Jezima Ismail

Jezima Ismail
Born1935 (age 88–89)
Sainthamaruthu, Kalmunai, Ampara
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationSt. Bridget's Convent, Colombo
Alma materUniversity of Peradeniya
University of Ceylon
Occupation(s)social activist, broadcaster, educationist
SpouseMahroof Ismail
AwardsDeshabandu (1989)

Deshabandu Jezima Ismail (born 1935) is a Sri Lankan educator, broadcaster and social activist who has also served as an advocate for human rights.[1][2] She has held several higher positions in fields such as education, human rights and broadcasting. She has also worked in several international organisations on human rights.[3] She is the founder of the Muslim Women's Research and Action Forum (MWRAF), and the Founder and President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Women's Conference (SLMWC).[4] Additionally, she has served as Vice Chancellor of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Chairperson of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), principal of Muslim Ladies College Colombo, and as a teacher at the Devi Balika Vidyalaya.[5]

Jezima has notably addressed some of the nation's most critical issues including development of youth, women's rights, peace and democracy.[6] In 1989, she was awarded the title of Deshabandu by the Sri Lankan government, which is the third highest national honour in Sri Lanka.[7][8] Jezima Ismail is considered as one of inspirational and greatest women among the Islamic community for her immense services towards the society.[9]

  1. ^ "I wanted to be a dancer - Jezima Ismail, educationist". archives.sundayobserver.lk. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  2. ^ "A Tribute To The Cordial Relations Between Muslims And Sinhalese In The Past". Colombo Telegraph. 2013-02-23. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  3. ^ "People and events". www.sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  4. ^ "Jezima Ismail | The Muslim 500". www.themuslim500.com. Retrieved 2018-09-28.
  5. ^ "What Sri Lanka can learn from Deshabandu Jezima Ismail | Daily FT". www.ft.lk. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  6. ^ "Members of the Commission". hrcsl.lk. Archived from the original on 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  7. ^ "Deshabandu Jezima Ismail felicitated". 2011-07-10. Archived from the original on 2018-03-04. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. ^ "Ismail, Jezima | The Muslim 500". themuslim500.com. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  9. ^ "Jezima Ismail - a True personality who has helped to develop the needs and rights of women in general". Retrieved 2018-03-04 – via PressReader.