After the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, regrettably, some narrow-minded individuals began criticizing her based solely on her gender. Their misguided beliefs insinuated that being a woman somehow disqualified her from effectively leading the institution. Rather than acknowledging Prof. Khatoon’s extensive experience and expertise, detractors have chosen to focus on her gender as a supposed limitation. Gender should never be the deciding factor in determining one’s capabilities or opportunities. Women, like men, have the right to pursue their ambitions and contribute to society in any field they choose. Women have the right to hold positions of leadership, to excel in their chosen professions, and to be judged based on their skills, qualifications, and achievements rather than their gender.
Academic leadership, especially in prestigious institutions like AMU, demands a high level of scholarly excellence and administrative acumen. The Vice-Chancellor’s role is pivotal in shaping the future of the university and its students. Naima Khatoon who is the first woman Vice-Chancellor of AMU has a proven track record of leadership and has earned her position through dedication and hard work. It is high time that we move beyond archaic stereotypes and acknowledge the capabilities of individuals regardless of gender.
The Vice-Chancellor of AMU has been appointed based on a rigorous selection process that evaluates a candidate’s academic and administrative capabilities. Questioning her abilities on the basis of unfounded rumors undermines the integrity of the institution and the selection process. Moreover, attributing her success to her husband’s influence is a disservice to her independent career and achievements.
In today’s world, we see many women leading countries and holding top positions in government. For example, Sheikh Hasina is doing a great job as the leader of Bangladesh, and Nirmala Sitharaman is the Finance Minister of India. These women are proving that they can handle big responsibilities and make important decisions just as well as men can. So, if women can lead countries and manage finances on a national level, why can’t a woman also lead a university like AMU?
Leading a university like AMU requires skills like leadership, management, and vision. Women like Naima Khatoon, who have experience in academia and a passion for education, are more than capable of taking on this role. Just like Sheikh Hasina and Nirmala Sitharaman, Naima Khatoon has the ability to lead and inspire others. It’s not about gender; it’s about qualifications, dedication, and the ability to bring positive change.
By having a woman like Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor of AMU, the university can benefit from different perspectives and approaches to solve problems. Women leaders bring unique strengths, such as empathy, communication skills, and collaboration, which are essential for creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
Prof. Naima Khatoon has proven herself through her academic achievements, administrative experience, and commitment to the welfare of students and faculty.
So, just like women can lead countries and manage finances, they can also lead universities like AMU. It’s not about whether someone is a man or a woman; it’s about their ability to lead, inspire, and make a positive impact on the institution and its community.
It’s unfortunate that some individuals misuse Islam to propagate the notion that women are not capable or deserving of certain roles or opportunities. However, such beliefs are not reflective of the diverse interpretations and teachings within Islam. In fact, Islam emphasizes the importance of equity and justice, and there are numerous examples throughout history of women playing significant roles in various aspects of society, including leadership. Islam, as a religion, does not inherently oppose women’s empowerment. In fact, Islam advocates for the rights and dignity of women, promoting equality and justice for all individuals regardless of gender. Those who claim otherwise and use Islam to justify the suppression of women are misinterpreting the teachings of the faith. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of women in Islamic societies who held positions of leadership, influence, and authority. From scholars and poets to businesswomen and rulers, women have played vital roles in shaping Islamic societies and contributing to their advancement. The Quran and the Hadith contain numerous verses and teachings that emphasize the importance of women’s rights, including the right to education, work, and participation in public life. Islam also places a strong emphasis on justice and fairness, principles that apply equally to men and women. It is misguided and harmful to misrepresent Islam as being inherently oppressive towards women. Such misconceptions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the rich history of women’s contributions to Islamic civilization.
Despite Naima Khatoon’s qualifications, experience, and leadership qualities, some individuals choose to react irrationally to her appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Naima Khatoon’s appointment followed the same procedure as previous Vice-Chancellors of AMU. Any insinuation of political motives behind her appointment is unfounded and undermines the integrity of the selection process. Like her predecessors, she was chosen based on her merits, qualifications, and suitability for the role. Criticism of Naima Khatoon’s appointment based on her gender or allegations of political influence perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the progress towards gender equality and diversity in leadership roles.
Former VC of AMU, Tariq Mansoor has been incapable of running it. He preferred personal gains and during his tenure, AMU witnessed a decline in its academic, research standards and infrastructure upkeep. His lack of vision resulted in administrative chaos and a lack of direction. After him, to fill the gap, Prof Mohammad Gulrez, the husband of Prof. Naima Khatoon, served as the officiating Vice-Chancellor until April 23, 2024. While his temporary leadership may have provided stability during the transition period. However, with Prof. Naima Khatoon assuming the role of Vice Chancellor, the university is poised to move forward under her independent leadership, free from any perceived biases or familial ties.
Author is Professor in Comparative Studies and Alumnus, Doner Former Media Advisor of Aligarh Muslim University. He can be mailed at profjasimmd@gmail.com
