Why Muslim Women’s Day is Important to These Iconic Female Trailblazers

For some, March 27 is just like any other spring day. Yet, for millions of Muslim women around the world, March 27 is a day for joyous celebration and justifiable pride. For decades, Muslim women have defied expectations and challenged the archaic perceptions many in the West still have of their faith and their lifestyle. On a quest to amplify the voices of these tenacious women in the mainstream media, the founder of MuslimGirl.com, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, officially dedicated today Muslim Women’s Day back in 2017, encouraging all members of society to explore the multifaceted identity of a Muslim woman in which religion is just one of her many beautifully diverse qualities.

In honor of today being just one of many days that symbolize the phenomenal progress and record-breaking achievements of Muslim women across all nations and disciplines, Vogue Arabia spoke to iconic trailblazers who are striving to change the outdated narrative of a woman trapped by the walls of prejudice to one who shatters each and every glass ceiling that tries to limit any untapped opportunity they have set their sights on. From Nobel Peace Prize-winning activists and history-making American politicians to world-renowned hijabi models and athletes, discover the lessons learned and dreams envisioned of the changemakers continuously pushing the boundaries of development further and uplifting future generations of Muslim women higher with each unprecedented accomplishment.

Malala Yousafzai, female education activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and co-founder of the Malala Fund

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

I grew up in a society that believed women are not as capable or as strong as men—their job was to cook, clean, and care for children. Too often people misinterpret our religion and use it to hold women back. But Islam teaches equality. And Muslim women defy expectations and show off their talents to the world every day. Muslim Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate each other.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

I did not have many female role models growing up. The greatest example I had was Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the first woman to head a government of a Muslim-majority nation. Today, Muslim girls have so many role models. The Voice of Baceprot in Indonesia challenges stereotypes through their music. Ibtihaj Muhammad is making space for Muslim athletes. 18-year-old inventor Fatima Alkaabi is showing girls they too can become STEM experts. And every day Kurdish female soldiers prove that they have the same fight in them as men do.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

There are people I know, friends and family, who grew up learning that women are less than men. They say things like: “Women never make wise decisions, or women aren’t as courageous as men.” I’ve learned that while you can debate all day, the best response is to show them what’s possible.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

Women around the world experience inequality. They want equal education, equal pay and equal respect. They want to end harassment at home and at work. Today, we’re focusing on Muslim women, but it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. My wish is for every girl to have the chance to choose her own future.

Ilhan Omar, first hijab-wearing US congresswoman

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

This day provides an opportunity to foster religious tolerance worldwide and combat misinformation directed at the Muslim community. It’s important to reflect and celebrate the many Muslim women who have inspired me and countless others. I am really proud to be one of the first Muslim women elected to the United States Congress along with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Breaking this barrier wouldn’t have been possible without the Muslim women before me that bravely spoke truth to power.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

It’s a difficult time for Muslims and religious minorities in the United States. The current Administration has championed an Islamophobic and misogynistic agenda since the President’s first day in office. Donald Trump has continuously shown us that he stands with white nationalists and against religious freedom. He has put in place a Muslim Ban and looked for opportunities to weaken civil liberties for the oppressed and marginalized.

At the same time, we’re seeing increasing visibility for Muslim leaders, and increasing solidarity with other movements. I never would have expected the amount of protests and solidarity that people of all faiths and ethnicities showed in the wake of Trump’s Muslim Ban. And I never would have expected to have the opportunity to help lead a bill to overturn it in Congress. Fortunately, I do not believe his rhetoric and actions of the Administration reflect the views of the vast majority of Americans.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

When I first came to the US, I experienced discrimination for being both black and Muslim. Until I was twelve, I never had a conversation about my faith. Growing up in Somalia and then in a refugee camp in Kenya, most everyone around me looked like me. When I first arrived in the US, I was made painfully aware that I was different. Wearing a hijab was an odd thing and something people instantly noticed. Not only was I made aware that I was black and Muslim; I was also a refugee and a female. I sit on the intersection of many identities which lends itself to many stereotypes. The biggest lesson I learned when facing discrimination was to show up with love and to not let others define you. Every time I stepped forward, I shattered expectations of what being a Muslim, refugee, and a black woman looked like.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

I hope you never wait for an invitation to create the change you want to see in the world. There are so many opportunities waiting for you.

