The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is honouring Canadian Muslim Women who have made a difference in the lives of others in Canada and elsewhere.
CCMW is bestowing its first-ever awards to Muslim “Women Who Inspire”, to provide role models for girls and women and promote a positive image of Canadian Muslim women.
CCMW received many nominations from across Canada for women who challenge stereotypes and whose stories can inspire all Canadians. Eight women were selected to receive the first-ever Canadian Muslim Women Who InspireĀ awards at the Council’s 25th anniversary conference and banquet on Saturday, October 27, at the Noor Cultural Centre in Toronto.
The award winners hail from cities across Canada: Zia Afsar (Squamish, BC), Saadia Ashraf (Montreal, Quebec), Salima Bhimani (Toronto, ON), Ayshi Hassan (London, ON), Zohra Husaini (Edmonton, AL), Nimet Karachi (Niagara Falls, ON), Rabia Khedr (Mississauga, ON), and Madina Wasuge (Hamilton, ON).
“Women and girls can achieve anything they set their minds to”, said award winner Saadia Ashraf, who coaches tackle football and owns the Montreal Blitz football team. “Go out there and struggle for it without letting anything come in the way,” she urges.
The women are from diverse backgrounds and have achieved excellence in sports, business, education, the arts, community service and leadership. The one thing they have in common is that they care deeply about people and their communities.
Nominations were sought for Canadian Muslim women who have:
- demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others,
- demonstrated a commitment to women’s equality, and
- embraced diversity and inclusion within Muslim communities and in the broader Canadian society.
Full stories about the winners and information about the other nominees are available at http://ccmw.com. For more information, contact: Nuzhat Jafri at 416-487-8037 or nuzhat.jafri@rogers.com; Eman Ahmed at ccmw_board@yahoo.ca or (416) 225-4322.
