The goal of today’s first Muslim Women’s Day is simple, to amplify “powerful, positive messages of solidarity with Muslim women of all backgrounds.” The event is sponsored by MuslimGirl.com along with a range of publications from the Huffington Post to Teen Vogue to Refinery29.
As Neha Gandhi pens in this Refinery29 piece: “With only a few days left in women’s history month…. we’re left reflecting on the power women have to drive meaningful change in the world — from shattering records in athleticism to changing the face of media to serving in public office.
“… Amidst ever-looming threats of revised travel bans targeting Muslim countries, dangerous rhetoric sparking anti-Muslim violence, increasingly persistent acts of vandalism targeting mosques, and a rising tide of Islamophobia and hate speech, one only need to look around and listen to sense that we still have a long road ahead of us, when it comes to notions of harnessing power, progress, and equality for all women. And that starts with elevating the voices of all women — which is why today, we’re countering a narrative of oppression and fear with the stories of a diverse group of women sharing experiences of activism, persistence, and community.
“As Zerina Iman, a New York City high school student shared with Refinery29, ‘Muslim Women’s Day is the celebration of Muslim women, who have thrived for thousands of years. It provides us, Muslim women, with a moment of pride, long overdue. It shows the world that we are not hiding, nor are we oppressed. Most importantly, it’s a beacon for young Muslim girls, like me, across the U.S. and the world, letting them know no matter what hate they face in this new era, they should be proud of their religion, of their legacy, and of the women just like them who continue to change society each day.’”
