Women in Islam: Mukhtar Mai in the spotlight during US visit

A smile for the future

To the end, Pakistani gang-rape victim Mukhtaran Bibi (aka Mukthar Mai) faced obstacles in garnering support abroad for her efforts to fight sexual violence in Pakistan. Charged by President Pervez Musharraf of washing Pakistan’s dirty linen outside the country, followed by insinuations that women like Mai (the “weak sex”, in his words) exploit rape as a route to riches – determined, apparently, by the throngs of rich rape victims in Pakistan.

Mai traveled outside Pakistan this week to receive a series of awards and accolades in the US, as well as to raise money for Pakistani rape and earthquake victims. While the main event – being awarded Glamour Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” award in New York on November 2 – gives the impression that Mai is a cause celebre among non-Muslims seeking to “liberate” Muslim women, Mai is spending more of her time meeting with American Muslim and South Asian groups who are concerned about violence against Muslim women, and who are working to make her cause a Muslim and Pakistani (rather than a Western) one.

To that end, a coalition of American Muslim organizations are planning to release a statement of support during her visit, calling for a “Muslim-led condemnation of injustice” in Muslim countries. “Despite suffering the worst of crimes, Mukhtar Mai has emerged as a pioneer for the rights and concerns of women in her country,” explained supporter Asif Sheikh. “Muslim communities must pay homage to her exceptional character and answer her challenge to promote the welfare of all women.”

Mai has consistently described her struggle as one supported by the tenets of Islam, and has actively embraced Muslim support of her cause. “I am a Pakistani and I have no intention of tarnishing the country’s image,” said Mai. “But I will speak on the plight of women in rural areas.” In order to avoid overshadowing the continued relief efforts in the earthquake-ravaged areas of Pakistan, Mai is taking 25% of her Glamour prize money and donating it to earthquake victims, with the balance to be used for women’s projects and the school she founded in her hometown.

“Whoever I will meet in the United States,” said Mai,”I will appeal for help and donations for the people in Pakistan affected by the earthquake.” (Mai also plans to urge Congress to pledge an additional $50 million in relief aid, specifically earmarked for women and children.)

Like civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who passed away this week, Mukthar Mai broke the code of silence surrounding the treatment of women in rural Pakistan. And while Western organizations shower her with accolades, Mai’s American Muslim hosts are hoping that the larger Muslim community doesn’t miss the bus.

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.