Muslim women’s group threatens ‘kitchen strike’

VARANASI: A group of Muslim women has threatened to go on a ‘kitchen strike’ in protest against the votaries of triple talaq.

The group, which includes social activists and five victims of triple talaq, took a strong stand on the issue at a meeting in Hukulganj area of Varanasi on Wednesday.

The Muslim Mahila Foundation, an NGO, organised the meeting in which 45 women participated.

The group would also launch a nationwide awareness campaign among women against the practice. The date of the campaign has not been finalised.

A 22-year-old woman, who was married four year ago and was divorced through triple talaq a few months later, also attended the meeting.

“Life has become a nightmare after divorce. Each new day comes as a challenge. A woman goes through mental trauma and miseries. It is not possible to put all of them in words,” said the woman who did not wish to be named.

Disclosing the details of the meeting, social activist and

Life has become a nightmare after divorce. Each new day comes as a challenge. A woman goes through mental trauma and miseries. It is not possible to put all of them in words A MUSLIM WOMAN

Muslim Mahila Foundation president Nazneen Ansari told HT, “Triple talaq has made life hell for many Muslim women. After divorce, neither the in-laws nor the parents want to bear the women’s daily expenses. After talaq, they are on the streets. There should be a provision to punish the people who give triple talaq.”

Ansari asserted that women were no longer prepared to be slaves to men.

The women would go on kitchen strike to teach the triple talaq votaries in their families a lesson, she added.

“We will not tolerate triple talaq anymore. Those supporting talaq would have to face stiff opposition from Muslim women. We will take to the streets if required,” Ansari said.

“Women were exploited for long but they are now aware of their rights,” said another social activist Gudia Quershi. She added that those who disregard the importance of women as voters would be taught a lesson this poll season.

She also said a big convention of Muslim women, who were divorced through triple talaq, would be organised here. If required, the divorced women would record their statements before the law commission, she said.

The Muslim women also participated in a local signature campaign against triple talaq.