The Star: What it's like to be Muslim in the GTA

Source:  http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/06/07/what-its-like-to-be-muslim-in-the-gta.html

News / GTA

What it's like to be Muslim in the GTA

We talk to Muslims across the GTA about discrimination, their hopes and fears for the future, and all of the things that make them inherently Torontonian (here’s a clue: they hate the traffic and worry about the Blue Jays bullpen).

Muslim Canadians share their stories.

By: Ben Spurr Staff Reporter, Noor Javed News reporter, Published on Sun Jun 07 2015

The diversity of Muslims in the GTA is vast, as is their experience. With the issues surrounding terrorism, niqabs and religious accommodations on the rise, it seems as if Muslims are constantly in the spotlight.

Now, members of the 450,000-strong Muslim community in the GTA — the largest in Canada — are asking their neighbours to hear them out.

The Star talked to Muslims across the GTA about discrimination, their hopes and fears for the future, and all of the things that make them inherently Torontonian (here's a clue: they hate the traffic and worry about the Blue Jays bullpen).

Click on the images below to open or close the interviews.

Rabia Khedr, 45, diversity and accessibility consultant

“

It’s human nature to fixate on what’s obviously different. I wish people would just close their eyes and listen to each other.

Boonaa Mohammed, 28, filmmaker and poet

“

My favourite thing about living in the GTA has to be the diversity. I always tell people that I’m from Toronto and not from Canada, because Toronto is its own multicultural world.

Farrah Marfatia, 36, Islamic school principal

“

We are people. We have families, we have children. We have hopes and dreams. We fall in love, we get divorced. We like to go to McDonald’s. We watch Game of Thrones on Sunday nights.

Alaa Elsayed, 52, imam

“

I have a field day in the airports. I get pulled a lot from lines. I told them I am going to change my name to Mr. Random, because when they pull me over, they say, ‘Sir, this is a random check. And I am like, uh huh.’

Ameerah Khan, 17, student

“

I think there are so many ways to be beautiful, even if you’re modest. Just because my prom dress isn’t backless doesn’t mean I won’t look beautiful and I won’t feel beautiful.

Ahmed Hussein, 56, executive director

“

People think we don’t condemn these acts, but we condemn it even more than anyone else. This is not our religion. Our faith does not condone violence.

Shomyla Hammad, 42, stay-at-home mother

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My husband says jokingly, ‘I don’t want to go out with you because people will judge me and think I am forcing you to wear it (the niqab) and I don’t want them to think that.’

Adil Rehman, 18, student

“

When I was in Grade 2, this kid in my class casually mentioned that he wanted to kill all Muslims. I had no idea how to respond to that. It wasn’t that kid talking. It was clearly what he was hearing at home.

Sana Ahmed, 31, stay-at-home mother

“

You just can’t judge a person for what they’re wearing and make up stories about them.

Jeewan Chanicka, 40, elementary school principal

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I’ve been taken off a plane for no reason and had security officers laugh at me about it, and I had no recourse.

Nafisah Chowdhury, 33, lawyer

“

People would be surprised to learn that I was on my high school curling team. I wasn’t very good, but I had fun.

Muhammad Sherjil Malik, 43, former CFO

“

I do feel discrimination whenever I go to the U.S. I do feel discrimination whenever I go to England. When I came for the first time to Canada, from New York to Toronto, I was greeted like a hero, like a prince, like a guest. That was quite a stunner for me. They said, ‘Welcome to Canada, sir.’

Katherine Bullock, late 40s, academic

“

My worst problems are always when I’m on the subway in Toronto, or in other public spaces. It’s just like these looks and glares, and you get people looking at you with disgust, with contempt.

Yusuf Zine, 21, student

“

When I was younger I worked as a professional actor. As time went on, I noticed a pattern in the roles I would be sent out for. Many of my auditions were for racially stereotypical roles, such as the ‘Arab terrorist’ or the ‘typical Indian guy,’ even though I’m not Indian.

Dalia Hashim, 20, student

“

Sometimes I’ll be talking to someone and they’ll be like, ‘Oh, I’ve never met a Muslim girl who’s outgoing.’ And I’m like, well, how is a Muslim girl different than any other girl?

Jari Qudrat, 21, student

“

I’m a student, I go to school, I work, I play sports, I hang out with friends, and on top of that I pray on a daily basis.

