The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Social worker Sharifa Khanam gets `For the sake of honour' award

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Social worker Sharifa Khanam gets `For the sake of honour' award

Staff Reporter

She has had the guts to struggle, says Kanimozhi

SYMBOL OF COURAGE: Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi presents the Rotary `For the sake of honour' award to women's rights activist Sharifa Khanum (left) in Chennai on Tuesday. Rotary Club of Adyar president Aruna Subramaniam is in the picture. — PH OTO: S.R. RAGHUNATHAN

CHENNAI: When religion accepted a woman as equal to man, changes happened quickly in women's status in society, said Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi on Tuesday.

She was speaking at a Rotary `For the sake of honour' award function to honour social worker Sharifa Khanam of Pudukottai.

"I salute Sharifa's efforts. At a time when we find it difficult to break the gender barrier though we talk of having women priests, I salute her for taking up the need for a mosque for women," she said presenting the citation.

"She has broken away from the traditions of society, has the guts and courage to struggle."

The citation appreciated her efforts "for venturing out as a spokesperson in the cause of women at both national and international conventions and for her courage, commitment and her passion to dedicate herself and make a difference in the life of the affected women."

Ms. Khanam, president of STEPS Women's Development Organisation, said women had to struggle for their rightful space as society had set norms for them and they were expected to abide by them. She gave examples from her life and the struggle of other women for whose betterment she worked, to emphasise her point. "A woman's basic needs like mobility are low. There is need to sensitise society about gender disparity. Such awards remind me that I have a big responsibility," she said.

Advocate Geetha Ramaseshan and Rotarian Aruna Subramaniam also felicitated Ms. Khanum. The function was organised by the Rotary Club of Adyar, district 3230.

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