Faith

U.S. State Dept. Trained 450 Imams on ‘Compatibility of Women’s Rights and Islam’

State Department Trained Imams on Islam and Womens Rights | Middle East

AP

In the Islamic world, women’s rights violations are frequent occurrences. In an effort to address the epidemic, the U.S. State Department has announced that it used a curriculum to train 450 imams (Islamic leaders) from across the world. Their goal? To focus upon the issue, while driving home the “compatibility of women’s rights and Islam.”

According to the government, the imam training has been beneficial in addressing these issues, as it focused upon this apparent relationship between the Muslim faith and women’s rights.

As reported by CNS News, this revelation was announced in a report entitled, “United States Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence Globally,” which came out on August 10. It explained that the government, quote, “supported a program that promoted women’s rights by training 450 imams using a curriculum on the compatibility of women’s rights and Islam.”

The 53-page document, a collaboration between the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is part of a grander plan to help combat gender-based violence across the world. The report followed an executive order issued by Obama on that same day, which read, in part:

Under the leadership of my Administration, the United States has made gender equality and women’s empowerment a core focus of our foreign policy. This focus is reflected in our National Security Strategy, the Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development, and the 2010 U.S. Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. Evidence demonstrates that women’s empowerment is critical to building stable, democratic societies; to supporting open and accountable governance; to furthering international peace and security; to growing vibrant market economies; and to addressing pressing health and education challenges.

As for the training, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (part of the Department of State) supported and initiated it in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (details about the training were not explicitly given). Through “anecdotal evidence” collected in focus groups and interviews officials learned the following (from the report):

  • One religious leader from Herat (Afghanistan) explained that since participating in project trainings, when he presides over marriages, whether he officiates the wedding ceremony or not, he asks the age of the bride and for proof of her consent, and he uses the opportunity to publicly discuss the importance of the bride’s consent to marriage. He even reported stopping a marriage when he found out that the bride had not given her consent.
  • Focus group participants agreed that since their local imams have started discussing women’s right to education in Friday sermons, the barriers for women going to school have been reduced.
  • Several focus group participants recounted stories about women’s families providing them with a fair share of inheritance after the imams in their communities were influenced by the curriculum and trainings.
  • Community members in the focus groups agreed that most imams have been speaking out about women’s rights in Islam, women’s inheritance rights, and condemning violence against women.
  • In some communities, wives of imams trained in the curriculum were using it to educate women in their communities of their rights.

As CNS notes, the government defines gender-based violence as something that occurs on the basis of a person’s biological sex, gender identity — or how someone is seen to be following the male and female norms within a culture. With this being the case, the imam training seemed entirely focused upon women and their treatment in the Middle East. The report concludes as follows, showcasing the U.S. commitment to stopping gender-based violence:

To bolster its efforts in preventing and responding to gender-based violence, the United States has developed a coordinated and integrated strategy that leverages the expertise and capabilities of its various and diverse departments and agencies. This strategy seeks to maximize impact through
coordination, integration, improved data collection and research, and effective and holistic programming. Equally important, the United States must collaborate with other governments and non-governmental partners, including civil society and the private sector, both in the United States and
abroad to use their knowledge, capacity, and innovation to address gender-based violence around the world.

Ultimately, the United States’ goal is to eliminate gender-based violence. Such an achievement would not only help ensure that individuals across the globe can reach their full potential but also strengthen the United States’ foreign policy and foreign assistance priorities. This strategy provides a blueprint to guide the United States’ next steps in working to end gender-based violence.

The government has spent a large sum of money on these programs, with $141.1 million going to anti-gender-based violence programs around the globe in FY2013.

The issue, of course, is nothing new. Throughout the past two years, TheBlaze has highlighted the many gender-based issues that women have faced in the Middle East. Take, for instance, the ban on female driving in Saudi Arabia, the alleged “virginity tests” in Egypt and the specific instance of a woman facing the death penalty over purportedly speaking negatively about the Prophet Mohammed, to name a few examples.

(H/T: CNS News)

Comments (59)

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  • TeresaJ
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:16pm

    While I do not disagree with the list of steps that have already been taken, Obama is the last person they should be taking advice from, particularly in the areas of “women’s rights,” morality, and religion.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:55pm

    The State Department has become… the Agent… of Foreign Govenments… opposing the US… and representing the UN!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:47pm

      Correct.

