7 Ways To Celebrate Muslim Women's Day Today

Thanks to the efforts of MuslimGirl.com and its media partners, people all over the world are celebrating Muslim Women's Day on March 27. That said, seeing as this is the first Muslim Women's Day ever, you may be wondering how best to recognize it. Below are some suggestions on how to celebrate Muslim Women's Day.

Before you get to celebrating, take a moment to understand why this day is so important and particularly crucial in 2017. With the Trump administration's proposed policies targeting Muslims and the recent spike in Islamophobic hate incidents, the U.S. (which has never been particularly hospitable to followers of Islam) is seeming more and more hostile every day to Muslims without and within its borders. And, because of endemic misogyny in our patriarchal society, Muslim women in particular are facing added assaults on their autonomy and humanity.

Thanks to efforts like the Women's March and Day Without a Woman, activists have managed to raise much awareness around the particular struggles women face today. But more needs to be done to rally support around Muslim women, especially in a nation whose leader both demonizes and demeans them. (Just look to Trump's track record of sexist and Islamophobic rhetoric for evidence.) And as MuslimGirl.com founder and Editor-in-Chief Amani Al-Khatahtbeh writes, "it’s time to hear from a community that’s often talked about but rarely given the chance to speak."

Take Muslim Women's Day not only as a time to celebrate Muslim women, but to elevate their voices on platforms and in spaces that so regularly drown them out.

Elevate Muslim Women's Voices Online

If you're not a Muslim woman, use your social media platform today to share posts and tweets by Muslim women talking about their experiences, views, opinions, and work. And if you are a Muslim woman, spend the day unapologetically taking space and sharing your voice. The point of Muslim Women's Day is to celebrate Muslim women. So, for allies, while sharing messages of support and solidarity are great, be aware of putting the voices of Muslim women first.

Share Content That Centers Muslim Women's Experiences

The world is not wanting for amazing Muslim women and femme writers, but many outlets can do a much better job of centering their work and stories. Luckily, outlets like The Tempest and Muslim Girl, amongst others, regularly highlight work by and about Muslim women and femmes. Celebrate Muslim Women's Day by seeking out such stories, from all outlets, and sharing them with your followers, friends, and family.

Keep It Going By Following Muslim Women Activists And Writers Online

If Muslim Women's Day is your first time actively centering Muslim women and femmes, view it as the start of your ongoing support rather than a one-off day of the year. A great way to make sure your feminism and activism isn't exclusive of Muslim women and femmes is to make sure their voices have a regular place in your life. Follow Muslim women and femmes online. Don't know where to start? Check out activists Linda Sarsour and Blair Imani, writers Nashwa Khan and Safy Hallan Farah, and outlets like Muslim Girl to follow. Keep in mind, these are just a few of the many Muslim women and femme thought leaders deserving your attention right now.

Read A Book By A Muslim Woman

If you've never read a book by a Muslim woman, that is a problem you need to fix ASAP. Check out this list of 11 books by Muslim women for some recommendations to get you started.

Make Your Solidarity Known

Like I said before, the best way to show solidarity today is to elevate the voices of Muslim women and femmes. But also feel free make your show of support a little more personal, all while paying close attention to not taking up too much space if you are not a Muslim woman or femme. Your message could encourage others around you to show support as well.

Support A Muslim Woman-Owned Businesses

Take some time today to actively seek out a Muslim woman-owned business today. More often than not, they may be closer to you than you think. Check out this list of global Muslim startups for some ideas.

Make A Donation

If you're able, show your solidarity and support today by making a donation to an organization that is run by and/or works in the interests of Muslim women and femmes. Check out Equality for HER and Muslim Girl as well as these Muslim advocacy nonprofit organizations.

There are so many ways to show your support of Muslim women and femmes today. But above all, make sure that support extends past March 27 by keeping your feminism intersectional and actively fighting Islamophobia in your every day life.