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Beyond Purdah: The Changing Face of the New Indian Muslim Woman.

I am Arshiya Kapadia, a 26-year old writer, freelance journalist & producer based in Mumbai, India. I have been part of various publications like Midday (a daily newspaper in Mumbai) & am now pursuing a career in the media as a writer & producer of fiction/non fiction programmes.

I have been associated with various NGO's in Mumbai like Raahat and Gift, which work for the education of the girl child and widows. I think I am now in the position to express myself better through the visual medium and am working on a documentary called Beyond Purdah: The Changing Face of the New Indian Muslim Woman.

THE IDEA:
Muslim women in India are disadvantaged thrice over: as members of a minority community, as women, and as poor women.

I do feel that its time for the educated Muslim woman, to come out and take part in the mainstream and address certain core issues. Being an Indian Muslim woman myself, I would like to give a platform to these women to come out and voice their opinions.

In the 7th C AD Prophet Mohamed, whose beloved daughter Fatima was a highly educated scholar said that according to Allah, "the pursuit of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, man and woman". However, the reality is that Muslim women are a disadvantaged lot the world over: they are uneducated, underprivileged, voiceless and ignorant. These facts have been widely debated the world over and we have read several reports on the same.

I think its time to show the "other side" of this Muslim woman. Women who are facing challenges headlong and are coming out stronger than ever before.

WOMEN WHOSE STORIES HAVE INSPIRED ME TO MAKE THIS DOCUMENTARY.

Beyond Purdah" attempts to give a Voice to those Women achievers, who have broken norms, turned the tide and have come out stronger & independent. Those women who have not let their religion or social standing become a barrier to progress.

Women, who may not be celebrities, but are a small force to reckon within their own space. Women whose stories will become a source of inspiration for others. The Young Muslim Woman in India: a woman who has integrated her faith in her personal life and is a role model for her generation and community.

Beyond Purdah" intends to capture the lives of these women, who belong to different genres, age groups, strata's, economical backgrounds but share a common thread.

WHAT WE NEED:

We have been meeting people, researching on the net and public libraries to look for sources that can help us in this venture. The cost of this documentary will be US $2000. If there is any way that you can help out, via your organization or can guide us to any individual or organization who would be inspired/interested to fund this project or contribute a sum to the fund we will be highly obliged.

More details on the project, the team and their rÃ©sumÃ©s, women who we intend to speak to, the budget break down etc can be provided when we hear from you.

AFTERWORD:

This is just an honest first step towards a cause we feel strongly about. If this documentary can inspire and change the direction of even a single girl's life we will succeed in our aim.

Thanking you,

Best regards,

Arshiya Kapadia