Crusader Helps Children And Women Achieve
October 4, 2006

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA--Monday's Gulf Times ran a brief article about K.V. Rabiya, a 40-year-old Muslim woman who has led movements for literacy and employment in her region.

Rabiya's autobiography, entitled "Mounanombarangal" -- or "Silent Tears" in English -- hits the bookstands later this month. In the book, she reportedly wrote about how she dealt with polio at an early age, a long battle with cancer later in life, and a recent fall that damaged her spine.

The article also described how Rabiya started teaching children and women how to read and write. Among her students were her mother and grandmother.

"It was a great pleasure to see many people in their 60s and 70s coming to the class with slates and pencils," she said. "I was really thrilled when my grandma called me a teacher."

Lately, Rabiya has turned to empowering women in her predominantly Muslim state. Through cottage industries, she has helped hundreds to earn their own incomes. She has also established an organization through which women meet to discuss social issues.

Entire article:
"Tragedies fail to deter wheelchair-bound community activist" (Gulf Times)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/06/red/1003a.htm

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Reproduced here under special arrangement with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
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