tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234218502011-12-28T02:53:18.045+02:00<center>Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience, and resourcefulness to every project we embrace, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success.</center>~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141504609553644172010-08-07T10:38:00.000+03:002010-08-07T18:39:44.148+03:00

In March 2006 Muslimah Writers Alliance began a project in conjunction with International Women's History Month (See: President Obama's Official Proclamation-3/2/2010) designed to celebrate Muslim Women Making History. Here's how YOU can be a part of this endeavor. MWA invites you to share stories about Muslim women making history TODAY in their families and communities - setting precedents,

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-79117662523765231992010-08-06T21:40:00.001+03:002010-08-06T21:46:24.426+03:00

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE

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One way to start building a community is by running for political office, which is what Democrat Rashida Tlaib did in 2008 when she made history, representing the Southwest District of Detroit (12th District Map), by becoming the first female Muslim elected to the Michigan Legislature. On August 3, 2010 Tlaib is running for her second two-year term as a member of the Michigan State House of

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-10182325969370217122010-06-22T10:31:00.000+03:002010-06-22T10:31:34.927+03:00

By Matthew Artz, Oakland Tribune FREMONT — Moina Shaiq didn't venture outside on Sept. 11, 2001 — or the next day, or the day after that. It took her more than a week to finally leave her opulent Fremont home — as always with a headscarf covering her hair — and go grocery shopping for her family. At the time, Shaiq could barely face a world she thought hated her. But instead of withdrawing

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-46045348992694439592010-03-17T18:00:00.000+02:002010-03-17T18:00:46.327+02:00

Erez Border Crossing, GazaDecember 31, 2009Learn More - Search 'Gaza' Here

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-41218376575451448732009-07-07T13:38:00.002+03:002009-07-07T13:43:27.023+03:00

Through Azizah, Tayyibah Taylor realized her vision of providing a vehicle for the voice of Muslim American women – a vehicle that portrays their perspectives and experiences, and shatters commonly held stereotypes. She presently works on the steering Committee of WISE, an organization that convenes global Muslim women leaders and fosters Muslim women's participation in Islamic law and

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-29096778393555228312009-03-05T13:05:00.000+02:002009-07-07T13:06:49.674+03:00

Washington, DCMarch 5, 2009In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Department of State announces the recipients of the third annual Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage. This is the only award within the Department of State that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide. It recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-23589582346945369052007-01-26T09:54:00.001+02:002009-07-07T13:15:43.755+03:00

By Amanda KhalilNoor Saadeh embraced Islam in 1989. She was living and performing as a concert and opera singer in New York when she stumbled into a coffee shop run by an Egyptian Muslim.After discussing pharaohs and pyramids they got around to talking about Islam, which she was embarrassed to admit that she knew nothing about. Six months later, she took shahadah and left the concert stage,

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-69929593761963918972007-01-22T21:06:00.001+02:002009-07-07T13:16:10.221+03:00

Knitting for the HomelessBy Amany Al-SayyedSep 15, 2006Taking the initiative to help others in need is a key part of Ramadan, which is not just a month of fasting from food and drink during daylight hours, but also a time of giving and piety for Muslims around the world.Back in April, Janice Tufte, a resident of Seattle and active volunteer in groups such as CAIR-Seattle, the Committee to End

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141768773789730132007-01-14T16:00:00.001+02:002009-07-07T13:18:01.522+03:00

Jan. 31, 2007UPDATE 3Islamic Court Frees Iranian TeenWednesday January 31, 3:05 pm ETTEHRAN, Iran, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- After two grueling years in prison, Iranian teen Nazanin Fatehi was released today and spared from her original death sentence following an international campaign spearheaded by former Miss World Canada Nazanin Afshin-Jam.Emotions ran high at the entrance gate of Evin prison,

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-86316688715622107782007-01-11T11:30:00.001+02:002009-07-07T13:18:55.439+03:00

By Aishah SchwartzJanuary 11, 2007On October 18, 1979, a child named Awista Ayub was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Nearly a quarter of a century later, she would become an internationally recognized beacon of hope to a generation of young girls, survivors of the fallen Taliban regime. As a result of Awista’s visionary Afghan Youth Sports Exchange program, a new generation of girls has learned the

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1150992522797920662006-06-22T07:00:00.001+03:002009-07-07T13:24:25.313+03:00

Greek Life and the Muslim GirlIt's not just for do-gooders or party girls anymore. America's Greek sisterhood is gaining a new group--a Muslim sorority.By Hala ShahWhen Imani Abdul-Haqq converted to Islam in November 1999, she knew her life as a Muslim would make her an outsider. She decided that though she would have to give up some things, she would figure out a way to live an American life

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1144997158147382992006-04-14T08:18:00.000+02:002006-04-14T08:51:33.033+02:00

Glamour Magazine's "10 Women to Watch" 2005Ghofrane Benghanem, 19, is a tutor, biochemistry and biophysics student, Muslim, hospital volunteer, woman mentor, biomedical researcher, community advocate, teaching assistant, and more. Last fall she was also named one of Glamour magazine's Top Ten College Women in the United States.As a scientist, being included in a mainstream magazine that is read

