“Mr. Parliamentarian, meetings can wait, listen to us first!”

We are empowered because we know our rights. This was the message from over 150 Muslim women, who gathered in Delhi to discuss entitlements that have been long denied.

“Budget meetings can wait. First hear us through. It is important,” said Nishat from Rajasthan, as Member of Parliament, P.V. Abdul Wahab tried to cut short regional presentations to speak before his scheduled time.

After this polite assertion, not only did Mr. Wahab stay on, but he also announced a 100,000 Rs. contribution to the Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolam (BMMA), praising the work being done by this national women’s movement, of which ActionAid is a part.

Striving for rights

“Dejection sets in from years of neglect and marginalisation. It can leave women dependent on those who claim to represent the community,” said Naish Hasan, who represents BMMA in Uttar Pradesh.

“But it is different when those whose rights have been usurped or denied start speaking out themselves,” she added promptly.

Some 30 organisations working for the rights of Muslim women took part in a national consultation on the Sachar Committee recommendations (13-14 March), sharing findings from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Nishat underlined the need for greater awareness among Muslim women of their rights: “We can only make effective demands when we know what we are entitled to,” she stated.

Doors closed

“How do you come to terms with the fact that even in a settlement that has over half a million population there was no bank, just because it is home to a particular community?” said Noorjhan Diwan speaking of a town in Gujarat. After a year long struggle led by BMMA, a state bank branch is now operational, she added.

Participants from different states voiced similar concerns, pointing to systemic neglect of Muslim communities, even where schemes and institutions are specifically meant for minorities.

“In over six settlements not even one person is registered as Below Poverty Line,” said Kamela sharing experience from the predominantly Muslim population of Ilayangudi Taluka, Tamil Nadu, where she works.

This means they are left out in the cold as far as state schemes for the poor are concerned, she added.

Strength in unity

The Indian Muslim Women’s Movement has already taken discussion of entitlements recommended by the Sachar Committee to villages and urban slums. And they plan to make implementation an election issue.

“Standing alone as a person from a marginalised group can leave you isolated but since the time we formed BMMA, we are a force to reckon with,” said Razia Patel.

“We will press the issue with political parties; we know how to create pressure,” adds Noorjhan. Hundreds and thousands of postcards will be sent to the President of India, asking for schools and civic amenities that are still missing.”