Women Journalists Barred: Taliban Presser In New Delhi Restricts Entry Of Females
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 October 2025
· Women Journalists Barred: Taliban Presser In New Delhi Restricts Entry Of Females
· Saudi Philanthropist Rania Moualla Honoured At International Awards Event
· Princess Sora Bint Saud Launches Interactive Book Celebrating Riyadh
· Why UAE Women Are Falling In Love With Coloured Abayas With A Unique Twist
· ‘Be The Phoenix’: Izla Foundation For Syrian Women Launches In Daramsuq (Damascus)
· Iran MP Proposes Work Incentives For Marriage, Childbirth
· Priyanka Gandhi Slams Modi Over Women Journalists’ Exclusion From Taliban Representative's Press Event
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/women-journalists-taliban-entry-females/d/137202
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Women Journalists Barred: Taliban Presser In New Delhi Restricts Entry Of Females
Oct 11, 2025
Amir Khan Muttaqi (PTI photo)
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NEW DELHI: A press conference by Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday drew attention not for what was said, but for who wasn’t in the room. Women journalists were not allowed to attend the event, which was restricted to a handful of male reporters.
The interaction, held at the Afghan Embassy just hours after Muttaqi’s talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, appeared to mirror the gender restrictions long criticised under the Taliban regime.
According to people familiar with the matter, the decision on which journalists would be invited was made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi.
The Indian side, news agency PTI reported, had suggested that women reporters should also be included among the invitees, a recommendation that was evidently not accepted.
Former Union home minister P Chidambaram expressed shock over the incident, saying "men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded".
"I am shocked that women journalists were excluded from the press conference addressed by Mr Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan In my personal view, the men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded (or not invited)," Chidambaram wrote on X.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's position on the issue and said his "recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other".
"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India. If your recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other, then how has this insult to some of India’s most competent women been allowed in our country, a country whose women are its backbone and its pride," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote on X.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra said: "Govt has dishonoured every single Indian woman by allowing Taliban minister to exclude women journalists from presser. Shameful bunch of spineless hypocrites."
The Taliban government in Kabul has faced sustained global condemnation, including from the United Nations, for its curbs on women’s rights, education, and participation in public life.
Amid the backlash, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified to news agency ANI that India had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by Muttaqi.
When asked about the condition of women in Afghanistan, Muttaqi sidestepped the question. Instead, he maintained that each country had its own systems and values that should be respected.
“Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and there should be respect for them,” he said.
Muttaqi claimed that Afghanistan’s situation had improved since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, contrasting current conditions with the years before.
“Some 200 to 400 people died in Afghanistan every day before Taliban started ruling the country,” he said.
“In these four years, there have been no such losses. Laws are in force and every one has their rights. Those who are engaging in propaganda are making a mistake,” Muttaqi claimed.
Defending his government’s record, he added: "Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and works according to those. It is not correct that people are not given their rights. If people were not happy with the system and the laws, why has peace returned?"
Even as Muttaqi painted a picture of stability, the absence of women journalists at his own press conference put in light the very issue that continues to define Afghanistan’s global image, a peace built without the voices of half its population.\
Source: indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/women-journalists-barred-taliban-presser-in-new-delhi-restricts-entry-of-females-draws-ire/articleshow/124468538.cms
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Saudi Philanthropist Rania Moualla Honoured At International Awards Event
October 10, 2025
Rania Moualla, ZADK Culinary Academy founder and chairwoman, has received global recognition for her pioneering social entrepreneurship and contributions to community development. (Supplied)
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DHAHRAN: Rania Moualla, ZADK Culinary Academy founder and chairwoman, has received global recognition for her pioneering social entrepreneurship and contributions to community development.
The Saudi philanthropist received a prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The award recognizes her leadership, transformative vision and efforts to promote education, sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage through gastronomy.
Moualla said: “ZADK is more than just a non-profit culinary academy — our goal is to preserve local culture, protect heritage, promote job creation, emphasize sustainability and drive social transformation. I’m thrilled that our success has now been recognized on the international stage.”
ZADK aims to drive positive social change through excellence in culinary education and innovation. It provides a foundation for passionate Saudis who aspire to be chefs and restaurateurs, nurturing their creativity and knowledge while emphasizing local culture and cuisine.
It provides scholarships for qualifying students and offers a range of culinary courses, including a two-year higher culinary diploma, a one-year associate diploma, and a six-month professional certificate program, along with shorter courses and other services.
The comprehensive training programs aim to prepare students for the workplace, providing employers with competent employees who add value in a professional environment.
