First Ever #MuslimWomensDay Has Commenced!
BY: Michelle Dermarkar/Contributing Writer
During a month when women are fully recognized for the incredible things they do, March 27 marks the first ever day to honor and remember Muslim women’s resilience in a time when there has been an increasingly hostile climate of Islamophobia.
We’re celebrating the first ever #MuslimWomensDay today with @muslimgirl, @Refinery29, @TeenVogue + more 💕 Help us spread the word! pic.twitter.com/VI62YKgo5v
— NYLON (@NylonMag) March 27, 2017
MuslimGirl, a website made for and by Muslim women, is partnering with dozens of media organizations such as MTV, Teen Vogue, Refinery 29, and others to celebrate the inaugural Muslim Women’s Day. The movement aims to center the voices and experiences of Muslim women in to mainstream dialogue.
In the midst of President Trump’s travel bans that are targeting Muslim-majority countries, triggering anti-Muslim violence, and contributing to the ever-growing Islamophobia, Muslim women’s rights are at risk in a very real way. Women wearing hijabs, in particular, are being discriminated against and victims of hate speech all over the country. But out of this misunderstanding and hate came empowerment.
“There are so many conversations unfolding around us right now about the women’s movement and the Muslim ban, and Muslim women are rarely given the space to be heard above the noise. This also comes at a time when Muslim women have become the most visible targets of anti-Muslim bigotry,” MuslimGirl’s Editor-in-Chief, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, told The Huffington Post. “I hope that #MuslimWomensDay is a launching pad for greater and more inclusive representation for Muslim women in the media.”
Happy #MuslimWomensDay! 👑🙌🏽⭐️❤️ pic.twitter.com/DDKYTkuNnb
— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) March 27, 2017
In honor of #MuslimWomensDay! — What It’s Like to Be An American Muslim Girl pic.twitter.com/G4rkHrPSCy
— Teen Vogue (@TeenVogue) March 27, 2017
Muslim Women’s Day is a time to honor the many Muslim women who have thrived for over a thousand years and celebrate the women who continue to change society each day. Muslim women are progressing and breaking down barriers in the world of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, etc. and are making important discoveries that contribute to a better world.
Teen Vogue, Refinery 29, Huffington Post, and many other publications are committed to boosting powerful, positive messages of support for Muslim women of all backgrounds today. They are taking the moment to eliminate stereotypes, showcase the diversity of the community, and share stories of Muslim women inspiring us all.
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh observes the day as a possibility for allies to “pass the mic” to Muslim women. “It’s time to hear from a community that’s often talked about but rarely given the chance to speak,” she stated during the campaign.
If you are interested in showing your support here’s how you can be involved:
We teamed up with some incredible media partners to center Muslim women’s stories and voices ❤️👊 #MuslimWomensDay #WomensHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/ERoDxbnCR7
— Muslim Girl (@muslimgirl) March 24, 2017
