{"id":2009,"date":"2005-10-27T03:25:00","date_gmt":"2005-10-27T08:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/altmuslim\/?p=2009"},"modified":"2005-10-27T03:25:00","modified_gmt":"2005-10-27T08:25:00","slug":"mukhtar_mai_in_the_spotlight_during_us_visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/altmuslim\/2005\/10\/mukhtar_mai_in_the_spotlight_during_us_visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Women in Islam: Mukhtar Mai in the spotlight during US visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>\n\n\n
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A smile for the future<\/div>\n

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To the end, Pakistani gang-rape victim Mukhtaran Bibi (aka Mukthar Mai) faced obstacles<\/a> in garnering support abroad for her efforts to fight sexual violence in Pakistan. Charged by President Pervez Musharraf of washing Pakistan\u2019s dirty linen<\/a> outside the country, followed by insinuations that women like Mai (the \u201cweak sex\u201d, in his words<\/a>) exploit rape as a route to riches<\/a> \u2013 determined, apparently, by the throngs of rich rape victims in Pakistan. <\/p>\n

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 \u2013 being awarded<\/a> Glamour Magazine\u2019s \u201cWoman of the Year\u201d award in New York on November 2 \u2013 gives the impression that Mai is a cause celebre among non-Muslims seeking to \u201cliberate\u201d Muslim women, Mai is spending more of her time meeting with American Muslim and South Asian groups who are concerned<\/a> about violence against Muslim women, and who are working to make her cause a Muslim and Pakistani (rather than a Western) one. <\/p>\n

To that end, a coalition of American Muslim organizations are planning to release a statement of support<\/a> during her visit, calling for a \u201cMuslim-led condemnation of injustice\u201d in Muslim countries. \u201cDespite suffering the worst of crimes, Mukhtar Mai has emerged as a pioneer for the rights and concerns of women in her country,\u201d explained supporter Asif Sheikh. \u201cMuslim communities must pay homage to her exceptional character and answer her challenge to promote the welfare of all women.\u201d <\/p>\n

Mai has consistently described her struggle as one supported by the tenets of Islam, and has actively embraced Muslim support of her cause. \u201cI am a Pakistani and I have no intention<\/a> of tarnishing the country\u2019s image,\u201d said Mai. \u201cBut I will speak on the plight of women in rural areas.\u201d 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\u2019s projects and the school she founded in her hometown. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever I will meet in the United States,\u201d said Mai,\u201dI will appeal for help and donations<\/a> for the people in Pakistan affected by the earthquake.\u201d (Mai also plans to urge Congress<\/a> to pledge an additional $50 million in relief aid, specifically earmarked for women and children.) <\/p>\n

Like civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks<\/a>, who passed away this week, Mukthar Mai broke the code of silence<\/a> surrounding the treatment of women in rural Pakistan. And while Western organizations shower her with accolades, Mai\u2019s American Muslim hosts are hoping that the larger Muslim community doesn\u2019t miss the bus.<\/p>\n

<\/i><\/p>\n

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.\n<\/p>\n

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