The Fair Saturday Awards were launched in 2017 with the aim of recognizing the initiatives of inspiring individuals and organizations, which have proven to generate social impact through art and culture. They emphasize the value of promoting new models of action with the mission of generating more inclusive, fair and sustainable growth.
Other recipients of the 2025 Fair Saturday Awards include Nobel laureate in economics, Joseph Stiglitz; journalist and author Martin Wolf; actress Adjoa Andoh; dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh; pianist Joaquin Achucarro; and cultural association Gerediaga Elkartea.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618451/saudi-arabia
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Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh
Rahaf Jambi
October 10, 2025
RIYADH: Princess Sora bint Saud recently unveiled “Riyadh,” the first book in her Sora Collection, which is a series of interactive publications designed to highlight the culture, history, and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s regions.
The luxury edition combines storytelling, illustration, and creative design, offering readers an immersive experience of the Saudi capital.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to Riyadh, showcasing historic landmarks including Al-Masmak Fortress and the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, alongside modern icons such as the Kingdom Tower and Al-Faisaliah Tower.
It also highlights traditional markets and heritage dishes including “haneeni,” “matazeez,” and “marqooq,” desert activities, and cultural experiences that capture the city’s unique character.
Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. I began the project back in 2022, and it took time to bring together all the right elements, from the concept and design to storytelling … to present it in the best way possible.
“The idea came from realizing that there wasn’t anything simple yet meaningful that covered all regions of Saudi Arabia in a creative and accessible way. I wanted to create something that could serve as a starting point for readers, especially children, to build their curiosity and discoveries from.
“Each book is designed to inspire, while also living beautifully as a coffee table piece that invites conversation, pride, and connection to our culture.
“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.”
Crafted with historical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, the books provide an educational yet engaging experience for readers of all ages.
The launch comes amid Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism renaissance under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading global destination.
Princess Sora’s series is expected to attract wide interest from readers, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.
It presents “Riyadh” as more than a book but as a starting to discover Saudi Arabia in all its richness and diversity.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618476/saudi-arabia
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Why UAE women are falling in love with coloured Abayas with a unique twist
October 11, 2025
Dubai: There was a time when young Emirati Ghalya Alawadhi, 21, wanted to mix things up when it came to her traditional black abaya.
She was used to the familiar graceful cover-up lining the racks of her wardrobe, but to her surprise, a splash of pink seemed to call her name from among the classics. It was a welcome change that she has embraced since that fashion evolution.
“I started wearing colored abayas before the trend took off, and it quickly became a part of my style,” said Ghalya in an interview with Gulf News over the phone.
She isn’t alone. For many Emiratis across all emirates, colored abayas are not just about style, but about finding the perfect balance between cultural heritage and individuality.
“Colored abayas have become popular because they let girls express individuality while still keeping the traditional modest style,” said Ghalya who has embraced the trend.
“Softer pastels and bold tones feel more modern and stylish, making them easy to match with accessories. They’re also seen as a way to balance cultural roots with fashion trends."
Others, too, are finding joy in experimenting with shades beyond black, proving this trend isn’t just for young girls. Laila Alfarsi, 47, says she enjoys adding color alongside her classic abayas.
“I still love my elegant black ones, but experimenting with ocean blue and dusty lavender adds a spark to my day,” she told Gulf News with a smile. “I never expected an abaya to get more compliments than my handbags, but here we are!”
Designers, across the GCC, are quick to jump on this surge in demand. When Gulf News spoke to a cross-section of Abaya designers in the UAE, they said they are responding robustly to this demand. Think innovative collections that infuse color, patterns and modern tailoring into the abaya while staying true to its cultural significance.
“For us, designing colored abayas is all about giving the younger generation a chance to really express their vibe, personality, and individuality,” said Amira Suleman, 23, and Farina Suleman, 35, founders of amiiraofficial, a abaya business gaining traction on social media. “It’s a modern twist that feels fresh while still respecting our culture and traditions, and that balance is what makes it so exciting.”
According to the designers, bold color palettes are defining this year’s collections.
“We’re definitely seeing bolder colour choices right now, soft blues, deep reds, neutrals like beige and off-white, and butter yellow has been a favorite! When it comes to patterns, florals are still huge, alongside abstract prints,” they added.
Bridging tradition and modernity
Other homegrown brands echo the same vision, seeing colored abayas as a bridge between heritage and contemporary expression.
“Two Styles was created by two sisters with two very different styles, yet the same love for fashion and individuality. That’s the heart of our brand, celebrating uniqueness while embracing our culture,” said sisters Hend Al Usaimi, 24, and Ghaya Al Usaimi, 21, founders of Two Styles, an abaya business highlighting the fusion of culture and individuality.
