort of the community would we be able to achieve education among the women who would shape the future of children.

A handful of educated Muslim women who hold positions as officers, leaders, teachers, doctors, engineers, architects, journalists are a proof that Muslim women, if given an opportunity, would excel in any field of education. It is the responsibility of the government, elected representatives, religious leaders and the community at large to address the problem of illiteracy among the Muslim women and ensure they are educated.

Times of India

Govt should encourage education among Muslim women

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