| From | Muslims for Progressive Values <[email protected]> |
| Subject | CSW67 Activities and Highlights |
| Date | March 6, 2023 8:21 PM |
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96
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MPV Newsletter
March 2023
Leadership Note
Prejudice and Patriarchal decision of Sindh High Court
While there are waves of progressive movements, Pakistan seems to be far behind in making mainstream media inclusive for all.
Recently, a Canadian-Pakistani musician, Urvah Khan, was denied permission to hold a music festival called ScrapFest by Sindh
high court in Karachi. Over the past few years, Urvah Khan has touched many Pakistanis around the world with her incredible
music which blends of our south Asian music with Rock. Many south Asian Queer, Transgender and gender non-binary people see
Urvah as a performer with overwhelmingly positive impact on all of us, as there aren’t many of us. This Supreme Court
decision is an indication of male dominant patriarchal influence on legal court decisions. Regardless of reasoning provided
by the officials, it seems obvious to Muslims like myself that the court decisions are made to comfort the religious
conservatives who have been spreading hate against Trans, Khwaja Sira, communities and have been using Sharia as a tool to
hate. From embellishing musicians of Lyari, a low-income community of Karachi, to the music video of ‘Oh Pakistan’ that was
recorded on the streets of Karachi where she spent her childhood, Urvah’s work represents love and inclusion for all.
On the other hand, ‘Sar-e-Rah’, a mainstream media show about a young female taxi driver shows a successful queer person with
a very supporting Muslim father that was very well received by the public. In Sar-e-Rah, Writer, Adeel Razzaq, and Director,
Ahmed Bhatti, focused on highlighting challenges of women and gender minorities in current culture. After watching Sar-e-Rah,
many queer folks like myself felt as if it is indeed a step forward for mainstream community to think outside the ‘Sharia
box’ that religious conservatives, politicians, and government has used for many decades to oppress Khwaja Sira. However,
banning a talented artist, Urvah Khan, to host a festival is an indication of existing Sharia based violence, prejudice,
discrimination and seems outdated with current culture of Pakistan. It is hypocritical to me to prevent minorities from
having spaces where they get to be themselves and feel safe. If we are putting in efforts to show positive representation of
Queer and Trans children in mainstream media, it is extremely crucial to our culture that comes from 6000 years old history
of performing arts to be continued with live music festivals and concerts. In Pakistan, there are millions of Transgenders,
Khwaja Sira’, that are out and live their authentic lives and could have benefited from ScarpFest. With having a handful
number of seats in the position of power, a large percentage has been refrained from basic human rights such as education,
employment opportunities, residence and now from attending a music festival. We can bring change if artists like Urvah Khan
are given the same opportunities that are given to mainstream artists. If locals are exposed to events like ScarpFest, it
might connect Pakistanis from all walks of life in one space hence changing our image globally through media. If officials of
high court continue to restrict public access to such events to comfort conservatives, how do we expect gender minorities to
have equal opportunities as other Pakistanis? What message are we sending to the world about tolerance in Pakistan? If we
keep restricting opportunities from khwaja Sira communities, how can we expect them to contribute to re-build Pakistan?
Meanwhile, neighboring India continues to grow with diverse representation in Bollywood in films like ‘Sheer Qorma’.
In Pakistan, performing arts and media can bring back our traditions that are lost behind the walls of Sharia by conservative
leaders and it will only happen if Pakistanis stop staying quiet about such court decisions. Muslims for Progressive Values
have long challenged the use of sharia law as a tool of hate and discrimination. We urge Pakistanis and everyone to sign onto
MPV's #NoHateInMyFaith campaign ( [link removed] ), which pushes back against patriarchal and
unjust prejudice against “the other”, whoever that “other” is.
