Rehana Fathima, an Indian women’s rights activist hailing from Kerala, has emerged as a prominent figure in the struggle for gender equality. With a background in telecommunications and modeling, Fathima has fearlessly participated in numerous protests against moral policing and sexism, garqnering significant attention both nationally and internationally.

Born in 1986 in Kochi, Kerala, Fathima pursued her studies in telecommunications at the University of Kerala and later obtained a master’s degree in computer applications from Bharathidasan University. After working as a telecommunications engineer for a period, she transitioned into the field of modeling.

Fathima’s journey as an activist began in 2017 when she took a stand against the ban prohibiting women of menstruating age from entering the Sabarimala temple. In October 2018, following the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban, Fathima, alongside another woman, attempted to enter the temple. However, this act led to her arrest on charges of trespassing. While the charges were ultimately dropped, the incident ignited a nationwide discourse on women’s rights.

In addition to her efforts surrounding the Sabarimala temple, Fathima has faced legal consequences for her activism in other areas. She has been arrested for allegedly posting offensive content on Facebook, such as a picture with the hashtag “#FreeTheNipple” in 2019, advocating for the decriminalization of female toplessness.

 Furthermore, in 2020, she faced arrest for sharing a video of herself and her children engaging in body painting on her semi-nude torso. While some viewed this as child sexual abuse, Fathima argued that it was a form of art and personal expression.

As a result of her activism, Fathima has been both praised and criticized. Some admire her courage and unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and fighting for women’s rights. However, she has also faced backlash from those who disagree with her outspoken views. Nevertheless, Fathima remains undeterred, continuously reminding society that the battle for gender equality is far from over.

Her activism serves as a crucial reminder that there are still individuals who advocate for restrictions on women’s choices and seek to suppress their freedom of expression. By fearlessly challenging these limitations, Fathima contributes to the larger movement for gender equality, ensuring that the fight for women’s rights remains at the forefront of social and political discourse.