In recent years, a new demographic of Muslim women have brought forth a flood of contributions to activism, service and representation in areas of society previously thought unattainable to them. In truth, the list of inspiring, stereotype-shattering women is nowhere near compact. However, a few individuals in particular, have captured international attention:
1. Linda Sarsour
Proudly from Brooklyn, New York, writer, speaker and civil rights activist, Linda Sarsour brings her bold voice forward through her relentless efforts in social justice. A natural leader, she has moved forward from her roots in the Arab American Association of New York and led the Muslim Democratic Club of New York.
She is also highly active in the Black Lives Matter movement (she organized a march to Washington last year). Recently, she Co-founded MPower Change, a campaign that invites individuals from all backgrounds to speak out and work for justice in all forms for all people.
2. Yasmin Mogahed
Mogahed stands out by her wide range of experience. She carries Master's degrees in both journalism and mass communication, along with a Bachelor’s in psychology. She was an Islamic studies teacher, youth coordinator, writing instructor, columnist for InFocus News, writer for the Huffington Post, international speaker and is currently an instructor for Al-Maghrib institute.
In addition to this list, her poetic style shines in her book—"Reclaim Your Heart," a unique self-help book that guides the reader on how to protect one’s heart from feeling trapped by worldly disappointments.
3. Dalia Mogahed
Talent did not at all fall short in the Mogahed family. Dalia Mogahed is the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), President and CEO of Mogahed Consulting, former Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies and was selected as an advisor by U.S. President Barack Obama on the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Not only is she a leader in several organizations, but an author as well. Her 2008 book with John Esposito, "Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think" discusses the perspective of mainstream Muslims who become sandwiched between anti-Muslim rhetoric and acts of terrorism from violent extremist fringes.
Last month, Mogahed gave an awakening Ted Talk which captured what Muslim Americans want the public to hear.
4. Ibtihaj Muhammad
There are plenty of ways Muslim women strive for representation. One daring way is through athletics. American saber fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad is a member of the U.S. national fencing team and is the first Muslim woman to compete for the United States internationally.
Among her stunning list of awards and honors is her gold medal in the women's saber team event at the 2014 World Fencing Championships and the fact that she is a three-time United States National Champion.
5. Noor Tagouri
Her fiery disposition and unyielding ambition has brought her far in the world of broadcast journalism and beyond. Through perseverance, Tagouri has become an associate journalist for CBS radio in Washington D.C., a major step forward in integrating the image of passionate young Muslim women in American society.
Last year, she released #ForestHavenStory, a video that went through her study of an abandoned mental institution. The video exposed the lack of care with which the mentally disabled have received and currently receive. It is notable that Tagouri’s popularity is partly a result of her successful maneuvering on social media, which attracts a large youth following.
