‘My goal is to educate as many women as possible’

What began as a small club of eight women, now boasts of more than 1,000 registered women members. The sheer determination and hard work of Mehrunnisa Desai, the founder member and president of AMWA— Ahmedabad Muslim Women’s Association, have changed the way women from women Musilim community perceived their lives.

Desai has shown not just a strong vision but also a potent dynamism to bring about the change.

In 80s, she brought together eight teachers with an intention of educating other Muslim women in the society. Without funds and support, Desai was patient, strong-willed and braved all roadblocks with unabated enthusiasm.

Completing her primary education in villages like Dhandhuka, Gunjar, Vagad and obtaining a Phd in Social Anthropology - Women in Islam and Its Reality, Desai, who hails from a rural background, has not lost the urge to educate every woman who comes her way.

“Education is the key to social, emotional and financial stability, and is the answer to almost every problem in life. It is unfortunate that so many women remain illiterate all their lives, making even something like buying vegetables a tacky issue. But I want to change that as much and as soon as possible,” Desai says. 

Along with running an NGO, Desai is also the vice-principal of RJ Tibrawala College in Vastrapur. “I had no intentions of making money out of AMWA, otherwise I would have taken tuitions for accounting,” she quips.

“It was a conscious decision and the support I have received from my family, and especially my husband who works for SBI, has been outstanding. He has been there like a pillar all through out my life and even when there were problems and objections raised by the society, he has always said, ‘We are doing nothing wrong. So there is nothing to fear. I will handle everything’.”

“My parents were very keen to educate me and I owe my success in life to them. Earlier, certain male members of some organisations wouldn’t even talk to me and other AMWA members. But now, they are compelled to share the same dais as us and that too on a more regular basis,” Desai proudly adds.

“Women everywhere are still being trampled upon continuously - either by the traditions and beliefs of our society or by their husbands, brothers or even parents. It’s time for all women in the county to stand up to this injustice and speak out against it.”