On Tuesday, 39 women embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage from Delhi without 'Mahrams' (accompanying male travel guardians). This year, 4,000 women from various parts of the country will undertake the Hajj pilgrimage without the accompaniment of a Mahram. Among the 4,000 women, 200 are from North India, with 39 hailing from the national capital. Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi extended her congratulations to the women and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Visuals shared by the news agency ANI captured the interactions between the women, the Union Minister, and Kausar Jahan, the chief of the Delhi Hajj Committee, at IGI airport.
Following the departure of the flight, Meenakshi Lekhi addressed reporters and highlighted the government's commitment to the well-being of the underprivileged, farmers, and women. She emphasized that women who were previously deprived of undertaking the pilgrimage without their Mahrams are now being granted the right to do so. This initiative is in line with the "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" campaign.
Regarding the safety of the travelling women, the Union Minister assured reporters that some paramilitary forces will accompany the female pilgrims, ensuring their experience is smoother and safer.
Kausar Jahan, chief of the Delhi Hajj Committee, emphasized that this represents a significant step towards women's empowerment. When asked about the training provided to the women in preparation for the pilgrimage, Jahan mentioned the inclusion of a new Physical Fitness session in the program. This session incorporates exercises to enhance the physical and mental well-being of the women, as Haj involves substantial physical activity.