Muslim women have made serious waves in their respective fields despite the challenges they face. Today is a celebration of those who are broadening representation through their work and uplifting their communities in the process.
Ladan Osman, is a Somali-American teacher and poet, whose work vividly explores Muslim identity. “It was important for me to address all the ways people attempt to override the narratives of our own lives, and the ways we subjugate ourselves and second-guess our own sense of witness,” says Osman of her work. She's one of our favorite African women poets.
Photo credit to Ladan Osman
The women of Egypt's first beach volleyball team. They were the first to represent their country in the Olympic sport since its inception in 1966. They broke ground by competing in hijab and full sleeves.
Zeynabou Mint Taleb Moussais one of OkayAfrica's 100 Women. She's the president of the UN funded Mauritanian Association for Maternal and Child Health, working to put an end to rape culture in her country.
Via Youtube
Hedaya Wahbais yet another Egyptian athlete who's made history at the Olympics. At just 23 years old, she is the country's first woman to win a medal for tae kwondo.