A new book records the contributions of Indian Muslim women to nation-making.
Story so far: International health and development expert Dr Farah Usmani launched the Karnataka edition of Rising Beyond The Ceiling (RBTC) on Saturday. The book is a repository of the stories of 100 Muslim women achievers in India across 15 fields. RBTC seeks to subvert the monolithic categorisation and stereotypes of Muslim women in India by highlighting their contribution to nation-making.
- Usmani conceived the idea when a journalist claimed to have never met an Indian Muslim woman. She decided to record Muslim women’s achievements in law, sports, the Indian Armed Forces, literature, civil services, entrepreneurship, and other fields.
- Politician Margaret Alva, the chief guest at the book launch, believes that RBTC is a pathbreaking initiative to make the heterogeneity, agency, and achievements of Indian Muslim women visible.
Stereotypes: Often, Muslim women in India are considered socio-economically backward, oppressed, and tied to caring for their children. These stereotypes produce dangerous outcomes when people begin to unilaterally view them as objects of pity or fantasy, disregarding the diversity and weight of their voices.
Why it matters? National histories sometimes marginalise the lives and achievements of women, particularly those from minority groups. Prevalent stereotypes render it difficult to recognise Muslim women as a heterogenous group with varying experiences and occupations.
- A book centralising Indian Muslim women’s narrative can shatter preconceived notions and provide young women with inspiring role models.
(Image credits: Rising Beyond the Ceiling’s website)