Haris Celic, 23, sales

“

The God the Muslims believe in is the same as the Jews and Christians, Muslims just believe another prophet came and built upon their books.

Selma Djukic, 48, business owner

“

Muslims have the same hopes and dreams like every other fellow Canadian.

These interviews were edited for length and clarity

Huffington Post: CSIS Eyeing Threat Of Growing Anti-Islam Movement Online

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/03/csis-quietly-flags-canadi_n_6794980.html?

CSIS Eyeing Threat Of Growing Anti-Islam Movement Online

CP  |  By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - Canada's spy agency is eyeing the threat of a homegrown anti-Islam movement spreading online.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service advised the office of Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney of its concerns during a secret September briefing.

CSIS flagged well-known warnings of the persistent menace posed by terrorist groups al-Qaida, Hezbollah and the more violent and radical Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, say notes obtained through the Access to Information Act.

But under the heading Domestic Extremism, the spy service also underscored what might be the flip side of that coin — the recent development "of a Canadian online anti-Islam movement, similar to ones in Europe."

CSIS characterized it as an "ongoing risk, particularly as its proponents advocate violence."

The Sept. 18 briefing for Blaney's office came a little more than a month before soldiers were killed in Canadian attacks just two days apart — murders committed by young men that authorities say were motivated by Islamic extremism.

Shortly after the killings, there was vandalism of mosques in Ottawa and Cold Lake, Alta., threats against the B.C. Muslim Association, and a general increase in reports of public bullying and harassment of Muslims.

However, CSIS is likely more interested in the kind of anti-immigrant, anti-Islam sentiment that has taken root in some parts of northern Europe, even among the middle class, said Lorne Dawson, a University of Waterloo sociology professor and co-director of the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society.

"They're just not used to dealing with immigrants at all, let alone immigrants that are quite different," Dawson said of Europe. "We have a much longer track record of immigration in general — waves and waves of immigrants that have come for decades."

Dawson suspects CSIS is motivated by the horrific July 2011 slaughter of 77 people in Norway by Anders Behring Breivik, who penned a manifesto outlining his far-right ideology, including an extreme anti-Muslim outlook.

"In Europe, it tends to attract violent individuals. So if (there's) any chance it's starting to take wings in Canada, then you can see why they're concerned," he said. "I suspect they're just seeking due diligence to be on top of this at the earliest possible moment in light of Breivik."

A Norwegian official briefed CSIS shortly before the release of an inquiry report that found the Scandinavian country's security services could have prevented Breivik's attack.

CSIS spokeswoman Tahera Mufti did not respond to requests for comment.

A simple online search quickly turns up websites with Canadian domain addresses spouting anti-Islamic invective.

The government's anti-terrorism bill, to be scrutinized at a Commons committee starting next week, would give the RCMP power to seek a judge’s order to remove extremist propaganda from websites.

National security threats are not confined to Canadian borders, the CSIS presentation notes warn.

"International developments have a considerable impact on Canada's interests."

CSIS faces a challenging investigative environment in which the rapid movement of people and modern communications technology has "extended the reach" of those who pose a threat and has increased the ease and speed with which they can act, the notes add.

"Co-operation with domestic and foreign partners is critical, including reliable access to information."

Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter

HuffingtonPost.ca: Muslim Groups Urge Politicians To Uphold Canada's Constitutional Values

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/02/27/quebec-hijab-dispute-late_n_6772132.html

Muslim Groups Urge Politicians To Uphold Canada's Constitutional Values

CP  |  By Stephanie Levitz, The Canadian Press

Posted: 02/27/2015 4:34 pm EST Updated: 02/27/2015 6:59 pm EST

OTTAWA - A Quebec judge's refusal to hear testimony from a woman in a hijab has become the latest flash point in an increasingly tense relationship between Canadian Muslims and their governments.

Critics are accusing the Conservative government of fostering a combative attitude towards Islam that's reflected in legislation, party fundraising and public remarks by senior Tories, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

But while none went so far as to suggest the Quebec judge's decision was a direct reflection of that attitude, it's natural to want to draw a connection, one Muslim organization said Friday.

"The recent debate around citizenship oaths has unnecessarily muddied the waters and this latest incident in Quebec further reinforces this," Ihsaan Gardee, the executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said in a statement.