Halima Aden, first hijab-wearing model to walk New York Fashion Week

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

It’s always important to be giving a voice to those who aren’t often heard or don’t have the microphone large enough to share what they have to say with the masses.  Now, more than ever, it’s important that we are celebrating the stories of Muslim women and what they are doing, their success stories, within the Muslim community and beyond.  To me, this day means that everyone can stop and recognize this group of contributors, changemakers, and often times misunderstood women.  It’s a day that encourages others to really stop and get to know your neighbors.  When we collectively come together and learn from one another, we see that we are more alike than we would have ever imagined.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

We are now more visible than we’ve been in the past and that’s important.  Representation is so important.  It’s hard to see yourself in a space that no one, who looks like or resembles you, has been before.  Muslim women are jumping into uncharted territories and making themselves seen and heard.  From politics to sports to entertainment, it’s becoming less uncommon to see a Muslim woman paving the way.  Young Muslim girls need that; they need to see strong Muslim women exploring the unknown.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

I have so many identities.  I’m a black, Muslim, Somali-American, refugee, woman…all of those are important to me.  I think the stereotype I fight to overcome most is that of choice.  I choose to wear the hijab as a Muslim woman.  No one is forcing me to do so. Growing up, I most looked up to my mom, and still do; she is the definition of resilience.  I made a choice that I wanted to emulate her beauty and take after her wearing the hijab.  And, I don’t judge my sisters who choose not to wear the hijab.  At the end of the day, let’s just be good people… kind to one another and respectful of our differences.  There’s enough room for everyone!

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

How about three wishes?

1. Don’t change yourself, change the game.

2. If you are not invited to the table, pull up your own seat!  Start the conversation, sis!

3. Learn to swim!  Please, please, please–I’m calling on my Muslim sisters to join me in putting this on your 2020 list of things to accomplish.  This is a goal of mine and is so important; it’s a necessary life-skill.  Many women in the Muslim community never learn to swim as there hasn’t been a well-known option for swimwear that aligns with our faith.  As a result, young girls drown.  I remember having to wear a shirt and pants for gym class when it was a week focused on swimming.  There is a swimsuit that exists… get yourself a burkini, sign up for a class, and let’s do this ladies!

Neelam Hakeem, hijabi rapper

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

Celebrating Muslim Woman’s Day is important and significant for me because three years ago on this exact day, I was inspired to wear the hijab and embrace modest fashion, which is a big part of how I shape myself as a rapper in this industry. It was on Muslim Woman’s Day three years ago that I found myself scrolling for hours through the hashtag, becoming inspired by all the beautiful Muslim women and girls who slayed modestly. I followed so many inspiring women for inspiration and made my decision to do the same, which ultimately changed my life. I learnt that day that there are so many different dynamics to modest fashion. I fell in love with it and now it’s the forefront of my identity.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

I believe the perception of Muslim women has changed drastically over the years in my opinion for the better.  As a convert, I myself before inquiring knowledge thought that Muslim women tend to not have much of a voice, or appeared oppressed.  I also had only one cookie-cutter image of how a Muslim woman looks and acts.  I learned and believe the world is learning that the Muslim woman is a dynamic woman that comes in many forms. She has a voice that must be heard and included in all conversations. She can do it all and the last thing she is, is oppressed. There’s more inclusion and diversity that’s allowing Muslim women to have a seat at the table and it’s a beautiful thing!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

I’ve learned that the more you fight and overcome stereotypes and control the narrative, the more you become a teaching moment in someone’s life. I have a very diverse following with people from all walks of life, and I receive so many messages about how I’ve changed their perception or dismantled stereotypes they had and educated them more about Muslim women. Most of all, they learn we actually are more alike than we think. The human family is very similar if you just take a moment to get to know a person.  If we choose to stop using our differences to divide us but instead unify, it’s a beautiful thing.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

One wish I have for Muslim women around the world is that we become a pivotal voice on this planet giving a different perspective and balance to this world. Women are, in my opinion, the most dynamic beings on the planet, so there should be different voices, perspectives, and variety when it comes to anything involving women and we should have a pivotal seat at that table. We are one, anyway.  Ultimately, I just want to continue to see us win and break down barriers and inspire, the way I was inspired years ago.

Also Read: The Founder Of #MuslimWomensDay On Growing Up in The Most Islamophobic Eras in Modern History

Zahra Lari, first competitive Emirati figure skater

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

Celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant because it recognizes the value and accomplishments of today’s women. It embraces and puts focus on how far women have come throughout the years. For me personally, it means that women are breaking the barriers, showing their abilities and strengths, and also removing the stereotypes that have been in place for many generations.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

The perceptions of Muslim women have changed drastically over the last few years. We have so many more Muslim women in power than ever before. We are looked at for our strengths and also more as equals. The UAE, in particular, has provided so many opportunities for women and given them the platform for growth and development. We have female ministers, various government officials, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and many women of power within the UAE. I am so proud to be an Emirati woman.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity? 

The biggest lessons that I have learned is to never give up, be yourself always, never listen to negative comments, and work hard for your goals. Nothing comes easy but with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

The one wish that I have for the future Muslim women of the world is to always recognize your value, believe in yourself, and never set limitations on what you can do.

