Women Make History at Aligarh Muslim University, Winning Six of 13 Students’ Union Posts

Women candidates have made history in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students' Union elections, winning six of the 13 available positions, including the post of vice-president.

The final results were announced on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the university's history.

Nashra Naeem became the first woman in AMU's 105-year history to be elected vice-president of the Students' Union. According to the detailed results, she secured 7,091 votes, defeating her closest rival, who received 5,818 votes.

Female candidates also won a record five of the 10 executive committee member positions, significantly increasing women's representation in the students' representative body.

Mohammad Noman Ashraf won the presidency by a margin of more than 4,100 votes, while Mohammad Hamdan was elected general secretary.

Professor Javed Talib, chief election officer for the AMU Students' Union and University Court elections, and Professor Nazia Hasan, chief election officer for the Women's College Students' Union elections, formally announced the results.

First election in eight years
The election was particularly significant as it was held after an eight-year hiatus, following three consecutive years of student protests demanding the restoration of the students' union election process.

A senior university faculty member said the ongoing Gen Z movement had also influenced the election campaign.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the professor said the campaign had gone beyond the usual campus-related demands.

"Unlike previous years, the campaign was not confined to issues concerning the university campus. Students also discussed broader national politics and issues relating to the Muslim community," the professor said.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections.

She described the outcome as a "victory for the university's strong democratic tradition".

Khatoon also welcomed the active participation of women candidates and their growing representation in the Students' Union, emphasising the importance of women's empowerment.

University authorities said the election process was completed peacefully, with no incidents of violence reported during the campaign.

The results mark a notable moment for student representation at one of India's historic universities, particularly with a woman securing the vice-presidential position for the first time in its 105-year history.