As Women’s Month dawns, discussions about women’s roles, identities and challenges take centre stage. Rooted in faith, but living in a world that spins increasingly fast, Muslim women need space to come together, to share and to reflect.
Speaking on Salaamedia, Zaheera Bham Ismail, Islamic Relief South Africa’s Board Director, discusses the goal of Rooted: A Muslim Woman’s Identity in a Changing World, an event hosted by Islamic Relief South Africa and Ummah Heart.
“Today, in the modern world, we find women bombarded with noise that tells them what they are supposed to be like,” said Ismail. “Whether it is social media or external factors, Muslim women find themselves caught in between a rock and a hard place.
“The noise tells us who a Muslim woman is meant to be, but being rooted means understanding your origins and having the strength to grow towards your potential and to know that your faith will see you through the trials and tests of life.
Ismail believes that the importance of the event is far greater than just discussing the challenges and triumphs of Muslim women. She noted that behind the smiling faces of women everywhere, there are hidden heartaches and private battles that are rarely visible. “It is important that, as Muslim women, we have a space to come together, to discuss these challenges and to uplift each other.
But the benefits go beyond the issues and challenges that we face as women.
Although the world can be a cruel place, Islamic Relief South Africa’s humanitarian efforts in Syria and beyond are ongoing. Ismail said that even as the news cycles move on, the needs of women and children displaced by the violence persist.
“Every ticket purchased will go towards supporting Islamic Relief’s humanitarian efforts in Syria. So that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the atrocities of war.”
Held on 29 August at the Qurtuba Rose Hall, the doors will open at 9:30 for this much anticipated event. Tickets are priced at R250 per person or R400 for two people and can be booked through Quicket. Ismail advises women to book their seats early as the event is expected to be well attended.
“We should encourage our mothers to come along with their daughters as young girls are old enough to understand the importance of developing a rootedness in faith.
This will ensure the next generation of young Muslim women will have a solid foundation from which to build their lives.”
As South Africa’s Women’s Month dawns, Rooted: A Muslim Woman’s Identity in a Changing World will endeavour to remind Muslim women that faith can anchor them in their identity, offering strength and solace as they navigate through life’s challenges. By bringing women together in spirit and in purpose, the organisers hope to inspire Muslim women nationwide to invest in and uplift each other, for the benefit of all.
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Image via Deposit Photos.