Kandeel Javid
MPV Boston & MPV Marriage Services Officiant
UN Updates
CSW67
As a member of the United Nations inter-agency TaskForce’s Multi-faith Advisory Council and as co-chair of its Gender Working
Group, MPV’s Ani Zonneveld will be moderating an in-person official parallel session titled “Perspectives on Empowering Women
through Effective Collaboration in Challenging Contexts ( [link removed] )”.
Speakers:
Daisy Khan, WISE ( [link removed] )
Rev. Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe, Global Interfaith Network ( [link removed] )
Sarah Green, American Jewish World Service ( [link removed] )
Moderator: Ani Zonneveld, President, Muslims for Progressive Values ( [link removed] )
Event Details
March 13, 2:30 to 4:00 PM EST
10th Floor, Church Center of the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
Image
UN Updates
CSW67
MPV’s #ImamsForShe initiative will be presented by our Burundi Project Manager Imam Khalfan on the March 9 panel, “The Role
of Faith Based Organizations in Combating Violations of Women's Rights" ( [link removed] ), at 10 AM EST. Register below to watch on Zoom or watching on the WJC website ( [link removed] ) or on Facebook live ( [link removed] ).
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
Image
International Updates
Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law
The Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law held its first Communications Advocacy meeting in mid February in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Kelsey Hatchitt, MPV’s Program and Development Administrator, represented Muslims for Progressive Values
during the meeting, where effective communication strategies were discussed in preparation of the official launch of the
Campaign formal communications.
More about the Campaign ( [link removed] )
Image
Events
Promoting Women’s Rights to Child Custody in Islam
Please join Muslims for Progressive Values and the Faith to Action Network ( [link removed] ) for
Dialogue 5, Promoting Women’s Rights to Child Custody in Islam ( [link removed] ), of Faith to Action Network’s Global
Dialogue to unpack the concept of custody in Islamic law with a particular focus on the right of women to child custody from
the perspective of progressive Muslim thought.
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
National Updates
ERA Coalition
This month, for
the first time in decades, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the ERA.
The #Faith4ERA ( [link removed]*NK-R ) campaign submitted a testimony to the committee to voice strong interfaith support for the ERA and to urge the Senate to
act.
Read the full statement ( [link removed] )
Image
National Updates
Events
Check out the calendar on the MPV website to view all of our chapter, national, and international events for the next month.
Our Calendar ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV in the Media
Paris 2022 Convention
Last year at the Islam XXI Conference in Paris, MPV’s Ani Zonneveld was interviewed on questions regarding apostasy and
blasphemy laws. We invite you to watch the full interview on Youtube at the link below. The interview is in English and
includes French subtitles.
Watch Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Show your Support
Donate Your Zakat to MPV
to support the proliferation of the #ImamsForShe ( [link removed] ) Program, Alliance of
Inclusive Muslims, our Chaplaincy Services, our Chapters, & our education & advocacy efforts.
Make a Donation ( [link removed] )
Image
Now Available
Hindu Muslim Marriage Issues
written by MPV marriage officiant, Mike Mohamed Ghouse is now available for purchase on MPV's website for those with
questions about Muslim-Hindu interfaith relationships.
Purchase Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Just Launched
The Women in Islam Series
is a public education series that demonstrates the compatibility of Islam & feminism & expand public knowledge on the
explicit right that Muslim women have to human rights. Over the series, we'll be publishing 11 pieces of educational contents
that promote a woman’s right to bodily autonomy from a progressive Islamic perspective.
Discover Part I ( [link removed] )
Image
Opportunity
A team of researchers at Columbia University is conducting a large scale study on nonbelievers. Those who qualify are invited
to complete a brief online survey and/or a 60 minute interview. Participants who complete the survey ( [link removed] ) will be entered into a raffle to win one of (80) $50
Amazon gift cards, while participants who complete the interview ( [link removed] ) are eligible for a $25 electronic Amazon gift
card.
Please contact Dena Abbott ([email protected] ( [email protected] )) or Melanie Brewster ([email protected] (
[email protected] )) with any questions.
