Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2024, Date, History and Importance

The Muslim Women’s Rights Day is observed across the country on 1 August, to celebrate the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 which prohibits the practice of Triple talaq in India. According to the Shariat or Muslim Personal Law, Muslim men were given the privilege to end their marriage anytime by uttering the word Talaq three times in a row. However, the law was repealed by the Indian Government in 2019.

Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2024

Muslim Women’s Rights Day serves as an important platform to promote gender equality, advocate for the rights of Muslim women, and celebrate their contributions and successes. It aims to create a more inclusive and respectful environment where Muslim women can thrive and fully participate in society.

Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2024: History

01 August has been recorded as “Muslim Women’s Rights Day” in the country’s history to mark the first anniversary of the passage of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.  The law made triple talaq a criminal offense.  It was seen as a crucial step as it ensured Muslim women protection against gender inequality, and empowerment by lawfully bidding adieu to the practice of instantaneous ‘talaq’. Hence the day is aptly held as Muslim Women’s Rights Day. The law is meant to promote women’s self-reliance, and self-respect, and boost self-esteem as it strengthens the fundamental and democratic rights of Muslim women.

Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2024: Significance

The law against the Triple Talaq helps to safeguard gender equality. It also strengthens the fundamental, constitutional, and democratic rights of millions of women across India.  The bill also promotes the self-reliance, self-respect, and self-esteem of millions of Muslim women.  The law has been successful in reducing cases of triple talaq by 80 percent since it was passed, as per reports.  It aims to promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes, and support the empowerment of Muslim women in various aspects of life like,

• Raising Awareness:
  1. Highlighting Issues: The day sheds light on the specific challenges and discrimination that Muslim women may face, including issues related to education, employment, legal rights, and social norms.
  2. Promoting Understanding: It helps to counter misconceptions and stereotypes about Muslim women, fostering a more accurate and respectful understanding of their diverse experiences.
• Advocating for Gender Equality:
  1. Empowerment: Promotes the empowerment of Muslim women by advocating for equal opportunities in education, employment, and participation in public life.
  2. Legal Rights: Focuses on the importance of legal reforms to ensure that Muslim women have equal rights and protection under the law, including issues related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
• Supporting Personal Freedoms:
  1. Freedom of Choice: Emphasizes the importance of respecting Muslim women’s choices regarding their dress, education, career, and personal beliefs.
  2. Cultural Respect: Supports the recognition of cultural and religious practices while advocating for women’s rights within those contexts.

Important Takeaway For Competitive Exams:

• Union Cabinet Minister for Minority Affairs: Kiren Rijiju 
• Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs:  George Kurian
• Chairman of the National Minority Commission 2024: Iqbal Singh Lalpura

Important Days in August 2024: Find More Important Days Here