A Mumbai-based couple Maya and Shamaun got their nikah conducted by Qazi Hakima Khatoon in Kolkata. The couple came across the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan’s (BMMA) website and saw that the movement has trained female qazis in Quranic and constitutional rights. This was the first wedding conducted by a woman. According to the founder of BMMA, Noor Jahan Safia Niaz, “The biggest challenge is to get couples to come forward. We need more Mayas and Shamauns, the new age, modern, liberal Muslim men and women.” Khatoon said she started work a month prior to the date. “We had to decide on mehr, check identity proofs, ensure the application form was in place and explain the procedure to the couple. We were a little anxious, but the support shown by the couple and their guests made our work easier,” said Khatoon. Published in Daily Times, February 15th 2019.