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV Newsletter
March 2023
Leadership Note
Prejudice and Patriarchal decision of Sindh High Court
While there are waves of progressive movements, Pakistan seems to be far behind in making mainstream media inclusive for all.
Recently, a Canadian-Pakistani musician, Urvah Khan, was denied permission to hold a music festival called ScrapFest by Sindh
high court in Karachi. Over the past few years, Urvah Khan has touched many Pakistanis around the world with her incredible
music which blends of our south Asian music with Rock. Many south Asian Queer, Transgender and gender non-binary people see
Urvah as a performer with overwhelmingly positive impact on all of us, as there aren’t many of us. This Supreme Court
decision is an indication of male dominant patriarchal influence on legal court decisions. Regardless of reasoning provided
by the officials, it seems obvious to Muslims like myself that the court decisions are made to comfort the religious
conservatives who have been spreading hate against Trans, Khwaja Sira, communities and have been using Sharia as a tool to
hate. From embellishing musicians of Lyari, a low-income community of Karachi, to the music video of ‘Oh Pakistan’ that was
recorded on the streets of Karachi where she spent her childhood, Urvah’s work represents love and inclusion for all.
On the other hand, ‘Sar-e-Rah’, a mainstream media show about a young female taxi driver shows a successful queer person with
a very supporting Muslim father that was very well received by the public. In Sar-e-Rah, Writer, Adeel Razzaq, and Director,
Ahmed Bhatti, focused on highlighting challenges of women and gender minorities in current culture. After watching Sar-e-Rah,
many queer folks like myself felt as if it is indeed a step forward for mainstream community to think outside the ‘Sharia
box’ that religious conservatives, politicians, and government has used for many decades to oppress Khwaja Sira. However,
banning a talented artist, Urvah Khan, to host a festival is an indication of existing Sharia based violence, prejudice,
discrimination and seems outdated with current culture of Pakistan. It is hypocritical to me to prevent minorities from
having spaces where they get to be themselves and feel safe. If we are putting in efforts to show positive representation of
Queer and Trans children in mainstream media, it is extremely crucial to our culture that comes from 6000 years old history
of performing arts to be continued with live music festivals and concerts. In Pakistan, there are millions of Transgenders,
Khwaja Sira’, that are out and live their authentic lives and could have benefited from ScarpFest. With having a handful
number of seats in the position of power, a large percentage has been refrained from basic human rights such as education,
employment opportunities, residence and now from attending a music festival. We can bring change if artists like Urvah Khan
are given the same opportunities that are given to mainstream artists. If locals are exposed to events like ScarpFest, it
might connect Pakistanis from all walks of life in one space hence changing our image globally through media. If officials of
high court continue to restrict public access to such events to comfort conservatives, how do we expect gender minorities to
have equal opportunities as other Pakistanis? What message are we sending to the world about tolerance in Pakistan? If we
keep restricting opportunities from khwaja Sira communities, how can we expect them to contribute to re-build Pakistan?
Meanwhile, neighboring India continues to grow with diverse representation in Bollywood in films like ‘Sheer Qorma’.
In Pakistan, performing arts and media can bring back our traditions that are lost behind the walls of Sharia by conservative
leaders and it will only happen if Pakistanis stop staying quiet about such court decisions. Muslims for Progressive Values
have long challenged the use of sharia law as a tool of hate and discrimination. We urge Pakistanis and everyone to sign onto
MPV's #NoHateInMyFaith campaign ( [link removed] ), which pushes back against patriarchal and
unjust prejudice against “the other”, whoever that “other” is.
Kandeel Javid
MPV Boston & MPV Marriage Services Officiant
UN Updates
CSW67
As a member of the United Nations inter-agency TaskForce’s Multi-faith Advisory Council and as co-chair of its Gender Working
Group, MPV’s Ani Zonneveld will be moderating an in-person official parallel session titled “Perspectives on Empowering Women
through Effective Collaboration in Challenging Contexts ( [link removed] )”.
