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Asia News PAKISTAN Woman

Brutal Honour Killings Blight Pakistan

Afghanistan-Child marriage

The Human Rights Watch has identified various triggers for honour-related crimes, including violations of social norms and accepted behaviors. A woman’s choice of clothing, employment, or education; refusal to accept an arranged marriage; getting married without family consent; seeking a divorce; being raped or sexually assaulted; or even alleged intimate relations outside marriage are seen as valid reasons for honour killings … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

Thousands of women and young girls are brutally hacked to death, or shot in a gruesome manner in the name of honour with the state watching like a mute spectator despite stringent laws against such heinous crimes.

In a gruesome incident earlier this month, a mother and her three daughters were found shot and hacked to death in their home in Swat, a suspected case of ‘honour’ killing. This tragic event has once again highlighted the persistent issue of honour killings in Pakistan, a practice that continues to claim thousands of lives annually with little effective intervention from the state or civil society.

Despite the horror of such crimes, they often fail to elicit strong reactions. Newspapers report the stories for a day, civil society groups make token noises, but widespread protests and outraged articles remain conspicuously absent. The recent Swat incident is a stark reminder of this disturbing apathy.

Swat, known for its beautiful mountainous landscapes, has seen a spiraling number of honour killings, sexual assaults, and suicides since 2012. According to The Awakening, a civil rights group, 229 people have been killed in the name of honour in Swat over the past seven years, including 211 women and 18 men. Tabassum Adnan, founder of the women’s group Khuvindu Jirga, expressed deep concern over this rising trend, stating that perpetrators often show pride rather than remorse for their actions.

In Pakistan, suspects in honour killings are typically relatives of the victims, leading to fewer cases being registered and even fewer testimonies being recorded. This familial connection often allows the accused to escape punishment, perpetuating a cycle of violence. Low prosecution rates have only emboldened people to commit such crimes with impunity.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has noted that the passage of the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the Name or Pretext of Honour) Act 2016 has not significantly reduced the number of honour killings. These killings are driven by the belief that ‘honour’ resides in women’s bodies, a notion deeply ingrained in Pakistan’s patriarchal society. The HRCP estimates that over 1,000 women are killed each year in Pakistan in the name of honour, though many cases go unreported due to family and community pressure.

The Human Rights Watch has identified various triggers for honour-related crimes, including violations of social norms and accepted behaviors. A woman’s choice of clothing, employment, or education; refusal to accept an arranged marriage; getting married without family consent; seeking a divorce; being raped or sexually assaulted; or even alleged intimate relations outside marriage are seen as valid reasons for honour killings.

A particularly shocking case from 2011 involved a video of five young women and a teenage boy clapping, singing, and dancing. Although the video did not show the women and the boy together, it sparked a major controversy. All five women and the two boys were subsequently killed by their families. When a relative campaigned for justice, his house was firebombed, and he was killed in 2019.

Efforts to outlaw honour killings in Pakistan began nearly two decades ago. In 2004, the National Assembly passed the Honour Killing Act, criminalizing such murders. However, a loophole allowed family members to forgive the convict through an Islamic legal practice known as Diya. This practice is especially troubling in honour killings, where family members often commit the murder.

Following the high-profile murder of social media star Qandeel Baloch in 2016, the National Assembly enacted the Anti-Honour Killing law, which mandated life imprisonment for the convict even if forgiven by the victim’s relatives. However, the law allowing relatives to forgive the murderer remains in practice. Qandeel Baloch’s brother was acquitted under this law after his mother forgave him, with the judge ruling the case was not an honour killing.

This ruling, coupled with the fact that many honour killings go unreported, continues to leave women and men vulnerable to being killed in the name of protecting family honour. The persistent prevalence of honour killings in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for more stringent legal reforms and a societal shift to protect the fundamental rights and lives of all individuals.

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India News Woman

Delhi HC allows termination of 32 weeks pregnancy

The Court has also interacted with the Petitioner, and she has confirmed that this is her own personal decision, and after receiving a medical opinion from AIIMS, she is inclined to terminate her pregnancy, it added…reports Asian Lite News

The Delhi High Court on Saturday allowed a plea of a married woman seeking permission to medically terminate her 32 weeks pregnancy of abnormal foetus.

The High Court grants the permission after considering the recommendation by the medical board of AIIMS and physical-mental well-being of the petitioner woman.

Justice Sanjeev Narula allowed the petition and said, “The continuation of the pregnancy poses a significant risk to the Petitioner’s physical and mental health and is likely to result in the birth of a child with severe health issues.”

