Background
Women all over the world have had the challenge of tackling stereotypes and breaking through the moulds that has been imposed on them. To add to a long list of assertions, in particular Muslim women are sympathised due to perceptions of being 'oppressed', 'weak', and 'living in a patriarchal society'. While it has been acknowledged that there are women who fit the stereotype and fall neatly into the mould, is such the case for only 'Muslim' women? Does the stereotype exist because of Islam or due to cultural practices and traditions? Are active Muslim women the exception, or are they progressively becoming the rule?
In addition, Muslim women are a largely misunderstood and misrepresented body of society. As a result of skewed media spin and a lack of platforms and opportunities to represent themselves, a narrow and closed-minded view of Muslim women prevails.
Rationale
The subject of Muslim women can often be a controversial one, but it is one that needs to be discussed and debated in an environment conducive to Muslim women. For too long Muslim women have been analysed by those from the outside; often with prejudgements and assertions already rooted in place. It is time for Muslim women to take the lead in discussing the issues which directly concern and impact their lives.
A series of shows engaging Muslim women from a variety of sectors and professions would serve to;
Provide an open platform for Muslim women to share their insight and experiences
Acknowledge and bring to light the contributions and achievements of Muslim women
Stimulate discussion between community members, groups and leaders as well as external and internal organisations concerning issues related to the activities of Muslim women
Distil media portrayal and stereotyping of Muslim women and highlight the colourful diversity found within the Muslim community
Series Framework
The shows will air on Channel NTV fortnightly for a period of six months and will also be able to be accessed via the Faith Regen Website. The show has been provided a primetime slot at Friday 7:30pm-8:30pm and is repeated on the following Monday 3:30pm-4:30pm.
1) Muslim Women In Politics I
2) Muslim Women in Politics II
3) Muslim Women in Education I
4) Muslim Women in Education II
5) Muslim Women and the Impact of Violence
a. Arms Trade Treaty
b. Guns and knives
c. Police
d. Domestic violence
e. Forced marriages
f. Honour killings
6) Muslim Women in Volunteerism and Community Engagement
7) Muslim Women on Climate Change
8) Muslim Women and Employment
9) Muslim Women in Business
10) Muslim Women in Media
11) Victims of Acid Burns Charity Fundraiser
12) Muslim Women in Employment II
13) Muslim Women and Preventing Extremism
About the Faith Regen Foundation
FRF is a Muslim inspired multi-faith charity, operating at both a national and international level to build bridges with and between multi-faith communities, government and civil society. We use our networks with faith-based communities as well as statutory and non-statutory bodies to promote interfaith dialogue, address poverty, regenerate deprived areas and provide greater opportunities for employment and training to Black and Migrant Ethnic groups.
FRF has demonstrated expertise in organising high level international networking conferences in its efforts to promote interfaith dialogue for the benefit of empowering marginalised and vulnerable communities. We have organised international conferences in collaboration with the Philadelphia Cathedral and the Islamic Society of North America, the Department for Trade and Industry and the National Health Service University.
In June 2008, FRF held a conference in partnership with UMCOR and the Commonwealth Foundation on the Role of Women in Peaceful Co-existence. There were contributors from Sri Lanka, Israel, Bosnia, UK, and the Vice President of Gambia.
In October 2009, FRF held a two-day Faith and Climate Change conference to stimulate global interfaith and intra-faith action on climate change. As well as presenting the results of focus groups from ten different countries, key note speeches were given by MP Edward Miliband the former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Michael Slaby, Coordinator of Earth Charter.
FRF events have been attended by a cross section of society including the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Ministers of Parliament, activists, senior government officials, academics, international non-government organizations and faith leaders. By bringing together people from the government, community and faith sectors, FRF has strived to highlight key issues in tackling inequality and sought to create greater social cohesion.
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