Monday, March 27, is the first ever Muslim Women's Day. The day was founded by the site MuslimGirl.com in partnership with Twitter, Tumblr, and several major news outlets. Its media partners are publishing articles from and about Muslim women to showcase their accomplishments and perspectives, people are highlighting Muslim women on social media, and you can also help make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
"We think it’s important to elevate Muslim women’s voices, especially in this moment," a post by Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, founder and editor-in-chief of Muslim Girl, reads.
With the hype around the Women’s March and the national conversation taking place around the Muslim Ban both in the United States and around the world, it’s time to hear from a community that’s often talked about but rarely given the chance to speak. In the age of social media and the internet, we’re only one click away from changing that. Contrary to what people might think, Muslim women talk back. And on Muslim Women’s Day, the world will be listening.
This event presents a great opportunity not only for Muslim women to get the acknowledgement they deserve in an often Islamophobic society but also for others to become better allies to them. Here are some way you can participate no matter what your gender or cultural background.
1Enter Muslim Girl's Photo Giveaway
Muslim Girl is calling on its followers to celebrate Muslim women by sharing a selfie (if you're a Muslim woman) or a photo of a Muslim woman you admire on social media using the hashtag #MuslimWomensDay. Everyone who does this will be considered for a giveaway to win products from Muslim Girl's #MuslimGirlArmy Care Package, a subscription box for Muslim women, or ALLRIOT political shirts. Sharing the stories of real people can help combat stereotypes of Muslim women as backwards or disempowered.
2Watch Muslim Women's Day Facebook Live Sessions
To educate yourself about the issues Muslim women are facing and the amazing things they've done, a series of Facebook Live sessions will take place at 11 a.m. EST on Muslim Girl's page, at 1:30 p.m. on Refinery29's page, and then at 3:00 p.m. on Teen Vogue's.
3Send Writing To Muslim Girl
If you've written something relevant to the day's theme, send it to editorial@muslimgirl.com. If it's too late, you can still publish your writing on a personal blog or social media page.
4Share Writing By Muslim Women
Check out The Huffington Post, MTV, and other participating sites for content by Muslim women. You can also search the social media hashtag #MuslimWomensDay for posts to share.
5Protest The Travel Ban
One reason this day is so necessary is that the rights of Muslims living in and attempting to enter the U.S. are currently in danger. To make a difference, you can call your local representative to express opposition to Trump's travel ban.
6Share Stories With The Huffington Post
The Huffington Post, one of the day's media partners, is collecting photos with descriptions at the hashtag #MuslimWomensDay and the email religion@huffingtonpost.com.
7Call People Out
Unfortunately, days like this can also bring out a lot of hate. Search the #MuslimWomensDay hashtags, and you'll see some people arguing against the day on the grounds that Islam is supposedly inherently disempowering or that feminism is bad for women. Check out the above Twitter thread for things to say if anyone pushes back against you celebrating Muslim women.