“Consequently, the Court finds it appropriate to permit the termination of the pregnancy in the best interest of both the Petitioner and the unborn foetus,” Justice Mahajan said in the order passed on July 13.

The doctors from the AIIMS Medical Board stated that they have counselled the Petitioner and her husband and explained to them the procedure and the risks involved in such late-term termination, to which the petitioner is willing to undergo the procedure, the High Court order noted.

The Court has also interacted with the Petitioner, and she has confirmed that this is her own personal decision, and after receiving a medical opinion from AIIMS, she is inclined to terminate her pregnancy, it added.

Section 3(2B) of the MTP Act permits a pregnant woman to seek termination of her pregnancy, beyond the permissible 24-week gestational age, in case the said pregnancy is found to have substantial foetal abnormalities.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued guidelines dated August 14, 2017, for late-term termination of pregnancy referred to by a court of law.

The High Court said that pertinent to the present case, the guidelines classify the abnormalities of ‘Corpus callosum agenesis with additional major abnormalities’ as well as ‘Hydrocephalus over 20mm with dilation of all ventricles’ as major central nervous system abnormalities.

“Thus, having regard to the aforenoted provisions and the clear and explicit medical report, which suggests substantial foetal abnormalities, the Court is inclined to accept Petitioner’s request,” the bench said in the order.

Moreover, given the scheme of the MTP Act, particularly of Section 3(3), in arriving at the ultimate decision in such cases, the Court must also recognise and give due weightage to the choice of the mother and her foreseeable environment, as well as the possibility of a dignified life for the unborn child, the bench further said.

A married woman of 31 years of age had moved to Delhi High Court seeking permission to medically terminate 32 weeks of pregnancy having an abnormal foetus.

The High Court had called for a report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Petitioner’s counsel, Amit Mishra had submitted that the foetus has abnormalities. It was revealed on July 4 after the petitioner underwent an ultrasound test. He also submitted that the petitioner took the opinion from four other labs, and the results were the same.

Considering the advanced stage of pregnancy, the bench directed AIIMS to file a medical report by July 13.

Petitioner had approached the court after she was advised by the doctors to get the permission of the court for medical termination of pregnancy, as it was beyond the permissible duration under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. (ANI)

ALSO READ-New Delhi’s Green Mobility Boost for Rural Women Self-Help Groups

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Economy India News Woman

New Delhi’s Green Mobility Boost for Rural Women Self-Help Groups

Smriti Sharan stated that this partnership with EESL will prove to be a boon to the SHG women in rural entrepreneurship with green wheels….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Rural Development on Friday signed an MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited to empower rural women self-help groups by providing them with electric bicycles in order to give them access to green mobility.

The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, of Rural Livelihoods from MoRD Smriti Sharan and MD & CEO, of Convergence Energy Services Limited Vishal Kapoor in the presence of Secretary, of Rural Development Shailesh Kumar Singh.

Shailesh Kumar Singh said that this partnership of Green Mobility will further support the economic and social empowerment of rural women and accelerate enabling of Lakhpati Didis in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Smriti Sharan stated that this partnership with EESL will prove to be a boon to the SHG women in rural entrepreneurship with green wheels.

Vishal Kapoor said through this intervention CESL is keen to support the government’s initiative of enabling three crore Lakhpati Didis in rural areas, reflecting its commitment towards women empowerment and national green objectives.

The project aims to build livelihood opportunities, independence and prosperity amongst SHG women, elevating their socio-economic standing. Additionally, the project intends to keep rural mobility congestion-free thereby contributing towards decarbonisation of the last-mile mobility space.

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a subsidiary of state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power. CESL is focused on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility and climate change.

The electric bicycles are being provided under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and is called the Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) for Self Help Group (SHG) Women. 

STREE intends to empower the rural economy, especially the rural women by providing them access to green mobility through the introduction of electric bicycles. 

DAY- NRLM is focusing on promoting SHG women-led enterprises with diversified opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors covering the farm and non-farm domains.

Since its launch, DAY-NRLM has helped create the largest platform for social inclusion, access to financial services and women’s economic empowerment. 

ALSO READ: Women Entrepreneurs Get Govt Boost

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Economy India News Woman

New Finance Initiatives Boost Women Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra

As part of the workshop, Anna Roy, Mission Director, WEP and Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog, launched several initiatives….reports Asian Lite News

Financing Women Collaborative (FWC), an initiative of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) on Friday announced new collaborations to support women entrepreneurs by strengthening their access to finance at a workshop held here. 

