The West Bengal chapter of the All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA) organized a women’s convention on Ideal Muslimah at the Milli Al Ameen College Auditorium in Kolkata on Sunday, 2nd February 2025. The event, presided over by AIMWA President Dr. Asma Zehra, saw participation from women across the state, with discussions focusing on education, empowerment, and pressing concerns surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Dr. Nilam Gazala, AIMWA Vice President, served as the convener, while Ms. Hawwa Mateen acted as the joint convener. The program featured a presentation on AIMWA’s activities at the state level, including a report by Ms. Hawwa on Tarbiyati (training and moral education) programs for young girls.
The convention also hosted several guest speakers. Ms. Huda Rawal, Secretary of AIMWA Mumbai, spoke on the role of teachers in women’s empowerment, while senior educationist Ms. Waheeda Syed from Mumbai addressed the contemporary challenges faced by Muslim women. A group of young girls performed a skit depicting the impact of modern civilization on youth.
In her presidential address, Dr. Asma Zehra mentioned the Quranic importance of education and knowledge. She underscored the common challenges faced by Muslim women and stressed that a strong sense of Ukhuwwat (sisterhood) can foster a supportive environment for community upliftment. “Illiteracy, poverty, and marginalization can only be tackled through hard work, coordination, and a committed team,” she said.
Dr. Zehra also expressed deep concerns over the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand and the recent approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Dr. Zehra called these developments a serious infringement on constitutional rights. “The government is ignoring the voices of thousands of Muslim organizations and stakeholders. We must break the shackles of ignorance and take immediate action to protect our institutions,” she said.
Dr. Nilam Gazala, in her concluding remarks, thanked attendees for their support and reaffirmed AIMWA’s commitment to education and community service. She noted that the organization has been expanding its reach to the poorest and most remote areas of Kolkata and West Bengal. “More than 35 empowered women and over 40 girls are part of our core team, actively participating in both online and offline programs,” she added.
She also raised alarms over the Waqf Amendment Bill, saying the act poses a direct threat to masajid (mosques), madrasas, graveyards, Eidgahs, orphanages, and other charitable institutions. “The inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board and the transfer of its authority to government-appointed collectors is unacceptable. We need to act swiftly,” she urged.
The convention saw a strong turnout, with hundreds of women participating in discussions and calls to action aimed at safeguarding community rights.