Asma Elbadawi, hijabi basketball player who helped lift the ban on religious headwear in professional basketball

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

I think Muslim Women’s Day is significant because it allows Muslim women to control their narrative and celebrate their connection to Islam in the way they choose to. For me, it’s a day I can celebrate belonging to a faith that has, in many ways, been the foundation and compass in which I have built the woman I am today.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

For the most part, we have been accepted into society more now than ever and are able to succeed in our chosen fields. Of course, we are still not all the way there yet but with many Muslim women pioneering and breaking barriers over the past years, it’s given many more the courage to follow suit resulting in a less tokenized representation.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

That I won’t always have control of how I am perceived. People will always identify me based on their own experiences with other Muslim women. They will assume I’m okay with being identified as ‘hijabi’ or a Muslim, even if the story I’m sharing has nothing to do with those parts of my identity. And even when the story is linked to the hijab, if they take the time to get to know me, they would find that I’m not a ‘hijab’ campaigner. I’m a pro-choice advocate. I want women to have the option to wear the hijab if they choose to, without it stunting their progress in whatever sport they wish.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

I wish that Muslim women can be seen as individuals rather than stereotyped together or tokenized. Each one of us has her own personality and unique strengths that make her a great asset.

Safiya Abdallah, founder of modest-inclusive fashion brand Dulce by Safiya

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

Celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is something that is not only significant but also truly necessary. Muslim Women’s Day to me means that the world can truly see the real Muslim woman for who she is and what she truly represents, not just the portrayal of us the media paints us to be. To be recognized for her efforts in the arts, human rights, and contributions to the world. Leaving a mark on the world for my daughters to look back on and be proud of as well as pave a way for their future.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

The perception and treatment of the Muslim woman have changed in some aspects, mainly thanks to social media platforms which allowed Muslim women to create their own narrative. Some may say media has only used Muslim women as tokens in global campaigns to give the illusion of inclusion. However, the efforts regardless, in my opinion, have finally allowed women all over to finally see images of them included in the media, which has given Muslim women more normality in the Western world compared to when I was growing up in southern California where a woman in a hijab was hardly seen or understood and we faced many of the typical stereotypes.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is if I want to change the narrative, I will have to keep pushing the envelope whether it be fashion or blogging on my website. The goal is to make a difference in the world by doing my own part to draw attention to the everyday Muslim woman and her talents and contributions to making the world a better place. Giving Muslim women a spotlight on such occasions is giving us a voice we haven’t had for many years and, needless to say, it is appreciated in all aspects.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

One wish I have for the future of Muslim women around the world is that they can unapologetically work in any role, be recognized as the best fashion designers, or climb any mountain without having to first prove they are not every stereotype we typically have to fight for first.

Melanie Elturk, founder and CEO of luxury hijab label Haute Hijab

Why do you think celebrating Muslim Women’s Day is significant and what does it mean to you specifically?

First off, I have to recognize my friend Amani Al-Khatahtbeh who started this three years ago. What a blessing it is to have champions in our community who are changing the narrative for thousands of Muslims, particularly in the West. Muslim Women’s Day is significant for the very reasons Amani started it: to celebrate Muslim women and ground their voices in mainstream media. Her work has always centered around fair and diverse representation in the mainstream media and this is just one way she’s doing just that.

How has the perception and treatment of Muslim women changed over the past few years globally and/or nationally?

We’ve seen an incredible insurgence of diverse voices within the Muslim community over the past few years, whether it’s supermodel Halima Aden and her groundbreaking work with UNICEF, Linda Sarsour and her work with MPower Change and the Women’s March or Tamara Gray, championing women’s scholarship with her organization Rabata.org; by Muslim women for Muslim women. As our community, particularly in the US, continues to break out of its shell and contribute to all areas of public life outside of those we’ve operated heavily in for decades, like healthcare, we will continue to see a surge of strong female Muslim voices dominate their fields.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when fighting to overcome stereotypes about your identity?
That you should always lead with love and find common ground. Be compassionate. Most Americans have said they know nothing or little about Islam. And what they have heard in the media usually tends to be negative and enforce age-old stereotypes that Muslim women are shattering one by one. Also, find your allies. Especially those outside our community. There are far more people who are willing to support and lift us up than there are who want to tear us down.

What is one wish you have for the future of Muslim women around the world?

It’s the cornerstone and mission of my company, Haute Hijab: to build a world where every woman feels comfortable and confident. If a Muslim woman chooses to wear a hijab, I want to contribute to building a world where she doesn’t have to hesitate or sacrifice her beliefs in exchange for a feeling of safety, belonging, or acceptance. She should be able to practice her religion without fear of consequence. I pray for a world where every woman in the hijab feels so proud to walk out of her home every day, confidently representing her beautiful religion.

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