I say ...

Occupation and status of women
As Imam Khomeini (R) said:  "The bosom of women is the cradle of raising great men and women." Her job is place herself in the prime position where she imparts knowledge to the young of mankind. Thus the status of a Muslim woman is compared to that of the Divine Prophets (AS) sent by Allah (SWT) in that her profession is that of a teacher of humanity.  
A mother is the most influential person in a child's life. The crux of the responsibility of making training and nurturing of a new generation - a generation that itself will move and influence a society - lies with the woman.  Thus the progress of mankind and its very existence depends upon the stability of the family unit.  It is with this responsibility in mind that the occupation of woman in Islamic culture in any age should arise. 

•Occupation and women’s duties in the family 
The role of a Muslim mother is to raise spiritually, emotionally and physically healthy children who mix in the larger society without compromising their faith. As a teacher and trainer, a Muslim woman can only teach others in the best manner if she herself is familiar with the relevant knowledge and skills.  Therefore she is duty-bound to acquire knowledge with the aim of self-building and improving her capabilities as this is the only path to becoming a beneficial and constructive member of the community.  She must herself be well educated not only in the conventional school education and foremost in both the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S) and his Ahlul Bayt.
Furthermore to create a stable family unit there needs to be successful family life, the success of which depends on the mutual attachment of both husband and wife.  However since there is a difference in the mentality of a man and a woman, Allah has placed the key of their mutual love within the control of the man.  
The real spirit of marital life is understanding and mutual respect.  If the woman is obliged to obey her husband, the man has also been told to exercise privileges towards the welfare of the family and to treat the wife with love and sweetness. According to an eminent psychologist, motherly affection that a woman shows her children is greatly influenced by the love her husband shows her.  This shows why Islam uses all its efforts to keep the feelings of tenderness and love between the husband and wife so that in turn it is the children who benefit from this harmony.


•Occupation and suitability to mental and physical conditions of women
 A society where Muslims live should have Muslim women who are teachers, doctors, lawyers, taxi drivers, accountants and all such honourable professions. However it should be an occupation that is suitability to mental and physical conditions of women.  For instance hard physical outdoor work is not in line with the constitution of women in general. A woman’s innate nature of caring, tenderness, ability to attend to emotional needs and nurturing is more in line with professions like teaching, administrative work, the medical profession, nursing, child care etc.

•Occupation and financial need of women to support the family 
Islam frees a woman from being concerned about earning an income for maintaining the household and urges her to learn knowledge in all fields.  The Muslim woman can earn for herself, save and add to her wealth but is in no manner responsible for maintaining the household.  These things should not put a strain on her and should not take away her beauty, pride and honour which are always associated with her peace of mind and tranquillity. (Mutahhari).
Muslim women in Australia
In Australia the majority of Muslims are still first and second generation migrants which mean that many Muslim women do not speak English fluently and this affects their chances of employment.  In new migrant families, both parents work longer hours at two or three jobs trying to make ends meet.  This results in less time to spend with their children and teach Islamic values and beliefs. This means the next generation will have weaker understanding and commitment to following the religion.
Further in recent times in Australia the issue of hijab has been raised by certain politicians towards passing legislation to ban the wearing of it, in the same way as did France and Belgium.  The media has encouraged antagonism and the view that hijab implies oppression of women by male members of their families and Muslim communities.  Muslim women wearing hijab on the street going about their work have been spat upon and called names.  Some even had their headcovers pulled off their heads.  
Modesty and chastity are the hallmark of a Muslim.  The purpose of modesty is to maintain the dignity of both men and women when they interact.  A woman’s hijab covers her from strange eyes and earns her respect.  It does not prevent her from interacting with men for the purpose of study, work, and performing good deeds.  In fact when hijab is mutually observed such interactions take place with sincerity of purpose and devoid of impropriety.  
But in Australia Muslim women especially those who observe the modest Islamic dress could face discrimination at work and have difficulty in finding employment in the general workforce.  But the answer to this may be raising the profile of Islam and bringing this to the attention of the public.  Some Muslims organisations have taken proactive steps by taking part in interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural training. 

 

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