As part of the workshop, Anna Roy, Mission Director, WEP and Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog, launched several initiatives.

Key highlights included the announcement of a partnership between MAVIM and MSC under FWC to improve access to finance through alternative credit rating mechanisms and work with banks to offer more tailored products for women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra.

An MoU exchange between WEP and GroW Network founded by AfD, SIDBI, and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation; launch of the “Seher” program by TU CIBIL and launch of the Shine program in partnership with CreditEnable to strengthen the credit readiness of women-led enterprises were other initiatives announced to benefit women entrepreneurs. 

Additionally, SEWA Bank’s commitment to reaching out to more women entrepreneurs as a member of FWC was also announced

The event included an engaging session exploring “Perspectives on encouraging banks to finance women beyond SHG groups” and a panel discussion titled “Accelerating women’s access to finance: Unlocking the potential of the women-led economy for achieving Vision 2047.”

The meeting was organised by WEP in partnership with TransUnion CIBIL (TU CIBIL) and MicroSave Consulting (MSC).

Key dignitaries included senior officials from NITI Aayog, RBI, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of MSME, SIDBI, public-sector banks, private-sector financial institutions, CSOs/NGOs, and women entrepreneurs who attended the workshop.

WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform, transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022. WEP aims to strengthen India’s women entrepreneurship ecosystem.

It provides a forum for all ecosystem stakeholders across government, business, philanthropy, and civil society to collaborate, converge, and align their initiatives towards scalable, sustainable and effective programs, enabling a larger impact for women entrepreneurs.

WEP has over 20 public and private sector partners collaborating to strengthen women entrepreneurs in India.

FWC, an initiative of WEP launched in September 2023, aims to enhance access to finance for women entrepreneurs in India. It is chaired by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and co-chaired by TU CIBIL, with MSC as its secretariat.

FWC brings together the financial service sector and organisations working with women entrepreneurs to create a supportive financing ecosystem for women.

ALSO READ: Women Entrepreneurs Get Govt Boost

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Health Lite Blogs Woman

Weight Gain Genes Linked to Early Menstrual Periods in Girl

While the reasons are not fully understood, the study found that 45 per cent of the discovered genetic variants affected puberty indirectly, by increasing weight gain in early childhood…reports Asian Lite News

An international team of scientists has identified genes that can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood.  

The team led by the University of Cambridge studied the DNA of around 800,000 women from Europe, North America, China, Japan, and Korea.

Their results, published in the journal Nature Genetics, showed more than 1,000 variants — small changes in DNA — that influence the age of the first menstrual period. Around 600 of these variants were observed for the first time, the team said.

Normally periods occur between ages 10 to 15, but this has been getting earlier and earlier in recent decades.

While the reasons are not fully understood, the study found that 45 per cent of the discovered genetic variants affected puberty indirectly, by increasing weight gain in early childhood.

“Many of the genes we’ve found influence early puberty by first accelerating weight gain in infants and young children. This can then lead to potentially serious health problems in later life, as having earlier puberty leads to higher rates of overweight and obesity in adulthood,” said Professor John Perry, at the varsity’s Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit.

The scientists also analysed rare genetic variants that are carried by very few people, but which can have large effects on puberty. For example, they found that one in 3,800 women carry variants in the gene ZNF483, which caused these women to experience puberty on average, 1.3 years later.

Dr. Katherine Kentistou, lead study investigator said that the team “identified six genes which all profoundly affect the timing of puberty”.

Besides causing early onset of periods in girls, these genes often had “the same impact on the timing of puberty in boys”.

ALSO READ-Ujaas Launches ‘Menstrual Health Express’ to Break Taboos

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Business Lite Blogs Woman

‘Work Flexibility Key to Women’s Job Retention’

Arundhati Bhattacharya emphasized the significance of comprehending why women exit the workforce and offering them flexible work schedules and locations to retain them…reports Asian Lite News

Former SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya on Friday raised concern over the fact that a very small percentage of women make it to the senior management in different organisations.

She made the comments while delivering her special address during CII’s Rajasthan Women Leadership Summit in Jaipur.

“The reason for this is that women often exit the workforce at various stages, such as during childbearing, when their children are between classes 10 to 12, or when they need to care for the elderly at home. The women workforce should be provided with flexible work schedules and locations,” she said and added that women should make up to 40 to 50 per cent of an organisation’s workforce.

