Beyond Expectations

Dr. Jennathu Beevi’s Story of Faith and Independence

Dr. Jennathu Beevi speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who has navigated life's complexities and emerged with clear convictions. As Associate Professor at Crescent Institute, her journey through electrical engineering, from her B.E. in 1998 to completing her Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering in 2021, tells a story that goes far beyond academic credentials.

When asked what being a woman means to her, Dr. Beevi doesn't hesitate to ground her response in her faith. "I would like to answer from Islamic point of view," she begins, acknowledging that this perspective might not resonate with everyone. "According to Islam, women are given a lot of privileges right from her birth."

She explains how Islamic teachings frame womanhood as inherently valuable, how fathers are rewarded for raising daughters with good character, how mothers receive spiritual rewards for their nurturing, and how women have complete autonomy over their earnings. "Whatever she earns, she does not have to give it to anybody without her consent. She can have all the money with her," she notes. "So I think it's a very big advantage, privilege being a woman, being a Muslim woman for me."

This foundation of faith-based empowerment shapes how she views her role in the world. "Whatever we do, it has been rewarded by the Almighty. So I think I am happy with who I am."

Challenging the Household Stereotype

Despite her appreciation for traditional family roles, Dr. Beevi is crystal clear about which societal expectations need to change. The stereotype that frustrates her most? The assumption that household work is exclusively women's territory.

"The women being the housewife and doing all the activities inside the house," she says, identifying this as the norm that most needs challenging. While acknowledging that women often serve as the center around which families revolve, she's firm about the need for shared responsibility.

"This stereotype is that the woman has to cook, the woman has to wash, the woman has to take care of all the cleaning. Yes, we have to, but the men should also participate." She points to Islamic history for support: "The Prophet himself, he lived like that. He helped all his wives in cleaning the houses, in all the activities."

Her observations of contemporary family dynamics are pointed. "Even I have seen educated husbands. What do they do generally, they just get up, they ask for coffee or tea and they read the newspaper for half an hour." Meanwhile, wives, often working women themselves, handle all domestic responsibilities without assistance. "Even after coming back, they say, 'I need my dinner.' They don't help the same woman who is going to work, she's also tired. He's also tired. Somebody has to do it. But what I'm saying is you can share the work."

The impact extends beyond just the immediate household. "By seeing the father, the kids also grow up to be the same. They think that cooking is women's job, cleaning is women's job, washing is women's job, and housekeeping is women's job." She's hopeful about change in younger generations but remains committed to challenging these expectations.

The Power of Educational Foundation

Dr. Beevi's educational journey wasn't without obstacles, including a significant career gap when family responsibilities required her to step away from work for several years. But her commitment to learning and her family's educational values provided the foundation for her eventual return to professional life.

"I have 23 years of experience, but I am here in this post only now after 23 years," she reflects, acknowledging the challenges that career interruptions can create. Yet she doesn't express bitterness about this path. "I don't regret it. Whatever happens, happens for a reason."

Her family's approach to education was forward-thinking. "My grandfather's vision was that women should be educated," she explains. The results speak for themselves: "I am a PhD holder, my sister is a PG holder. My 2 brothers are doing business. They were not interested in studies."

Her grandfather's reasoning was practical and prescient: “If any problem arises in married life, a girl should be educated — she shouldn’t have to beg anyone for money or support. Boys, on the other hand, can usually manage.”

When challenges arose in her personal life, education proved to be her lifeline.“Within a few hours, I reached home. I stayed there for two months. During that time, I informed the principal about my situation. They told me I would attend the interview in January, and on January 11th, I was recruited.”

The confidence that education provided was transformative. "Only education helped me. Then I bought a house. All these things came because... education has given me so much confidence. Only because of that, I was able to see what was right, and what was wrong and thus education definitely empowers you."

A Vision for Educational Support

Dr. Beevi's personal experience with financial struggles during her education has shaped her vision for how society can better support women. Her solution is straightforward: "Education should be free for women."

She recalls her own journey: "I came to Chennai for the first time. I am from down south... I had my own problems actually and I came here with financial issues but somehow after seeing my marks the college decided to provide me with a full scholarship."

Today, she actively supports other students facing similar challenges. She describes organizing crowd funding for deserving students, noting how quickly the academic community responds when someone needs educational support. "For women who are really meritorious, who are really interested in studying... the society, I think that society will prosper," she argues. Her vision extends beyond individual success to societal benefit. "Everybody should help each other. For education, definitely."

Living with Independence and Purpose

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Dr. Beevi's philosophy is her commitment to independence and self-reliance. Her advice to other women is uncompromising: "Don’t depend on anyone. Even though you may have limitations, relying on others often leads to more problems."

This independence isn't born from cynicism but from practical wisdom. "Don't have a lot of expectations from the opposite gender. They are human beings as well. Don't depend on them... your freedom is in your hands." She practices what she preaches. "I am independent, I don't expect anything from anybody." This extends to financial decisions: "I am earning, I will buy it. Nobody is going to question me."

Her approach to happiness is refreshingly self-determined. "You have a lot of things in your life to enjoy... that's not the only reason for you to be happy. You have a lot of more reasons... explore and be happy whatever will give you happiness in the halal way." She encourages women to pursue their interests: "Reading... travel...meeting friends. We have our own way of having halal fun. So enjoy that."

A Philosophy of Present-Focused Living

When asked about planning for retirement, Dr. Beevi's response reveals a philosophy shaped by experience: "I don't save money. Again post retirement you will know what to do when the moment arises. Thus, I don't worry about the future at all."

This isn't recklessness but faith-based pragmatism. "Why bother about post retirement? When I got married I was just 28, I didn't know what would happen. So I just went with the flow of life.” She draws parallels to life's major challenges: "Pregnancy will give you, what you think you cannot tolerate. But when that moment comes, Allah will give you strength." Her conclusion is simple: "When that moment comes, we'll see. Don’t bother pounding about the future."

The Ongoing Journey

Dr. Jennathu Beevi's story is one of resilience grounded in faith, empowerment through education, and strength found in independence. Her journey from a young woman facing financial obstacles to pursuing education, through career interruptions and personal challenges, to her current position as an associate professor and department head, illustrates the complex realities many women navigate.

Her perspective offers a unique blend of traditional faith-based values and progressive views on gender roles and women's independence. She challenges stereotypes about household responsibilities while honoring the value of family life. She advocates for educational support for women while emphasizing the importance of self-reliance.

"Marriage, the in-laws... you should know how to tackle people in your personal life as well as professional life. While not compromising your freedom," she advises, summarizing a philosophy that balances relationship responsibilities with personal autonomy.

Her story demonstrates that empowerment can take many forms, sometimes it's about challenging societal expectations, sometimes it's about finding strength in faith, and sometimes it's about simply refusing to let circumstances define your future. Through education, independence, and a commitment to living authentically, Dr. Beevi has created a life that reflects her values while contributing meaningfully to her profession and community.

In a world that often presents women with binary choices between tradition and modernity, family and career, dependence and independence, her journey suggests that perhaps the real power lies in defining these terms for yourself, and having the education, faith, and determination to live according to your own definition of a meaningful life.

Interviewee: Dr. Jennathu Beevi

Interviewer: Rasheeqa Sheriff

Edited By Niha Fathima