Pinay inmates in UAE receive counselling

The Dubai government’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Department has been conducting counselling sessions for Filipina inmates in United Arab Emirates (UAE) jails, Khaleej Times reported. According to the report, the Filipinas were reminded about the value of women in society and the Islamic culture of the UAE. “I know that many of them, particularly Filipino women, have sent all their money to their families in the Philippines without saving something for their future," Khaleej Times quoted Wafa Kasimieh, senior adviser of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Department. In the report, Kasimieh mentioned that 85 percent of the female inmates are jailed for “consensual sex" or illicit relationships. Kasimieh said many of the inmates have converted to Islam because of the program for female inmates which has been going on for 19 years, the report said. “In Islam, husband and wife should not be separated. Man and not woman should look for a job and earn a living for the family. What is the dignity for highly skilled women if they are caught having illicit relationship and end up in jail?" Khaleej Times quoted her as asking. The report said Kasimieh also reminds the female inmates about the commandments of God, such as not to kill and commit abortion if they end up having "unwanted pregnancies." - VVP, GMA News