      Report Post » PIGSWILLNEVERFLY  
    • bluecamaro21
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 6:21pm

      What it appears Barry Soetoro has done, mostly by illegal aliens attempting to acquire a new identity in the U.S. and/or criminals looking to acquire a new ID.

      Barry, AKA Obama, was lawfully adopted by a foreign national, Lolo Soetoro, and Barry’s name was legally changed to “Barry Soetoro” (Barry’s own admission). Barry Soetoro was also made an official legal Indonesian citizen (again Barry’s own admission). The adoption would be noted in Barry‘s vital statistics record in Hawaii on his original birth certificate OR Lolo Soetoro may have always been Barry’s legal birth father.

      The public does not know for sure at this point who Barry’s father really was and Barry himself may not know.

      Barry was raised as a Muslim in Indonesia and attended a Catholic funded school that permitted all faiths to attend. Barry’s mother dropped him as a dependent for some reason, maybe when Barry was adopted by Lolo Soetoro.

      His mother’s passport records dropped Barry as a dependent indicating Barry was no longer a legal dependent of his mother. (The passport records of his mother have been produced showing Barry was no longer a dependent when Barry was permanently residing in Indonesia.) Barry went to Hawaii to live with his alleged grandparents after Lolo Soetoro and Barry’s mother divorced.

      A “certificate of live birth” (NOT the original “long form”) can have names changed on it including a child’s birth name, and birth parent’s names. Even a modified d

      Report Post »  
  • dlivelli
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:49pm

    Another shining example of the waste of taxpayers money! You never see them teach any other religious group anything….oh yea…they teach them to shut up via lawsuits!…..why the favoritism toward the muslims? These people boldly and openly announce that they want to DESTROY the US and it’s people, yet obama and his boobs treat them like they are their children……it makes me want to vomit!

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:30pm

    Well that is a ton of money down a rat hole. The Muslims haven’t changed in the centuries that have passed since Moe was visited by satan and Islam was born. Does anyone really think that a few expensive classes on women’s rights will change their hearts and minds?

    Report Post »  
  • red_white_blue2
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:28pm

    This is a joke. You think your going to reform over 2000 yrs of inbreed behavior that is enforced in their koran? Are you out of your mind? Talk about money wasted. And isn’t it sad we need to set up commitees to teach people the simple dignity of treating others as you would have the treat you. Isn’t that just so sad!

    Report Post » red_white_blue2  
  • v15
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:11pm

    What bothers me is that Islam infringes on an individual’s liberties here in the United States. It seems to trump the Constitution in some cases where women have been raped by their husbands but under Islam it’s okay. I see Islam as 100% evil.

    Report Post » v15  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 3:53pm

      The ultimate goal of Islam is world dominace and a Caliphate, and if you do not embrace Islam, off with your head!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Realman30
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 5:22pm

      V15,

      No truer words were ever posted.
      The best thing ‘we’ can do for moslems is convert them to Christians.

      Report Post » Realman30  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:08pm

    And just when I go on my pilgrimage to have some margaritas , they have a seminar, and I miss the Free Federal ( Taxpayers ) cash. I love the Women’s Movement , Especially From Behind
    Thanks Rushbo

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:55pm

    When is Congress going to take the checkbook from all of these Federal Offices? These departments are wasting their budget money on bullets and other nonsense, while WE the People are footing these department’s budgets to do their jobs. If these departments have all of this money, then, it looks like we could just get rid of these departments. It seems these employees are not necessary to help the citizens if their budgets are being used for great vacation seminars; buying bullets; buying GM Chevy volts; giving money out to part time workers in Democratic States who do not budget their spending and etc.

    If Hillary thinks she is going to help Obama get elected, then, you need to follow her career as a First Lady; Senator, Sec. of State. She is spending more money than any other government office. The American citizens have not approved all of the billions she is giving away in the Middle East. She continues to use taxpayers’ money on things that Americans would never approved: Making wars, joining wars, aiding countries whom are killing our soldiers in foreign countries; signing agreements to take away our Constitutional and human rights. Hillary’s To Do List is becoming endless!

