In a remarkable milestone for gender equality, an Indian airline has achieved a groundbreaking feat by operating an all-female crew for a Hajj flight from Kerala to Saudi Arabia.
All-Female Crew and Pilgrims Embark on the Journey
In an unprecedented move, Air India Express facilitated a flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah with a noteworthy team of female professionals. Captain Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi expertly piloted the aircraft, while four female crew members ensured the comfort and well-being of the passengers. This empowering endeavor was witnessed by Indian Minority Affairs State Minister John Barla, who distributed boarding passes to the pilgrims. C Mohammed Faizi, Chairman of the Kerala Hajj Committee, expressed his pride in this historic achievement.
An Independent Pilgrimage for Indian Women
These female pilgrims belong to a group of 4,000 Indian women who will undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah independently. The Kingdom’s decision to eliminate the requirement of male guardianship for female pilgrims prompted India to adapt its Hajj policy accordingly.
Kerala’s Leading Role in Female Pilgrimage
The majority of Indian pilgrims in the “Ladies Without Mehram” category hail from Kerala. Faizi attributed the high number of around 2,000 women participating without a male guardian to the state’s education level and the prevalence of women visiting the Middle East to reunite with their relatives working there. Kerala also stands out with a higher percentage of female Hajj pilgrims compared to other Indian states, with women comprising 60% of the total pilgrims.
Empowering Women on Religious Journeys
With a population of 35 million, Kerala boasts a significant Muslim community, accounting for approximately one-fourth of the state’s residents. Out of India’s allocated quota of 175,000, nearly 11,000 Muslims from Kerala will embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with women representing approximately 60% of the total participants. This groundbreaking all-women Hajj flight signifies a pivotal moment in promoting gender equality and empowering women in their religious journeys.
Published in PakWeb, June 11th, 2023.
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