“We chose to design colored abayas because we see them as a bridge between tradition and modern expression. For the younger Emirati generation, adding color makes the abaya more personal, versatile, and aligned with their individuality, while still respecting heritage.”
Celebrities Driving the Trend
Color isn’t just catching on among young fashion enthusiasts, public figures are embracing it too. Emirati beauty queen Noura Al Jasmi, crowned Miss Earth UAE 2024, has been turning heads in vibrant abayas that radiate confidence and personality.
A growing movement
The rise of colored abayas reflects a wider shift in the UAE’s fashion landscape, where modest wear is evolving to include more experimentation and global influences, while continuing to prioritize cultural values.
For young women like Ghalya, this evolution feels empowering.
“Wearing colored abayas feels like a way to stand out while still staying modest. They bring freshness compared to plain black, and different shades can reflect mood, personality, or even the occasion,” she said.
With social media amplifying the visibility of these new designs, colored abayas are no longer seen as a fleeting trend, but as a defining statement of modern Emirati style, one that celebrates both individuality and tradition.
Source: gulfnews.com
https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/why-uae-women-are-falling-in-love-with-coloured-abayas-with-a-unique-twist-1.500303175
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‘Be the Phoenix’: Izla Foundation for Syrian Women launches in Daramsuq (Damascus)
10/10/2025
DARAMSUQ — On Thursday, under the slogan Be the Phoenix, the Izla Foundation for Syrian Women was inaugurated in Daramsuq (Damascus). The opening event blended cultural symbolism with social purpose, drawing an audience of cultural and social figures, civil society representatives, and media outlets.
The ceremony, marked by simplicity and symbolism, began with a speech by the foundation’s president, Ibtisam Faddoul, who welcomed attendees and outlined Izla’s mission to empower Syrian women and help them unlock their potential to shape both the present and the future.
“We believe that woman is not merely a recipient of change, but a maker of change — a pillar of peace, a promoter of knowledge, and a force for progress,” Faddoul said. “We guide women to become decision-makers in their own lives, to embrace their multifaceted identities, and to assert their presence as essential partners in culture, society, and humanity.”
Faddoul’s address presented a vision for a foundation dedicated to empowering Syrian women across cultural and social spheres. The foundation seeks to enhance women’s roles in heritage preservation, language protection, and environmental stewardship, while promoting dialogue, openness, and cultural diversity.
She emphasized that the vision is not theoretical but will be implemented through field programs and initiatives designed to build bridges between women and their communities, fostering mutual respect and recognition.
Following the speeches, the atmosphere turned celebratory with the cutting of the inauguration cake, commemorative photos, and the distribution of brochures. The event featured Syriac songs performed by singer Michella Behnan and a live qanun performance, which infused the gathering with a warm, traditional spirit and connected attendees to their cultural roots.
Traditional dances soon filled the hall, transforming the celebration into a vivid reflection of the slogan “Be the Phoenix” — a metaphor for revival, unity, and the celebration of life and identity.
The Phoenix: Symbol of Rebirth
The slogan is intended to symbolize the will to rise from the ashes of marginalization and silence. In Syriac heritage, as in world mythology, the Phoenix embodies the power of renewal and rebirth after hardship.
Unlike traditional women’s organizations, Izla positions itself as a Syriac-rooted yet inclusive foundation, embracing both its deep cultural identity and its role within the broader Syrian national context. Its founding statement affirms a dual belonging — to the historical Syriac heritage and to the Syrian homeland — where Syriac women seek to be active partners in reconstruction, not merely custodians of memory.
The foundation’s leadership includes President Ibtisam Faddoul, Vice President Rozi Azkoul, Treasurer Oula al-Ahmar, and Secretary Manal Ghanem.
The inaugural event marked a beginning rather than a conclusion. The Izla Foundation plans to launch a series of cultural workshops, training courses, and social initiatives across Daramsuq and other regions, emphasizing empowerment through culture and practical engagement rather than slogans.
In a city long known for its mosaic of identities and traditions, the Izla Foundation introduces a new voice for equality — one that not only demands rights but articulates a clear vision for rebuilding Syria’s social and cultural fabric.
Like the Phoenix of legend, rising from the ruins of war and crisis, initiatives such as Izla embody the belief that true renewal begins with women, with culture, and with faith in one’s own capacity for rebirth.
Source: syriacpress.com
https://syriacpress.com/blog/2025/10/10/be-the-phoenix-izla-foundation-for-syrian-women-launches-in-daramsuq-damascus/
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Iran MP proposes work incentives for marriage, childbirth
Oct 11, 2025
An Iranian lawmaker has proposed giving people additional credit in hiring and promotion for marriage and childbirth, saying family formation should be treated as a form of social contribution.
