Visionary Muslim Women: Shattering Barriers in Today’s World

Dr. Debbie Almontaser | Posted on April 28, 2023 |

The issue of Muslim female leadership has gained significant attention lately, both within Muslim societies and outside of them. This is mainly because Muslim women have historically faced many obstacles and have been vastly underrepresented in leadership positions. Despite historical obstacles, Muslim women are stepping up as leaders, breaking down barriers, and making a difference in their communities and the wider world. Through their resilience and determination, Muslim women are not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring others towards gender equality and empowerment.

Muslim women in leadership roles often face unique challenges, including gender bias and discrimination based on religious identity. Additionally, they could run into social and cultural constraints that prevent them from holding leadership roles. Additionally, Muslim women leaders may face intersectional discrimination due to their gender, religion, and other identities. Moreover, Islamophobia, a form of discrimination and prejudice against Muslims, particularly from the West, can be directed towards Muslim women in leadership roles, further exacerbating the challenges they face. Islamophobic attitudes and actions can hinder their advancement, limit their opportunities, and subject them to negative stereotypes and bias. This can also create a hostile environment that affects their mental health and well-being. Despite these obstacles, Muslim women leaders continue to work tirelessly to challenge Islamophobia, overcome these barriers, and make positive contributions to their communities and beyond.

Join us as we celebrate the following Muslim women and their unwavering efforts to advocate for the rights of Muslims and other marginalized communities worldwide.

1. Ilhan Omar

Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American and one of the first Muslim women in the US Congress, is known for her advocacy for Palestinian rights and social justice. As a U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district, she has introduced proposals like the Zero Waste Act and serves on various committees. Omar is a vocal advocate for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. She has faced controversy for her views on Israel and U.S. foreign policy, but remains committed to progressive policies and social justice despite criticism and threats. Omar is seen as a trailblazer for Muslim women in American politics and a symbol of hope for immigrants and refugees worldwide.

2. Rashida Tlaib

Rashida Tlaib is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district since January 3, 2019, and a member of "The Squad" alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Palestinian immigrants on July 24, 1976, Tlaib holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Wayne State University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Before entering politics, she practiced law and served in the Michigan State House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014. Tlaib is known for her progressive stances on issues such as Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and climate change, as well as her vocal criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies. She has been recognized for her advocacy on social justice, civil rights, and equality, although her views have also generated controversy. Overall, Tlaib is a prominent progressive voice in American politics.

3. Leila Ahmed

Leila Ahmed, an Egyptian-American scholar, is renowned for her work on Islam and women's rights. Born in Cairo, Egypt in 1940, she studied at the University of Cambridge in England and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the United States. Her influential book "Women and Gender in Islam" (1992) challenges traditional interpretations of Islamic texts, arguing that cultural traditions have shaped the status of women in Muslim societies as much as religious doctrine. She has also written about the experiences of Muslim women in the West, including her own journey as an Egyptian immigrant to the United States, in books like "A Border Passage: From Cairo to America - A Woman's Journey" (1999) and "Quiet Revolution: The Veil's Resurgence, from the Middle East to America" (2011). Ahmed's significant contributions to the field have been recognized with awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship, Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency, and the University of Louisville's Grawemeyer Award for Religion. She has also taught at esteemed institutions like Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego.

4. Zainab Salbi

Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi-American activist and author, founded Women for Women International, a nonprofit organization that provides support to women in conflict-affected areas. She is a prominent voice in global conversations on women's rights, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts. She has worked with the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Criminal Court as a consultant. Salbi has written books on women's rights and her memoir, "Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam," recounts her childhood experiences in Iraq and her journey as a leading advocate for women's rights.

5. Amina J. Mohammed

Currently serving as the UN's deputy secretary-general is Nigerian diplomat Amina J. Mohammed. She advanced environmental policy and sustainable development programmes while serving as Nigeria's Minister of Environment. Amina Mohammed oversaw the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while serving as the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Post-2015 Development Planning. She is a fervent supporter of eradicating poverty, empowering women, and sustainable development, particularly in Africa. For her leadership, Amina Mohammed has won various honours, including the title of one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. She still plays a significant role in the UN's efforts to promote sustainable development and international diplomacy.

6. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and a Pakistani activist for female education, has become a prominent global advocate for girls' education. She established the Malala Fund, a non-profit organization empowering girls through education, and has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the world's most influential people multiple times. Despite surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, she remains committed to promoting education and empowering girls and women, both in Pakistan and globally. She has also been involved in efforts to support refugees and displaced people..

7. Mariam Hussein Ali

Mariam Hussein Ali is a well-known Somali politician and activist who has made strides towards gender equality and women's rights. She has advocated for laws and policies that support women's rights and greater political representation while serving as a Member of Parliament in Somalia. She has also fought to stop harmful behaviours including child marriage and FGM as well as gender-based violence. For her services to social justice and women's empowerment, Mariam Hussein Ali has won honours. She is still a devoted champion for Somali women and girls

8. Shirin Ebadi

Shirin Ebadi: Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, human rights lawyer, and activist. She fought for women's and children's rights in Iran and the Middle East. As one of Iran's first female judges, she founded the first independent NGO in Iran. Despite facing challenges and opposition, she has represented victims of violence, journalists, and dissidents. She has authored books on human rights and served on international boards. Ebadi has faced harassment, imprisonment, and the closure of her law practice, but remains committed to fighting for justice and equality. She is a symbol of hope for human rights defenders worldwide.

9. Dalia Mogahed & Yasmin Mogahed

Dalia Mogahed is an American scholar and activist who serves as the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. She is also the first Muslim woman to serve on the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Dalia Mogahed and Yasmin Mogahed are sisters. Both are American Muslim women who are well-known for their activism and work in the fields of Muslim spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Dalia Mogahed is a researcher and author who focuses on issues of Muslim identity and Islamophobia, while Yasmin Mogahed is a speaker and author who addresses topics related to spirituality and personal development from an Islamic perspective.

10. Tawakkol Karman

Tawakkol Karman, the Yemeni journalist and human rights activist, made history in 2011 by becoming the first Arab woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Known for her efforts in promoting democracy and women's rights in Yemen, Karman was a key figure in the Yemen protests during the Arab Spring. Despite facing imprisonment and death threats, she remained steadfast in her commitment to peaceful activism and was appointed as the Chair of Yemen's Youth Freedom and Change Coalition. Her work has inspired many to continue the fight for justice and equality in the Middle East and beyond.

In conclusion, Muslim women have made significant contributions and played pivotal roles in various fields, ranging from politics and education to business and activism. They have a long and rich history of leadership, breaking barriers and dispelling prejudice. While there are still challenges to overcome in achieving gender equality in some nations with a majority of Muslims, Muslim women's leadership stands as a testament to their resilience, tenacity, and power. Their unwavering determination to make a difference serves as an inspiration to all women and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.