To retain women in the workforce, it is important to understand why they leave and provide them with flexible work schedules and locations, said Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya, who was the first woman chairperson of SBI, further cited the example of how introducing the concept of a sabbatical for up to two years for women in SBI helped more than 650 women retain their jobs.

Talking about skilling, she said that with the leap in technology, there is a need to keep learning, relearning, and unlearning.

“Skilling is a matter of initiative, as plenty of online courses are now available.”

Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank, emphasised the importance of enhancing the visibility of women in the workforce.

He acknowledged that while women are indeed working, their contributions and the time they dedicate to their jobs often go unnoticed or undervalued.

Agarwal stressed that it is crucial for organisations to recognise and appreciate the efforts of female employees, ensuring that their hard work is acknowledged and rewarded.

He also highlighted the need for creating a supportive and secure work environment for women, he said.

Nitin Gupta, Senior Director and Head of CII Rajasthan, said that the primary aim of the summit is to create a platform where women leaders would share their experiences, how they surmounted challenges on their leadership journey and what were the pivotal moments or the events that transformed them as individuals and leaders.

During her welcome remarks, Indian Women Network Chairwoman, Rajasthan, Tanuja Agarwal, said that the objective of the session is to discuss the role of women in nurturing organisational growth.

The Vote of Thanks on the occasion was proposed by Co-Vice Chairwoman, IWN Rajasthan, Nivedita Sarda.

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Fashion Lifestyle Woman

Aayushi Maniar: A Fashion Forward Couture Label From India With A Global Design Perspective

Aayushi Maniar’s inclination towards the love for clothes was discovered at a very young age and since then it’s been her dream to follow that passion and pursue her love for it. Aayushi Maniar began her design journey at Mod’ Art International & Istituti Callegari Milano, driven by a lifelong passion that was sparked during her childhood fascination with fashion. Her brand reflects this profound love, skilfully translating the beauty of nature through vibrant colors and the finesse of prints and embroidery. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

She entered the industry as a styling assistant under renowned fashion stylist Allia Al Rufai, contributing to the styling of Bollywood celebrities such as Anushka Sharma, Nargis Fakhri, Yami Gautam, Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Kangana Ranaut, and more. Today, her creations are embraced by celebrities and influencers like Masoom Minawala, Soha Ali Khan, Jonita Gandhi, Aanam C, Prachi Desai, among others, for a variety of festivals and occasions.

Established in 2016, the “Aayushi Maniar” label is celebrated for its masterful use of floral motifs and keen eye for color, with the breakthrough 2019 collection “Guldasta” defining her distinctive style. The brand’s uniqueness lies in establishing a dedicated space for floral enthusiasts who resonate with our designs. The breakthrough “Guldasta” collection in 2019 marked a defining moment, giving us a distinct floral signature. 

Embracing a global design perspective, our vocabulary is enriched by a myriad of influences, including diverse floral patterns like chintz, Indian, Moghul, botanical, and others. These inspirations converge to shape the creations, offering a reflection of worldwide artistic diversity.

Located in Pali Hill, Bandra, the flagship store offers a warm and inviting studio boutique experience where clients can explore exquisite outfits and indulge in personalized designs tailored to their individual preferences.

The label’s styles comprise fashion forward statement pieces like Cape tops, Pre draped sarees, Lehengas and Anarkalis. The aim is to keep traditional aspects with fresh and renewed perspective that is perfect for a modern woman, a new age bride or her entourage.

“I see the brand expanding its reach to a growing number of clients, becoming the preferred choice for every woman on her Mehendi or Haldi occasion. My goal is to capture this market and establish the label as the go-to for a festive and memorable bridal experience.” said Aayushi Mania, on talking about her future aspiration for her brand. 

Designer- Aayushi Maniar
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‘Baloch women lead protest movement against Pakistan’

Baloch Women Forum released a statement on Tuesday raising concerns over the condition of women in Balochistan, highlighting state-inflicted genocide upon the Baloch community….reports Asian Lite News

Amid repressions, enforced disappearances, economic marginalisation, and severe restrictions on their freedoms, Baloch women are leading an unprecedented protest movement against Pakistan.

Baloch Women Forum released a statement on Tuesday raising concerns over the condition of women in Balochistan, highlighting state-inflicted genocide upon the Baloch community.

The statement mentioned, “Despite facing numerous socio-political challenges, women stand firm in their struggle for justice and the well-being of their families. These women often confront issues such as enforced disappearances, economic marginalisation, and severe restrictions on their freedoms.”

The forum lauded their activism, “driven by love and an unyielding spirit, involves organising protests, advocating for human rights, and raising awareness about the plight of their loved ones.”

