By Under the former Trump administration, many marginalized communities suffered. Hate crimes increased, transgender people watched their rights be rescinded, sexual assault survivors on college campuses had less agency, immigrants were vilified, and some people from Muslim countries were banned all together. Out of this strife, Muslim Girl‘s Amani founded #MuslimWomensDay in 2017, meant to empower and uplift her Muslim sisters during a time of hardship. Now, with a new administration in office, the fifth annual #MuslimWomensDay on March 27 is about healing, renewal and resilience — and we want to know what that means to you.
The essay contest is open to young people who identify as Muslim girls and want a chance to have their voices be heard.
Teen Vogue is partnering with Muslim Girl for our first #MuslimWomensDay essay contest to be published by Teen Vogue. The essay contest is open to young people who identify as Muslim girls and want a chance to have their voices be heard. We want you to reflect on what strength and resilience has meant to you during the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump era — keep reading for the details!
The Prompt
The theme for #MuslimWomensDay 2021 is healing, renewal and resilience. In an 800-word essay, describe a moment, event, or person that taught you what strength and resilience really look like during the COVID-19 pandemic or Trump era. This could mean reflecting on an obstacle you overcame in which you demonstrated these qualities, it could be something you witnessed that inspired you to be more resilient, or it could be an action someone else took that helped you redefine strength. Use your creativity to interpret this prompt in the way most meaningful to you.
Who’s Eligible?
High school and college-aged people who identify as Muslim girls can enter this contest.
How Do I Enter?
Submit your essay via this Google form by March 19. If you win, you will be notified before March 27. The winner will be publicly announced on Muslim Women’s Day, when their essay will be published.
What Happens If I Win?
Your essay will be published in Teen Vogue! The winner will be paid $500 for their work.
What are you waiting for? Submit your essay today!