    Like others in this administration, with the right Congress and a Special Investigator, Hillary will need to decide which Communist or Muslim leader will allow her to end her days in their wonderful kingdoms. She will not be welcome here!

    Report Post »  
  • RANGER1965
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:55pm

    I doubt such efforts will yield much fruit, simply because the words of the Koran will trump the ideals of the State Department.

    This isn’t as simple as fighting cultural belief. Such things tend to be subject to trends and can be eroded away with education/propoganda. If done forcefully enough, it can be done in one generation.

    Muslims however, believe that the Koran is the very Word of God, revealed to Mohammad; God’s prophet. If the Koran says that women are essentially slaves to men, and whose rights do not come from God, but come from her husband or father, then that’s it.

    State department education no matter how reasonable, does not have the authority to discount, or modify what the Muslim believes is the word of God. Which is why it won’t work.

    This foolish administration is trying to make Islam palatable for freedom loving Americans. It’ll never work. The two are antithetical.

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:42pm

    why not free work force training and college for Americans if were going to spend money, why all this worthless militarism that does us no good. i wait for the day traitors get the histories harshest punishments. isn’t this also a violation of separation of church and state?

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • thibx
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:34pm

    another good reason not to vote for this dumbass. this country is broke and he does this. do they not know what islam is by now. they need to talk to alan west.

    Report Post »  
  • capelady
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:28pm

    Political correctness is destroying this country… atheists, gays, Muslims… all small minorities, but the left is pandering to them, the RINOs are intimidated by them… and the tail is wagging the dog!!!

    Report Post »  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:26pm

    Was a $5,000 Magician hired for motivation???

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:24pm

    By all means, let us spend taxpayer $$$ and train these wonderful imams. Just like we have {and continue too} train the Iraqi & Afghanistani Military to [NOT protect their own countries} but murder our own soldiers—the ones who have to train them.

    Argggghhhh! Our Gov’t is so stupid!

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • term limits for congress
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:23pm

    Did they train the eMoms to pay for contraceptives? We want the women to be healthy, ya know.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:15pm

    Well, this should solve everything! I don’t see how these people are able to delude themselves with this superficial crap. Who are the imams going to follow, Hillary Clinton’s Sate Department or the Koran? Maybe if the GSA bought $20K worth of drumsticks for the sessions it would help.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:13pm

    Ann Barnhardt should be doing the training –

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAWokVI0i8g

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • thenewhickschick
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:09pm

    I will pray that this is money well spent and that women living in Islamist regimes do experience a better life. What I have learned of them so far is that they will tell you anything you want to hear and then do whatever they want anyway. Maybe there will be a rest stop between in one ear and out the other but my gut tells me this “training” will zoom right on through.

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:09pm

    Another great use of tax payer money. I’m guessing they also funded international research into perpetual motion devices, in addition to the fraudulent global warming grants they were dishing out faster than canapés at an embassy dinner.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • GlennaBeckski
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:09pm

    I would just love to hear Bridgette Gabriel’s thoughts on this ..

    Report Post » GlennaBeckski  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:06pm

    CNS News? c’mon Billy get better sources

    Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:43pm

      Wow, you really laid him out Steely. Ouch.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • objectivetruth
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:05pm

    How much money are you going to waste trying to educate 7th centuary males?Many of those prone to violence to women will simply flee the country.They will come here and be given a job housing money exc.While here they won’t be content to spread the violence only to their own women but to ours.Our government will protect them as it always has.Remember the target is always to blame never the criminal.

    Report Post »  
    • BloodSweatandTears
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 8:30pm

      Education and re-education (when that doesn’t work,) is always the answer…..cha-ching!

      Are you so sure the ‘beast,” is not the deficit?

      Now i’m really slap happy…the transitional phase when you might as well laugh rather than cry uncontrollably…

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:05pm

    What a great use of our grand kids taxpayer money…………….that we borrowed from them without their permission…..I’m so glad Obama went thru the budget line by line….and cut the waste.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:02pm

    Well, in a few years, those barbarians will become more civilized like us and happily support Planned Parenthood and destroying babies and shielding pedophiles.

    Report Post »  
  • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 11:58am

    Okay resident atheists….here’s a softball for you.

    Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
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