Muslim Women Speak Out

After the recent assassination of Osama Bin Laden, and nearly 10 years after the terrorist attacks, Muslim women continue to face adversity due to discrimination and stereotypes – often perpetuated by the media.

But they’re shattering misconceptions.

That’s according to Maria M. Ebrahimji, co-editor of I Speak for Myself and executive editorial producer for CNN. Her new book features a collection of personal essays by 40 Muslim women in America who, like her, have dealt with loss, delight, frustration, grief and success.

“The women share life challenges, and there are likely many Americans who share the same experiences,” says Ebrahimji. 

Muslim women tell the Gazette they still deal with people who tell them to “leave our country.” Muslim women are not allowed to drive or vote because of cultural interpretations of Islam in some countries.

But many say the hardships are motivating. Young women especially are speaking out against the discrimination in mosques around the globe, and they’re seizing the freedoms afforded to them in the U.S. to rise up as leaders in their communities.

Responding to the killing of bin Laden, Ebrahimji says there’s, “a sense of relief that this man will not directly create havoc and destroy lives ever again.”

Bonus PINK Link: Women are faced with adversity in all fields and areas of life. Even in Hollywood.

By Malee Moua

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry.”  Maya Angelou