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1144695720572053032006-04-10T20:30:00.000+02:002006-06-23T05:09:19.940+03:00

Female Muslim Takes the Bench - Detroit, MI4/10/06DETROIT (The Arab American News) — As the first Arab American to sit on the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County, Charlene Mekled Elder knows she plays an important role. Not only does she carry the weight of serious decision making, but she serves as a role model for Middle Eastern women around the globe.Appointed to the Wayne County 3rd Circuit

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1144454974987774622006-04-08T02:00:00.000+02:002006-04-08T02:09:35.006+02:00

Iran's Muslim Woman of 2005LONDON, March 18, 2006 (IranMania) - Organization of Afro-Asian Writers chose Iranian poetess, writer, and prominent university professor Tahereh Saffarzadeh as the most prominent woman in the Islamic World and at the international scene in 2005, IRNA reported.Egypt's Culture and Information Minister Muhammad Majdi Marjan who heads the Organization of Afro-Asian Writers

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1144378332067004512006-04-07T02:57:00.000+02:002006-04-14T14:29:15.253+02:00

French Dressingby Helene Fouquet - Teen Vogue"Shaving my head was the most powerful thing I`ve ever done. It was like transforming myself ..."Fifteen-year-old Muslim Cennet Doganay beat France's ban on Islamic headscarves in school - by shaving her head. When I look in the mirror before I go to school, I hardly recognize myself. Some mornings I even say, "Wait-who is that bald girl?" It's a a

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1144190916116305132006-04-05T00:40:00.000+02:002006-04-05T02:58:32.286+02:00

By Matt SchudelWashington Post Staff WriterWednesday, October 27, 2004; Page B06Sharifa Alkhateeb, 58, who founded advocacy groups for Muslim women and explained the ways of Islam to America and the world as a scholar, journalist and educator, died Oct. 21 of pancreatic cancer at her home in Ashburn.Mrs. Alkhateeb embraced both American and Islamic ways in her lifelong effort to bridge gaps

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1143949841956028472006-03-18T05:44:00.000+02:002006-04-07T05:05:22.136+02:00

"I have always been a compassionate person by nature, but now I find such happiness in knowing that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is using the talents and gifts He has given me to communicate with people in so many ways!" (Image: Aishah Schwartz Protesting Against French President Jacques Chirac's Proposed Ban of Hijab; Embassy of France, Washington, D.C., January 17, 2004.)By Heather El KhiyariMarch

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She wears a traditional black abaya cloak to work and prays five times a day, but religion hasn't stopped Marwa Al-Eifa of Dubai from becoming the fastest female driver in the United Arab Emirates.The 25-year-old marketing executive won first place in February 2005 at the First International Women's Rally car race held in Dubai, making her the first Saudi female rally driver to win the

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1142612863239564622006-03-17T18:05:00.000+02:002006-03-17T18:32:34.220+02:00

Tissa Hami is one of the world’s few female Muslim stand-up comics. Her unique act and fresh perspective on life as an Iranian-American woman leave audiences in shock and awe. From Islamic fundamentalists to white liberals to good old-fashioned racists, no one is safe from Tissa’s sharp wit. Tissa, who performs in Islamic hijab, hopes her comedy will help break down stereotypes about Muslim women

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1142536660048796092006-03-16T20:53:00.000+02:002006-03-16T21:17:40.060+02:00

Sarwat Husain came to US from Pakistan more than thirty years ago and did all her schooling here. She has a M.S. degree in Clinical Nutrition and has been a successful businesswoman running group homes for the elderly, a childcare center, and a restaurant.Being a peace activist, a proud Muslim and a proud American, she felt she had a call to answer after 9/11. She sold her business and started

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1142286285379266852006-03-13T22:00:00.000+02:002006-03-13T23:48:24.896+02:00

About SamiyahSamiyah Diaz, a J.D. candidate in Boston, holds degrees from Tufts University, including an M.S. in computer science. She is currently the President of the Muslim Law Students Association and is a member of various law school organizations: Intellectual Property Association and Black Law Students Association to name a couple. Last semester, she and her fellow teammates finished as

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1142258467439137452006-03-12T16:01:00.000+02:002006-03-13T21:22:30.313+02:00

Cindy van den Bremen is a Dutch contextual fashion designer who graduated in 1999 from the Design Academy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands as a conceptual designer. She became internationally renown for her graduation project in which she designed four unique headscarves, called “capsters.” The idea for the project was initiated by the decision of the Dutch Commission for Equal Treatment to allow

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1142029609580353422006-03-09T22:52:00.000+02:002006-04-26T17:56:03.536+02:00

Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and Director, Islamic Chaplaincy ProgramPh.D., (University of Chicago)Specialization: Islamic Law, Early Islamic HistoryA small, slender woman with an arrestingly calm demeanor, Ingrid Mattson has no reluctance about speaking out on issues of importance. Her articulate voice was one of the first after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141863835293600332006-03-08T22:51:00.000+02:002006-08-02T01:28:36.346+03:00

