A Muslim Woman’s Perspective on International Women’s Day
by
Wednesday 8 March, 2023
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I take a moment to reflect on the many things I’m grateful for as a woman. I celebrate my choices – the ability to choose my career path, my relationships, and my own path in life. I celebrate my lifestyle – the way I live my life on my own terms, according to my values and beliefs. I celebrate my freedom – the freedom to speak my mind, to pursue my dreams, and to live without fear and oppression.
Through my rich cultural heritage, I’m proud to celebrate the traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. I’m grateful for the sense of belonging and support that comes from being part of a community of women who share similar experiences and challenges. And as a woman of faith, I find strength and inspiration in the teachings and practices of my religion.
As a Muslim woman, I am also proud of my culture, community, and religion. Islam has given me a strong sense of identity and purpose, and has taught me the importance of compassion, justice, and equality. I believe that Islam and feminism are not mutually exclusive, and that the principles of gender equality and women’s empowerment are integral to the teachings of Islam.
Embracing Intersectionality
Today day we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, recognize the challenges we face, and come together to advocate for gender equality. One of the key concepts that has emerged in recent years in the fight for gender equality is intersectionality.
Intersectionality recognizes that women’s experiences are not all the same, and that our identities and experiences are shaped by multiple factors, including race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and socio-economic status. As a Black, Muslim hijab-wearing mother, professional, entrepreneur, activist, and community leader, I celebrate the diverse and intersectional factors that make up my life. I celebrate my choices, my lifestyle, my freedom.
Embracing intersectionality means recognizing the diversity of women’s experiences and acknowledging that gender inequality is not the only form of oppression that women face. It means recognizing that women from marginalized communities face multiple barriers and that these barriers are interconnected.
The Fight for Gender Equality
For me, celebrating International Women’s Day means recognizing that the fight for gender equality is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As a Black woman, I understand that the struggle for gender equality is also a fight against racism, and as a Muslim woman, it’s also a fight against Islamophobia. By acknowledging the different aspects of my identity, I’m able to see the ways in which these intersecting forms of oppression impact my life, and the lives of other women like me.
Motherhood, Professionalism, and Women’s Empowerment
As a mother, I celebrate International Women’s Day by teaching my daughters to be proud of who they are, to speak up for what they believe in, and to never let anyone dim their light. As a professional and entrepreneur, I use my platform to amplify the voices of other women, especially those from underrepresented communities, and to create opportunities for them to succeed.
Advocating for a More Inclusive and Just Society
As an activist and community leader, my commitment to International Women’s Day lies in advocating for policies that promote equality, equity and fairness for all women, regardless of their background or circumstances. My work and passion are centered around creating a society that is inclusive and just, where women of all colour have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and where their rights are protected and valued. I believe that by advocating for policies that uplift and empower all women can we truly celebrate the spirit of International Women’s Day and create a better future for generations to come.
Uplifting Women
I embrace the diverse and intersectional aspects of my identity and use my voice and platform to uplift and empower other women, especially those from underrepresented communities. On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the progress that has been made, and continue to push for equality and justice for all women, regardless of their race, religion, or background.
Happy International Women’s Day!
This article was first published on LinkedIn
************************************************************************
Faduno Ali works in the Diversity & Inclusion – Directorate of Inclusion | Chief Professional Conduct and Culture as a Planning Advisor (CPCC). Faduno is a change agent with over 14 years of experience working in the Department of National Defence, where she has led, collaborated on, and co-created a number of anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives both within DND and across the GC. Faduno works actively and continuously to influence culture change by creating an inclusive environment, and designed the Carling Campus Sanctuary, a “physical safe space” for all employees. Outside of the GC, she is a community educator and leader who advocates for and amplifies the voices of equity-seeking youth through culture and arts. Faduno strives to empower, educate, and equip racialized people with the tools they need to advocate for themselves. Her aspiration is to work on anti-racism, equity and inclusion within the public service and in the larger community.