Speakers:
Daisy Khan, WISE ( [link removed] )
Rev. Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe, Global Interfaith Network ( [link removed] )
Sarah Green, American Jewish World Service ( [link removed] )
Moderator: Ani Zonneveld, President, Muslims for Progressive Values ( [link removed] )
Event Details
March 13, 2:30 to 4:00 PM EST
10th Floor, Church Center of the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
Image
UN Updates
CSW67
MPV’s #ImamsForShe initiative will be presented by our Burundi Project Manager Imam Khalfan on the March 9 panel, “The Role
of Faith Based Organizations in Combating Violations of Women's Rights" ( [link removed] ), at 10 AM EST. Register below to watch on Zoom or watching on the WJC website ( [link removed] ) or on Facebook live ( [link removed] ).
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
Image
International Updates
Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law
The Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law held its first Communications Advocacy meeting in mid February in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Kelsey Hatchitt, MPV’s Program and Development Administrator, represented Muslims for Progressive Values
during the meeting, where effective communication strategies were discussed in preparation of the official launch of the
Campaign formal communications.
More about the Campaign ( [link removed] )
Image
Events
Promoting Women’s Rights to Child Custody in Islam
Please join Muslims for Progressive Values and the Faith to Action Network ( [link removed] ) for
Dialogue 5, Promoting Women’s Rights to Child Custody in Islam ( [link removed] ), of Faith to Action Network’s Global
Dialogue to unpack the concept of custody in Islamic law with a particular focus on the right of women to child custody from
the perspective of progressive Muslim thought.
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
National Updates
ERA Coalition
This month, for
the first time in decades, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the ERA.
The #Faith4ERA ( [link removed]*NK-R ) campaign submitted a testimony to the committee to voice strong interfaith support for the ERA and to urge the Senate to
act.
Read the full statement ( [link removed] )
Image
National Updates
Events
Check out the calendar on the MPV website to view all of our chapter, national, and international events for the next month.
Our Calendar ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV in the Media
Paris 2022 Convention
Last year at the Islam XXI Conference in Paris, MPV’s Ani Zonneveld was interviewed on questions regarding apostasy and
blasphemy laws. We invite you to watch the full interview on Youtube at the link below. The interview is in English and
includes French subtitles.
Watch Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Show your Support
Donate Your Zakat to MPV
to support the proliferation of the #ImamsForShe ( [link removed] ) Program, Alliance of
Inclusive Muslims, our Chaplaincy Services, our Chapters, & our education & advocacy efforts.
Make a Donation ( [link removed] )
Image
Now Available
Hindu Muslim Marriage Issues
written by MPV marriage officiant, Mike Mohamed Ghouse is now available for purchase on MPV's website for those with
questions about Muslim-Hindu interfaith relationships.
Purchase Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Just Launched
The Women in Islam Series
is a public education series that demonstrates the compatibility of Islam & feminism & expand public knowledge on the
explicit right that Muslim women have to human rights. Over the series, we'll be publishing 11 pieces of educational contents
that promote a woman’s right to bodily autonomy from a progressive Islamic perspective.
Discover Part I ( [link removed] )
Image
Opportunity
A team of researchers at Columbia University is conducting a large scale study on nonbelievers. Those who qualify are invited
to complete a brief online survey and/or a 60 minute interview. Participants who complete the survey ( [link removed] ) will be entered into a raffle to win one of (80) $50
Amazon gift cards, while participants who complete the interview ( [link removed] ) are eligible for a $25 electronic Amazon gift
card.
Please contact Dena Abbott ([email protected] ( [email protected] )) or Melanie Brewster ([email protected] (
[email protected] )) with any questions.
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Message Analysis
- Sender: Muslims for Progressive Values
- Political Party: n/a
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: n/a
- Office: n/a