New Delhi: The Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind will launch a month-long nationwide campaign in September 2024. Titled “Morality is Freedom,” the campaign aims to highlight the link between true freedom and moral values, announced Ms. Rahamathunnissa A, National Secretary, during a press conference in New Delhi.
Rising Sexual Violence and Declining Morals
Ms. Rahamathunnissa expressed concern over the increasing cases of sexual violence and homicides against women and girls. She noted that social inequality, security neglect, and discrimination have worsened the situation. Marginalized women, including Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and disabled women, face even more severe challenges.
She cited recent incidents like the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata, the gang rape of a 14-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar, and the assault of two young girls in Maharashtra. She stressed the need to address societal attitudes toward women. “The data from the National Crime Records Bureau and the National Family Health Survey show crimes against women are rising each year,” she stated, adding that many cases go unreported.
Linking Moral Decline to Violence
Ms. Rahamathunnissa attributed the rise in violence to the erosion of moral values disguised as unrestricted freedom. She pointed out that objectifying women, vulgarity, extramarital affairs, and substance abuse contribute to exploitation. The breakdown of family structures and the normalization of indecency are also key factors. “Communal and caste-based politics worsen the issue by treating certain communities as inferior,” she added.
Campaign to Promote Moral Values and True Freedom
Ms. Shaista Rafat, another National Secretary, emphasized that true freedom is rooted in moral values. The campaign will focus on ensuring freedom that respects everyone’s basic rights, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion. Programs will be held at various levels with the involvement of educators, counselors, religious scholars, and community leaders.
Special campus programs will engage students and youth in discussions on true freedom and morality. Interfaith events will bring scholars from different religions together to promote shared moral values.
The press conference was moderated by Ms. Rabia Basri, Assistant National Secretary.
