AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The conference titled “Muslim Women and the Protection of the Family Institution” was held at the Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Accra, Ghana, with the participation of Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Ayatollah Ramazani highlighted the vital role of the family unit in society, stating, “The health of the family ensures the health of society. When the family is corrupted, society too falls into corruption. The family rests on two essential pillars, and neither can stand without the other. One of these pillars is the woman.”
He continued, “Half of the world’s population is composed of women. Islam stands as one of the foremost defenders of women’s rights. During the early days of Islam and the period of Jahiliyah (ignorance), women were severely mistreated, even to the extent that daughters were buried alive. But the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) described daughters as great blessings. He said that when a daughter enters a home, she brings with her divine blessings. When Lady Fatimah (a.s.) would enter the Prophet’s home, he would rise to his feet, walk toward her, kiss her hand, and seat her beside him. This profound respect was a reflection of the woman’s dignity.”
Ayatollah Ramezani went on to address the emergence of the feminist movement in modern times, saying, “Feminism arose as a reaction to historical injustices inflicted upon women in the West. In many cases, women were treated as cheap labor and exploited. Even today, in parts of Europe, women are used as marketing tools, displayed in storefronts to promote goods.”
“But Islam’s defense of women’s rights is not reactive, it is proactive,” he asserted.
Referring to the social influence of women, he stated, “Imam Khomeini (r.a.) believed that women played a crucial role in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Today, women in the Islamic Republic are active in various social arenas. In fact, women outnumber men in some university fields and hold prominent positions across the country. They serve in the Iranian Parliament and also hold executive positions such as vice presidents and ministers. The Islamic Republic of Iran grants the highest respect to women’s rights.”
Ayatollah Ramazani then addressed the attendees directly: “I encourage you, distinguished ladies, to hold academic conferences exploring the views of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and Imam Khamenei on women. I also urge you to establish a women’s organization in this country dedicated to defending women’s rights. Wherever women are subjected to injustice, this organization should provide legal support, host conferences, and deliver public speeches.”
“You can issue statements and call upon the United Nations to safeguard the rights of women who are under attack by the Israeli army in Gaza. What crime have those mothers committed, mothers who are martyred while holding their children in their arms? The world must record in its history that thousands of these defenseless women in Gaza have been martyred. In the face of such tyranny and aggression, it is your duty to organize and declare the establishment of a women’s coalition.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly also underscored the importance of a key teaching from Imam Khomeini (r.a.). “The late Imam taught us that we are capable, not only of our own growth, but also of elevating our societies. When a nation begins to believe in itself, its youth and women will likewise gain confidence, and no one will dare to oppress them. We were taught to neither oppress nor accept oppression. Human dignity must be preserved.”
He concluded with a reflection on historical injustices: “Throughout history, countless people have been killed simply because of their skin color, whether red or black. Colonialists waged war against the indigenous peoples of Latin America for four centuries, killing nearly one hundred million Native Americans. On my visit to Senegal, I went to Gorée Island, also known as Slave Island, and was deeply moved. I witnessed where African men, women, and children were sold into slavery. It was a horrific crime against humanity. The era of slavery and colonialism is over. Every human being, man or woman, deserves a life of dignity.”
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