The statement also emphasised that Balochistan has been witnessing severe scarcity when it comes to the distribution of essential services and basic amenities.

According to the statement by the Baloch Women Forum “Amid these struggles, the lack of adequate healthcare facilities compounds their suffering. In Balochistan, access to medical services, especially for severe illnesses like cancer, is grossly insufficient. Many women are forced to endure pain without proper diagnosis or treatment, travelling long distances to receive basic medical care. This dire situation highlights a critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure and services in the region.”

The same statement also informed that Hameeda Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, has been admitted to Agha Khan Hospital in Lahore due to the detection of cancer and could not take proper medication in her homeland.

The statement said, “The plight of these women like Hameeda Baloch, who has been fighting and struggling against the issues in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, now fighting against cancer in the Agha Khan Hospital, is a stark reminder of the intersection between political strife and public health crises.”

“Their stories are not just tales of personal suffering but also powerful calls for systemic change. We urge the world to recognise their endurance and join in their fight for a future where their rights and health are secured,” the Baloch Women Forum added. (ANI)

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Lite Blogs Woman

BTF Honours Women Achievers

Through the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, we aim to shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories and accomplishments of women, highlighting their invaluable contributions to society, culture, and the arts…reports Asian Lite News

In celebration of International Women’s Day and in recognition of the remarkable contributions of women, the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF) annually honors women from diverse backgrounds and disciplines across the West Midlands. This special initiative underscores the importance of celebrating the achievements and impact of women globally. Through the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, we aim to shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories and accomplishments of women, highlighting their invaluable contributions to society, culture, and the arts.

The inspiring women honored during the BTF 2023 were:

  • Carmen Watson DL, Chair of Pertemps Network Group: Carmen Watson has made significant contributions in the field of recruitment and employment, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Elizabeth Kardynal, Founder and Managing Director at European Welfare Association: Elizabeth Kardynal has dedicated her career to supporting the welfare of European migrants, providing essential services and advocacy to improve their lives in the UK.
  • Josie Belt, Facilities Manager, Sense Touch Base Pears, Birmingham: Josie Belt has shown unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive environment for individuals with complex disabilities, ensuring that the facilities at Sense Touch Base Pears are accessible and welcoming.
  • Sarah Rennie DL, Accessibility and inclusion consultant, trainer, and non-practising solicitor: Sarah Rennie has made impactful strides in promoting accessibility and inclusion across various sectors, advocating for the rights and needs of disabled individuals.

Through the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, these remarkable women are celebrated for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to society. Their stories inspire future generations and highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting the achievements of women globally.

ALSO READ-10th Annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival Receives Blessings from PMs of India and UK

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Business India News Woman

Indian Women Embrace Mobile Internet

Chennai: Chennai: Students check their results to Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class XII examinations on their mobile phones, in Chennai on May 16, 2018. (Photo: IANS)

In 2023, an additional 120 million women connected to the internet via mobile globally….reports Asian Lite News

Women’s internet adoption on mobile phones has reached 37 per cent in India, while adoption among men remains stable, narrowing the gender gap from 40 per cent to 30 per cent, a global report showed on Wednesday.

In 2023, an additional 120 million women connected to the internet via mobile globally.

More women in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are using mobile internet than ever before, 1.5 billion (66 per cent) in total, according to the report by the GSMA, a global organisation that represents mobile network operators worldwide.

However, an alarming 785 million women remain unconnected, with approximately 60 per cent in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the annual ‘Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024’ by the GSMA.

Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion at the GSMA, said that the reduction in the mobile internet gender gap is promising but “sustaining momentum is fragile”.

“We are collaborating with the industry, policymakers and other relevant partners to address key barriers including affordability, awareness and digital skills,” Sibthorpe added.

The GSMA estimates that closing the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage across LMICs could deliver an additional $230 billion in revenue to the mobile industry over an eight-year period.

The gender gap in mobile internet adoption across LMICs has narrowed for the first time since 2020, driven by women adopting it at a faster rate than men, particularly in South Asia.

Women are now 15 per cent less likely than men to use mobile internet across LMICs, the findings showed.

Across LMICs, there are now 1.4 billion women who own a smartphone, meaning that 60 per cent of women now own a smartphone device.

However, there are still 40 per cent of women in these countries, totalling 940 million, who do not own a smartphone.

“Mobile remains the primary — and often only — way people in LMICs access the internet, accounting for 84 per cent of broadband connections in 2023,” the report noted.

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