“Marriage and having children must be considered part of a person’s résumé,” Amirhossein Bankipour, a member of parliament from Isfahan, said on Saturday, according to state media. “A woman who marries should receive more points, and a woman who gives birth should gain even more, because she is helping prevent a population crisis.”
Bankipour’s remarks come amid a government push to raise fertility under the 2021 Youthful Population and Family Support Act, which restricts access to abortions and contraceptives while providing loans, subsidies, and tax breaks for couples. The law aims to lift the fertility rate to 2.5 children per woman, but official data show it remains at about 1.6, far below the target.
Despite the incentives, as Iran’s economy has sharply deteriorated, marriage and childbearing have become harder for many families. Inflation has eroded purchasing power, and basic expenses such as food, rent, and education have soared.
Health impact of restrictive population laws
While the government has linked population growth to national strength, its policies have also created new social pressures. The Shargh daily reported in September that restrictions on prenatal screening and abortion have doubled the rate of Down syndrome births, from 1.2% to 2.9% since the law took effect. Legal procedures for pregnancy termination now require both medical and judicial approval, even in cases of confirmed fetal abnormalities.
Public health experts have warned that the tightening of reproductive laws, coupled with deepening economic hardship, has fueled a growing underground abortion market and worsened inequality. At the same time, official figures show Iran spends only 2.9 percent of GDP on education, compared to the global average of 4.4 percent, contributing to what commentators describe as a widening social gap between poor and wealthy families.
Lawmaker defends incentives despite limited results
Bankipour said parliament has sought to address the economic dimension by increasing marriage loans and expanding housing programs for young couples. However, years of inflation and declining real wages have limited their impact.
He said the new proposal would help redirect social incentives toward family building. “Until now, degrees and job skills have determined status,” he said. “We need to tell the younger generation that forming a family and raising children are themselves national achievements that deserve recognition.”
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202510115572
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Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi over women journalists’ exclusion from Taliban representative's press event
11.10.25
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his position on the absence of women journalists from a press conference of visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and described the incident as an "insult to some of India's most competent women".
The Congress general secretary said if the prime minister's recognition of women's rights isn't just convenient posturing from one election to the other, how has this "insult to some of India's most competent women been allowed in our country".
"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India," she said on X.
"If your recognition of women's rights isn't just convenient posturing from one election to the other, how has this insult to some of India's most competent women been allowed in our country, a country whose women are its backbone and its pride," Priyanka Gandhi said.
The press conference addressed by Muttaqi on Friday saw participation restricted to a handful of reporters, while women journalists were conspicuous by their absence.
Muttaqi held the interaction at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, hours after holding wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
It is learnt that the decision on inviting journalists to the media interaction was taken by Taliban officials accompanying the foreign minister.
People familiar with the matter said the Indian side suggested to the Afghan side that women journalists should be part of the invitees for the event.
In a post on X, former home minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "I am shocked that women journalists were excluded from the press conference addressed by Mr Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan." "In my personal view, the men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded (or not invited)," Chidambaram said.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "I understand the geopolitical compulsions that force us to engage with the Taliban, but to accede to their discriminatory and plain primitive mores is outright ridiculous, it's very disappointing to note the conduct of the @MEAIndia and @DrSJaishankar in excluding women journalists from the press briefing of the Taliban Minister." Earlier, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said on X, "Is it true that women journalists were not invited to the press conference of Afghanistan's Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as dictated by him? "Who are they to dictate terms to our nation, that too on our own soil, and impose their discriminatory agenda against women?" "Shame on @narendramodi and @DrSJaishankar for allowing this to happen," the Congress leader added.
The Taliban regime in Kabul has faced severe criticism from various countries as well as global bodies like the United Nations for restricting the rights of women in Afghanistan.
On Friday, Muttaqi side-stepped a direct question on the plight of women in Afghanistan, but said every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and there should be respect for them.
He claimed that the overall situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly since the Taliban came to power in August 2021.
Muttaqi pointed out that some 200 to 400 people died in Afghanistan every day before the Taliban started ruling the country.
"In these four years, there have been no such losses. Laws are in force and every one has their rights. Those who are engaging in propaganda are making a mistake," Muttaqi said.
"Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and works according to those. It is not correct that people are not given their rights. If people were not happy with the system and the laws, why has peace returned," he asked.
Source: telegraphindia.com
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/priyanka-gandhi-slams-modi-over-women-journalists-exclusion-from-taliban-representatives-press-event/cid/2127250
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/women-journalists-taliban-entry-females/d/137202