Our elected leaders at all levels of government must uphold Canada's constitutional values and work to bring Canadians together rather than play politics."

Harper recently described as "offensive" the notion that a person would cover their face with a niqab while swearing the oath of citizenship.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander went further in a subsequent email to Conservative supporters, urging them to sign an online petition in support of Harper's remarks; he suggested Muslim women should not be allowed to take the oath while wearing a hijab, which covers the head but not the face.

On Friday, a spokesman for the prime minister said the hijab ought to be allowed in the Quebec case.

"If someone is not covering their face, we believe they should be allowed to testify," Stephen Lecce said in an email.

One Saskatchewan Conservative went further.

"Wow, a headscarf is enough to get you kicked out of a Quebec courtroom?" MP David Anderson wrote on Twitter. "What's happening to religious freedoms?"

Both the New Democrats and Liberals agreed.

"I think the judge in this case made a mistake and I expect this individual to be given a full and proper hearing in short order," NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said in Toronto.

Protecting minority rights is a cornerstone of Canada's democracy, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said Friday in condemning the Quebec court's decision.

"The fact that in this situation — in a courtroom of all places — someone's fundamental rights weren't respected is absolutely unacceptable, and we expect that there will be consequences," he said.

But the prime minister isn't helping matters, he added.

When the government introduced its new marquee anti-terror bill last month, Harper drew a direct link between certain acts of violence and Canadian mosques, among other places.

"When we have a prime minister who leaps on occasions to divide and sow fear and raise concerns and unfounded fears about that community, it becomes much harder to send a message of inclusion," Trudeau said.

What happened in Quebec is more a reflection of certain attitudes in that particular province, said Jack Jedwab, the executive vice-president of the Association for Canadian Studies.

Recent polls in Quebec suggest a majority wouldn't want a mosque built in their neighbourhood; the so-called charter of Quebec values, which would have banned public servants from wearing any obvious religious symbols, was a central element of the province's last election campaign.

Still, national polls done by Jedwab's organization over the last few years have suggested a growing number of Canadians believe there is an irreconcilable conflict between Muslims and the West.

The most recent survey, done earlier this month, put that number at 58 per cent.

Privately, Conservatives say those numbers are why they believe there is public support for their stance on the niqab and their approach to the issue being a question of Canadian values.

But it's a troubling road to go down, Jedwab said.

"I wouldn't make a generalization that the Conservatives are creating this climate. I think this climate is created by a variety of different things," he said.

"But I am concerned about the idea that values risk trumping rights and discourse that suggests that values should trump rights is something I'd be concerned about and something we need to have a more mea

United Against Terrorism handbook: One (1) video and One (1) article

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rcmp-pulls-support-from-united-against-terrorism-handbook-1.2783234

