Young, Urban Women: The Face of Turkey’s Protest Movement

ISTANBUL, June 10, 2013. By Karim Talbi (AFP) – They are young, urban and well-educated, and for the past week they have been sleeping in an Istanbul park: meet the women on the frontline of Turkey’s mass anti-government protests. “We are the women Erdogan would like to see staying at home,” said actress Sevi Algan, … Read more

Does Islam Need Feminism?

Amani Alkhat wonders if Islam and feminism can work together. Feminism. In many Muslim communities, the word rolls off the tongue with a bitter aftertaste. And amongst the women of these communities, a stigma surrounds the movement with an especially unique reception. My issue with feminism is that its movement has been dominated by white, middle-class … Read more

Our Ramadan Challenges: More Responsibility, Greater Capability

While women may have more responsibilities in the sacred month, they also have more strength, writes Alayna Ahmad. The sacred month of Ramadan does not prescribe specific roles for men and women. Both are required to fast and make up any missed days. However, in general, Ramadan appears to be more challenging for women, especially those … Read more

The Song in Her Heart

Amal Awad speaks to Göknur Shanal, an opera singer from Australia who is working to live out her dream. It’s not often you meet someone who can single-handedly and dramatically, alter the mood of a packed room. At a recent panel for local community group the Justice and Arts Network (JAAN), there was a palpable shift … Read more

Fathiiah Hamzah: Lightbringer for Children with HIV/AIDS

Although much medical progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, judgemental attitudes persist. Afia R Fitriati brings us the story of one woman doing her bit to change misconceptions and transform sufferers’ lives. For some, the thought of working with people who have HIV and AIDS may conjure sombre images of disease and death. But … Read more