By Do you feel it? The soles of millions stomping in a synchronous march in respect of the empowered woman. March 8th, otherwise known as International Women’s Day, celebrates the tenacity and perseverance of women. Originating from the women’s labor movement in the United States to being recognized by the United Nations in 1975, International Women’s Day reflects the cumulative progress to establish equality on all fronts. Here are five iconic Muslim women that challenged social, economic, and gender inequalities in their strive for representation.
Shereen El Feki
Shereen unravels taboos in the Arab world with poise and curiosity in her book, Sex and the Citadel. In particular, she examines cultural attitudes of sexuality that play into sexual politics. By bringing a hidden topic forward, Shereen comforts those struggling with such a topic.
Rashida Tlaib
A daughter of Palestian immigrants, Rashida is the first Muslim woman inaugurated to the Michigan legislature. She leads with ferocity, and she exhibits qualities of a modern day superhero against exploitative billionaires and racist rhetoric.
Gwendolyn Willow Wilson
Gwendolyn is a queen of literary representation. While working with major graphic novel industries such as Marvel, Gwendolyn introduced a Muslim teenager, Kamala Khan, to the Ms. Marvel series.
Su’ad Abdul Khabeer
Su’ad is spearheading a movement that recognizes the African American Muslim experience. She combines Islamic scholarship and art to examine the intersectional identities of being Black and being Muslim.
Laila Ajjawi
Laila is a graffiti artist who aims to provide representation of Arab women in the Middle East through street art. Her murals emphasize the autonomy and individualism of the Arab woman.
These empowered Muslim women are revolutionizing our narrative in their restructuring of inequitable barriers. Let us relish in their accomplishments in our recognition of International Women’s Day.