Sister Jabou, I didn't feel that they were directed at me at all.  I must have done a poor job of responding to Suntou and attempt to add my meagre thoughts to the conversation.  

Regarding your view of "...sitting duck." I would agree with you only if a Hirsi Ali type were to fill this position and I hope this does not become the case.  An informed individual who approaches the task that this position requires with honesty and, guided by the realities and the possibilities within the society they operate can be a great benefit to women.  There is a need to advocate and reclaim that which God gave each one of us, our dignity and for some women, this is denied them everyday, in Islamic societies.  That HRW is creating this position is commendable; that they may have an agenda, and what that agenda could be, is open to our interpretation.  I actually thought about you filling the position when I first received it and you will be no one's sitting duck :-).

R,
Soffie

-----Original Message-----
From: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Position / Ya Soffie

Ya Soffie,
 
My comments were definitely not intended to make you feel they were directed at you as that would make no sense. Your gesture was simply to forward information that you thought would be useful to anyone interested in this position just as you have posted other job and educational opportunities in the past.
 
Thanks for your observations but my view is that anyone who takes this position will be a sitting duck.
 
Rgds,
Jabou
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:25 AM
Subject: Re: FW: Position Available: Women's Human Rights and Religion


Suntou & sister Jabou, greetings.  My intention was to forward a notice of a job posting, to which qualified applicants can apply, nothing more.
Thanks for sharing your opinions.  

The dignity of women in Islam is unassailable; the dignity of women in our culture/tradition is without equal, yet...  I think you will agree with me that the "correct understanding of islamic knowledge" or "Islamic history never subjugating women ... " has not stopped the oppression of women, which happens far too frequently in some Muslim families in many muslim countries. Also, many recognized religious leaders refuse to speak out against the subjugation and the indiginities women in majority Islamic societies suffer regularly, or they themselves engage in the dastardly deeds.  I would like to believe that No "level headed muslim" will close their eyes to women's suffering which takes place in their homes, communities, and countries, condoned, by their silence, by the majority.

For this position, I hope the woman that fills it is honest, knowledgeable and capable of critical engagement, regardless of what is thrown her way, who can contribute toward eradicating ignorance, be it religious or cultural/traditional and because Islam encourages Shura, that she will facilitate consultation among muslims to recognize the humanity in everyone, address the contradictions some of us live, purge ignorance, and encourage education to better the lives of our women and therefore, that of our families.

Thank you,
Soffie



-----Original Message-----
From: Suntou Touray [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]; Ceesay, Soffie
Subject: Re: FW: Position Available: Women's Human Rights and Religion

madam ceesay ,your intention may be ok but this job is a very sensitive position for any level headed muslim to fill .
it is now very clear that the inter-mixing of islam and women rights have become bad bedfellows and this is not by accident.
if any body wish to feel the post ,then remember the obligation that you are up against. the correct understanding of islamic knowledge is a most and the traditions of the prophet should be a barometre by which to make judgement.
the u.n and her alies have taken up the issue of women libaration and mix it up with the islamic tradition and then come up with a conclusion that islam is the problem for hindering women rights ,so any sane muslim wishing to take the huge pay parkage most also remember that the pay parkage is never forever. do justice where justice is due.

islamic history never subjugate women if going by the prophet muhammad's traditions. infact it is just for the past 100 years that western women started looking down upon there muslim counter-part. so historical analysis is also a very good requirement.
what is the standard to measure women liberation ? since this very subjective .
the position is not an ordinary position so all applicant most be careful and understand what agenda is at play. May God guide our actions.

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