Three years ago, Tasnim, Eren and I wrote reviews of “Do Muslim Women Need Saving?” by Columbia University Anthropologist, Dr. Lila Abu-Lughod. After reading the book, we all felt it was an intelligent and necessary analysis of how Western societies often perceive Muslim women, not only in the Global South but in the West, too. […]

A few years ago, a friend of mine pulled me over at a conference I was attending on sports and politics. “Shireen, how do I get a place at the table? There is never a space for me,” he said. I stopped what I was doing and looked him squarely in the eyes: “Build your […]

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar is a powerful time. The Qur’an was revealed during this month. For those who choose and are able to, fasting is a prescribed form of worship and what I consider a spiritually and physically cleansing tool. But the month of Ramadan is also a month in which […]

Brown women fiercely running, jumping and giving championship level side-eye. All of this is set to intense music and certainly an effective method of drawing in viewers- particularly from a corporate giant like Nike. The Nike brand has reached all corners of the earth and the Middle East and North African (MENA) region is no […]

On a recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, an image of the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) – flanked by a security team- captivated mainstream media. Camilla was photographed leaving the Emirates Palace Hotel and the picture was released by Clarence House, her official residence. As The Huffington Post described it: “In the image, the […]

Every Ramadan, the Toronto-area MMW contributors try to have an iftaar. This started a few years ago when our wondrous Editor-in-Chief, Krista, invited us all to her parents’ home.   It was the first time I met Amina in person. I remember sitting in my car some three Ramadans ago and both of us just […]

I have a crush on a muppet. Yes, my most recent girl-crush is on a fuzzy magenta puppet in vibrant dresses. I am smitten with Sesame Street’s newest family member from Afghanistan: Zari. I grew up watching Sesame Street. My mom tells me how my schedule as a preschooler was set around watching Ernie & […]

Austin, Texas prides itself on the mega-popular South by Southwest (SXSW) festival that is a celebration of arts and tech cultures through interactive sessions and meetings. According to the SXSW website, participation in this festival helps with ‘fostering creative and professional growth alike’. Having very recently been in Austin and despite my hesitations about the […]

*names changed to protect privacy I came across an uplifting piece by David Sim of the IB Times featuring gorgeous photographs of Syrian girls envisioning their future career goals. They pose as a radiologist examining X-Rays or as an architect holding building and project plans. The series is called “When I Grow Up” and was […]

As a piece of advice to women writers, I might say “don’t read the comments”. It prevents triggering and exposure to abuse.  Another piece of important advice to, well, anyone, would be CHECK YOUR FACTS. Particularly when writing about Muslim women in sport. As a Muslim woman and a Sports Activist who writes, I dedicate […]