RCMP pulls support from United Against Terrorism handbook Police force says it can't support 'adversarial tone' in parts of anti-terrorism booklet CBC News Posted: Sep 30, 2014 6:45 PM CT Last Updated: Sep 30, 2014 10:42 PM CT The United Against Terrorism handbook aims at preventing young Canadians from being recruited by extremist groups. But the RCMP, which contributed a section of the booklet, announced Tuesday it's withdrawing its support for the project. (Catherine Dulude/CBC)  The RCMP has pulled its support from a handbook aimed at stopping young Canadians from being recruited by extremist groups, saying parts of the booklet have an "adversarial tone." The police force is listed as a contributor in the handbook, titled United Against Terrorism: A Collaborative Effort Towards a Secure, Inclusive and Just Canada. United Against Terrorism handbook released at Winnipeg mosque On mobile? Read the handbook here The publication was written by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Islamic Social Services Association. It was released at a Winnipeg mosque on Monday. But in a statement issued late Tuesday, the RCMP said it is no longer supporting the project. "After a final review of the handbook, the RCMP could not support the adversarial tone set by elements of the booklet and therefore directed RCMP Manitoba not to proceed with this initiative," the statement said. The RCMP did not elaborate on its concerns regarding the handbook. The 38-page handbook is directed mainly at Muslims, asking readers what Islam requires from Muslim citizens in a non-Muslim country and stressing the duty to follow the law of the land. The RCMP contributed to a section titled "Understanding radicalization and the role of RCMP in law enforcement and national security." On Tuesday, the police force noted that it's not responsible for the material in the rest of the booklet. In a joint statement, the Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims pointed out that the handbook includes a disclaimer that says: "Contributors are only responsible for their respective contributions and do not necessarily endorse other material contained in this publication. "This is a handbook for use by Canadian Muslim communities to help them identify radicalization, prevent violent extremism, build civic engagement and uphold civil rights. Canadian Muslims are entitled, like all other Canadians, to know their legal rights when interacting with law enforcement. This is a basic Canadian and core democratic concept which we all uphold," the groups' statement reads in part. "Our recommendations to security agencies are based on years of direct experience with grassroots communities and the concerns aired by Canadian Muslims during local town hall forums in 2013 in the presence of law enforcement participants," the statement added. RCMP's full response Below is the full text of the RCMP's response, issued Tuesday, regarding the United Against Terrorism handbook: The safety and security of citizens is of the utmost importance to the RCMP, and we take any threat to the security of Canadians and their livelihood seriously. The RCMP has a longstanding relationship established with the communities it serves and for the past several years, it has been building trust with the communities through its national security community outreach program. The RCMP contributed to Section 3 of the handbook entitled "Understanding Radicalization and the role of RCMP in law enforcement and national security". We are not responsible for other material contained in this publication. After a final review of the handbook, the RCMP could not support the adversarial tone set by elements of the booklet and therefore directed RCMP Manitoba not to proceed with this initiative. Any questions regarding the distribution, use or intention of the booklet should be directed to the authors, the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Islamic Social Services Association. Source: RCMP newsroom Groups respond Below is the full text of the response from the Islamic Social Services Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims to the RCMP's statement: The Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) issue the following joint statement in response to recent remarks by the RCMP with respect to the United Against Terrorism handbook which was released on September 29th at the Winnipeg Central Mosque. "We greatly commend and appreciate the RCMP's contributions to this important tool in the struggle against violent extremism.  Since Monday, we have received enthusiastic support for this initiative from Canadians across the country and countless requests to distribute the handbook in our diverse communities. "This initiative has been a true success as it brought law enforcement, community leaders and Canadian Muslim communities together with a common focus on safeguarding Canada and addressing youth radicalization towards criminal violence. The handbook does take an adversarial stance against violent extremists and those who seek to recruit and radicalize Canadian youth towards criminal violence. "As might be expected, the content of the handbook was shared with all contributors for constructive feedback throughout the 14 month development process.  All feedback received was incorporated.  The handbook also contains a clear disclaimer on page 1 that states: 'Contributors are only responsible for their respective contributions and do not necessarily endorse other material contained in this publication.' "This is a handbook for use by Canadian Muslim communities to help them identify radicalization, prevent violent extremism, build civic engagement and uphold civil rights.  Canadian Muslims are entitled, like all other Canadians, to know their legal rights when interacting with law enforcement.  This is a basic Canadian and core democratic concept which we all uphold.  Our recommendations to security agencies are based on years of direct experience with grassroots communities and the concerns aired by Canadian Muslims during local town hall forums in 2013 in the presence of law enforcement participants. "We look forward to working with all of the contributors in challenging violent extremism and building a more secure, inclusive and just Canada." Source: National Council of Canadian Muslims newsroom

Source: http://queermuslimproject.tumblr.com/

Just me and Allah: Photographs of Queer Muslims

Just Me and Allah: Photographs of Queer Muslims exhibition and video interviews by photographer Samra Habib to launch during World Pride
TORONTO, ON, MAY 21, 2014-This summer, Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA), Videofag Gallery and Parliament Street Library will hold exhibitions by Toronto photographer Samra Habib featuring queer Muslims. The shows are curated by Marcin Wisniewski.
“While there has been discussion around multilayered identities in academia, there is a need for accessible visual representation that will serve as historical evidence of the existence of queer Muslims,” says Habib.
“Mainstream Islam isn’t always welcoming of LGBTQ Muslims yet a lot of the Muslim traditions and rituals bring queer Muslims comfort and provide a sense of belonging.”
Whether it’s through celebrating Muslim traditions in queer spaces or incorporating aesthetic elements and symbolism in their everyday lives, the work explores the ideas of community and personal expression that are inspired by Islam but are the individuals’ personal re-interpretations. Video interviews reveal some of the subjects’ complicated relationship with Islam and how it’s shaped by historical and political events in the last decade.
"Samra’s work is not only aesthetically engaging but also culturally demanding,” says Karen Stanworth, head of curatorial committee at the CLGA. “The location of the show in the CLGA Reading Room will inspire dialogue around identity, politics and history.”
The exhibition will launch at Parliament Street Library on June 18^th. On June 24^th the CLGA will open a satellite show to coincide with the exhibitions running at Videofag Gallery and Parliament Street Library. On July 2^nd, a discussion panel at the CLGA featuring prominent queer Muslims (including Salaam founder El-Farouk Khaki) will complement the exhibition. The panel will be moderated by journalist Elio Iannacci. A closing party at Videofag will follow.
About the photographer:
Samra is a Toronto-based writer and photographer who has written and spoken about her relationship with Islam for the New York Times, CBC Radio and Fashion magazine.
Exhibition dates:
Parliament Street Library: June 18-July 9, 2014
Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives: June 24-October 5, 2014
Videofag Gallery: July 10-July 14, 2014