Girl Scout Gold Award Young Women of DistinctionGirl Scouts of Milwaukee Area, Inc., WisconsinEach year, Girl Scouts of the USA honors 10 young women from across the nation for their leadership and dedication to community service. Recognized as Girl Scout Gold Award Young Women of Distinction, these teens head up projects that have had far-reaching effects on their communities.In 2004, then 17-

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141862254507888192006-03-08T22:50:00.000+02:002006-03-09T01:57:34.516+02:00

The Nobel Peace Prize 2003"For her efforts for democracy and human rights. She has focused especially on the struggle for the rights of women and children."Ebadi was the first Muslim woman to win the award."Many people use Islam to justify the unequal position of women. They are wrong. Islam is a religion, which believes in the equality of all human beings. The position of women in Islamic

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141849520887317412006-03-08T21:01:00.000+02:002006-06-07T08:08:18.413+03:00

All-American MuslimAsma Gull Hasan, 30, was born and raised in Chicago, attended Wellesley and NYU, is a lawyer, and considers herself an all-American kind of girl. One thing distinguishes her from many of her peers: she is Muslim.As an author, Hasan is a sparkling young ambassador of her faith. Her simplicity is disarming and her sentiments tug at the reader's heartstrings. Using an odyssey of

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141775359145466112006-03-07T14:49:00.000+02:002006-03-08T01:49:19.156+02:00

The Muslim Women's Institute for Research and Development (MWIRD)Nurah Rosalie P. Jeter Amat’ullah, Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Women’s Institute for Research and Development (MWIRD), organized to help spread the word about free and low-cost healthcare in the Bronx.MWIRD supports projects such as Cover The Uninsured Week (May 1-7). (read more) (listen)On March 7, 2006, Ms.

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Friendship Has No Religious Boundary In LeyteEvery night Naimah teaches the holy Quran to Muslim women and their children for free, to protect and strengthen their religious faith.SOUTHERN LEYTE, March 7 (Bernama) -- For Hajah Naimah Muhammad, 37, being a Muslim in a place like St. Bernard there has never been an obstacle.Her shoe shop near the St Bernard market is very noticeable. The sight of

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1000 Peacewomen Across the Globe"I want to live in a society that celebrates our plurality, our differences, our diversity and sees that as a blessing instead of a threat."With a group of women, Zainah Anwar wanted to find out if it was true that Islam discriminates against women. Turning to the Koran, they found that it advocates justice, equality, dignity and freedom. So they set up Sisters in

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141690290733849092006-03-06T14:15:00.000+02:002006-03-07T03:01:25.356+02:00

Excerpt from: The New StatesmanInterview by Rachel AspdenMonday 27th February 2006"...I'm for an Islam that is at home in Britain" - Fareena Alam, 27, news editor of the Muslim magazine Q News, published in London.Alam is bringing the battle for the hearts and minds of British Muslims to the pages of the broadsheets and the streets of London, Bradford, Manchester and Luton. She and her magazine

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As part of Women's History Month (2004), Fawzia Afzal-Khan of English, an internationally known Islamic feminist and vocal performer, presented "Bold and Beautiful: Acting Out as a Pakistani/American/ Muslim Wo/Man," a multi-media lecture. The event included a performance of parts of her play "Scheherazade Goes West," which appeared in The Drama Review.Afzal-Khan has spoken in venues around the

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141687290420639252006-03-04T14:00:00.000+02:002006-04-05T19:16:21.880+02:00

Pakistan: After Muslim Honour Killing - Mutilation(November 27, 2005) - Shamin Mai is in a critical condition in the Bahawal Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur, a province of Pakistan in the Punjab, adjoining he Indian border. Shamin Mai has had both of her legs chopped off. Her brother Bashir and her uncle Bilal have been arrested for the atrocity. Four others who assisted in the assault have so

~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421850.post-1141508479763190152006-03-03T21:55:00.000+02:002006-03-07T14:54:37.736+02:00

Girl Scout Leader Sees Service as Way to Assist, Educate Muslim YouthsBy JEANNINE F. HUNTERStaff Writer - The TennesseanFaith in ActionKasar Abdulla, 24, is neither a spiritual teacher nor a member of the leadership board at the Salahadeen Center, a south Nashville mosque where fellow Kurdish immigrants worship.But she sees serving as a leader of a local Muslim Girl Scout troop as a way to teach

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Saudi Woman Poet HonoredJEDDAH, January 2006 — The Forum of Young Global Leaders, an affiliate of the World Economic Forum, announced yesterday that internationally acclaimed poet and writer Nimah Ismail Nawwab has been named a Young Global Leader. Nimah Nawwab, born in Malaysia to Makkawi parents, is one of 16 new Young Global Leaders from the Middle East and North Africa, and will join a global

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Young author breaks taboosBy Donna Abu-NasrDecember 17, 2005RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - It's hardly Sex and the City, but by Saudi standards The Girls of Riyadh is a bombshell.The fictional tale of the loves, dreams and disappointments of four young women in the capital has, not surprisingly, drawn criticism in a country where women are not supposed to date or have a love life until married. More

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