Malak Jân (1906 - 1993)
Quest for Equality
Stemming from her fundamental belief in justice and equality for all human beings, Malak Jân arose as a champion for the rights of women and children. She viewed the oppression of rights, including gender discrimination, as an obstacle to personal development and dedicated herself to restoring such rights. She used her wisdom, position, and immense tolerance to patiently help people evolve in their thinking about gender equality at a time when women were considered inferior to men in every respect. These inequalities were deeply ingrained in the mentalities of both men and women of the region, where geographic and cultural insulation as well as primitive survival conditions rendered any evolution in the mindset of her community improbable and highly sensitive. Indeed, her views on gender equality put her own security in jeopardy as they were in stark contrast to the views and customs of the prevailing religious and political communities.

Nevertheless, at the risk of her own peril and armed only with her wisdom, faith, and compassion, this fragile, blind woman stood firm in her belief in the rights of all human beings. Her profound insight, genuine kindness and careful attention to every individual enabled her to win the hearts and minds of both men and women in her region, inspiring their devotion and respect. She encouraged gender reform in all realms of life, even the most traditional and sacred—spiritual and religious customs and traditions. With the encouragement of her brother, she broke from centuries of mystical tradition by espousing equal participation of men and women in all sacred ceremonies and customs. For example, historically women had not been allowed to sing or dance in devotional gatherings or to participate in any manner. Malak Jân revolutionized this environment by allowing women to participate fully, setting the stage in the process for a number of secular reforms as well. 

Malak Jân also encouraged parents to treat their daughters exactly as they would their sons—that is, to send them to school, feed them well, attend to their affairs, etc. Of great emphasis was her insistence on the equality between men and women in matters of inheritance, which were greatly lopsided in favor of males.  Furthermore, when the men in the community began attending newly-opened schools in the evenings to improve their literacy, Jâni insisted that the women be included and attend as well. She educated her community about the consequences of failing to respect the rights of each gender, helping them to evolve not only in their outward conduct, but more importantly in their internal attitudes and perception. In doing so, she was able to gradually establish respect between men and women in her own region and elsewhere among those who encountered her teachings. 

The tenets of her philosophy always mirrored her own conduct and Jâni served as the perfect role model for women and girls. She encouraged women to cultivate a sense of independence and to consider themselves equal to men in every realm of life. She encouraged girls to be educated, and for women to develop a livelihood and financial independence from their husbands whenever possible, a principle that did not stem from any disrespect for family life, but rather from a profound belief that relationships would enjoy greater success and harmony when based on equality among men and women and respect for the rights of each gender. Jâni believed that such independence would enable women to make choices based on sound judgment rather than financial necessity or peril. This, she believed, would enable them, and in turn their children, to live more peaceful, complete, and joyous lives.



Centennial Celebration of Malak Jân

A Life Unseen: A Legacy of One Woman's Courage, Humanity & Insight

Asia SocietyDecember 12, 2006
Asia Society, New York

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