Johor Bahru, 14th January: In conjunction with the visit by the delegates from the University of Qatar to UTM, a forum was held at the UTM Vice Chancellor’s Official Residence on the theme “Empowering Muslim Women in Higher Education”.
The forum was graced by Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Al-Marhum Sultan Idris Shah, the Chancellor of UTM, Her Excellency, Prof. Dr. Sheika Al Misnad, President of Qatar University, Prof. Dr. Sheika Al Thani, the Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr Zainah Mokhtar, wife of the UTM Vice Chancellor, Puan Yasmin Mahmood, the Executive Director of YTL Communications, Datin Paduka Zainon Hj Yusof, the Johor State Treasurer, Datuk Dr Robiah Kosai, the Johor Exco Member and twenty five distinguished UTM lady Senior Officers and Professors representing various engineering fields of specializations, the Science and Mathematics disciplines, the humanities, computer science and information systems, as well as a few invited special guests.
In her opening remarks, HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah highlighted the special mention of women in the Quran, where Islam has never marginalised women but on the contrary, women are placed alongside men in high esteem with a constant reminder in the Quran and Hadith that they be treated with honour and respect. As nurturers with inborn maternal instincts, women have always been able to seamlessly juggle between family, work and other responsibilities with utmost dedication, care and attention.
The significant role of women in society is proven by the two Qatari ladies present, who hold the two top positions in Qatar University. Prof. Al-Misnad, a lady President with calibre and reputable standing, not just in Qatar but also in the Arab Gulf Region, holds a strong conviction that Muslim women in Qatar, especially, are very much empowered, contrary to media misrepresentation of Muslim women being discriminated.
As Prof Al-Misnad stated, the role of women in different Muslim societies differ and this is peculiar to that society alone and should not be generalised as happening across all Muslim nations. For example, in certain cultures and customs, women as child bearers are regarded as the matriarchs of the family whose main role is in the home, caring for the family while the men are the breadwinners. Instances where Muslim women are seen as being discriminated are sometimes due to political and economic circumstances in particular regions, and not due to discrimination as purported by the media.
Thus, the forum took on a different note right from the beginning with the view that Muslim women need no empowering as we are already empowered in many ways. The decision to play a less significant role or a more prominent one in work or other undertakings is actually by choice. What is important, as highlighted by Prof. Al-Misnad, is the need to make the right decision in making choices as women chart the path in their career and life.
Similar views were also expressed by other participants that at the end of the day, the choice between family and career and how best to balance the two is all in our hands, and whatever direction we take, it should be guided by wisdom. As Exec. Director Yasmin and Prof Durrrishah and a few others aptly stated, women as the matriarch of the family always put the family as their priority, and this can never be compromised under any circumstances.
On another note, Prof Rubiah expressed concern that the issue of Muslim women being discriminated and needing to be empowered could be seen as just a propaganda used by certain quarters to project a negative image of how women are treated in Islam. We should not be unduly worried as we know where we stand. As Muslims, the family institution should remain strong and both husbands and wives have complementary roles of equal significance to ensure that the family remains intact.
Prof Rose Alinda, in sharing the statistics of UTM women in various positions in management and levels of achievements among women academics and non-academics highlights that women in UTM are still not well represented in top management positions at the university. At the same time, only a minority managed to be promoted as professors, for instance. However, the situation is not due to any discrimination but an accepted trend in the past where managerial posts are held by men.
In comparison, Datin Paduka Zainon highlighted that while 80% of the Johor State Treasury staff are women, administrative positions at the Treasury are almost equal in number between males and females.
Nevertheless, the women’s presence in UTM is very much felt as one obvious finding from Prof Rose’s analysis is the fact that more women are in the position of deputies in administrative positions. The positive connotation of the situation is that men as leaders appreciate and recognise the significant qualities of women as being more meticulous and always able to carry out assigned tasks to satisfaction. Thus, as deputies in assisting the men folk, the fact remains that women’s contribution is still highly regarded and significant for the success of an organization like UTM.
As for the student statistics pursuing graduate studies, one interesting finding in the UTM context is that there are more female Malaysian students undergoing graduate studies in UTM as compared to the male students, constituting around 57% more.
In the context of women’s position in the corporate world, Exec Director Yasmin points out that women have the potential to move further up the ladder in their career without compromising their maternal role. She is living proof that women in executive positions can perform as well or even better while juggling between career expectations and family responsibilities. Despite having limited time or opportunities for social engagements and networking, women can still create their own virtual networking community among them or use other platforms to reach out and stay connected.
Since women have a lot more to do to prove their mettle, Yasmin highlights that they should unleash their talent and harness their potential to the fullest to make a difference, as this is the way to gain respect and recognition.
Another important finding highlighted by Dr Zainah is our potential to control our mindset, consciously as well as unconsciously to make a difference. Being a medical doctor, a healthy living advocate and a great believer in harnessing the power of the mind with guidance from Allah, we can make things happen and achieve our goals in life, no matter how challenging it might be. If we stay focused and have faith in our potential, we can make a difference, with Allah’s blessings.
On a different note, Datuk Dr Robiah Kosai, the Johor Exco Member in charge of Family, Health and the Community shared with the participants her concern on a social issue that is on the rise lately, namely, the issue of young abandoned mothers having to fend for their children while being jobless. Dr Robiah shared with the participants how her Office has taken the initiative to empower this group of unfortunate individuals so that they will be economically independent and socially secured. In relation to that, HRH Raja Zarith highlighted the need to conduct studies perhaps on how we can educate young women, especially, so as not to be duped into marriage at a very young age. Social issues affecting women are on the rise and the issues need to be addressed fast before they become an incurable cancer to society.
The forum ended with a positive note and a strong conviction that no matter how empowerment is being defined, Muslim women are empowered in many ways, no matter how big or small the extent is. Our diverse roles as mothers, leaders, educators, nurturers, care givers, career women, to list a few, reflect the special qualities ingrained in us. Women have upheld their duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability, and this is something they should be proud of. The challenges faced should be seen as opportunities rather than threats for them to continuously enhance their potential and prove their mettle. There is a lot more that women can do to contribute to society for the good of mankind. By harnessing their potential to the fullest, they can make a difference, which they have and will continue to do.