Related events:
Opening reception: Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m. at Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard Street)
Discussion panel: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives (34 Isabella Street)
Closing party: Thursday, July 14, 2014 @ 7 p.m. at Videofag Gallery (187 Augusta Avenue)

May. 19 2014

#queers#queermuslim#photography

55 notes

Aside from posting information about exhibition-related events, I thought I’d use this blog to publish interviews with some of the subjects I’ve photographed. My hope is that it’ll become a resource for young queer Muslims who are looking for support and answers.
Who: Samira
In one word, how would you describe your relationship with Islam?
Tumultuous
Why did you decide to participate in this photography project?
I had made a conscious decision about a decade ago to live my life out loud. By that I mean, to not shy away from any of my identifications; be they sexual, political, cultural and/or religious. Naturally, I felt it necessary to do so because I had met so many youth who were quite conflicted and closeted and in fear of living their lives. This is a small token or gesture on my part to let them know that they should not underestimate their families or their communities.
What advice would you give to young queer Muslims who are looking for support and a community that accepts them for who they are?
It may be a tad long winded of an answer but it has guided me through a lot and has become my mantra when I have been asked to speak on behalf of an entire religion, gender or sexuality. It’s a quote by James Joyce:
"I will tell you what I will do and what I will not do. I will not serve that in which I no longer believe, whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church: and I will try to express myself in some mode of life or art as freely as I can and as wholly as I can, using for my defense the only arms I allow myself to use — silence, exile, and cunning."
Also, the only acceptance you should seek is your own. Once you can come to terms and accept who you are, with all your idiosyncrasies and hyphenated identities, everything else will fall into place and those who can’t or don’t accept you for who you are and how you choose to love…in the words of Rabindranath Tagore, “they have a corpse in their mouth.”

May. 18 2014

22 notes

Who: Dali


Why did you decide to participate in this photography project?

When I first brought up the topic of queerness back home, I remember I was in class. My philosophy professor said that being homosexual is a “western” phenomenon, and that, in the Arab world, such “debauched people” do not exist. My participation is mainly to encourage queer visibility in the Muslim community. Through art, at least, we’re saying that yes, we’re here, and we do exist.

What advice would you give to young queer Muslims who are looking for support and a community that accepts them for who they are?

We have always been here, it’s just that the world wasn’t ready for us yet. Today, with all the political upheavals in the Muslim World, some of us, those who are not daily threatened with death or rejection, have to speak for the others. They have to tell stories of a community that is either denied or scorned. Together, through facing distinct realities, we should be united—united in the desire to be, in the desire to enjoy be-ing free, safe, and happy. It is not going to be easy and one may never reach a reconciliation with oneself (or with religion) but, at least, we should care for each other. In face of the challenges, our sense of community and our shared aspirations for a better world should make us stronger.

Canadian Council of Muslim Women: CCMW Monthly | April 2014

Source: mass emailing

Events and News - April 2014 Scholarship Donations Without scholarships and bursaries many Canadian Muslim women can not afford to complete their education, which can provide them with a better future for themselves and their families. CCMW has taken the initiative to reach out to our members and supporters asking them for a monetary contribution that is later awarded as scholarships for education. Our scholarship program and fundraiser has made it possible to change the lives of many students! Make your donation now by emailing info@ccmw.com to get more information. CCMW Annual Fundraiser SAVE THE DATE! This year, CCMW's annual fundraiser for scholarships will take place on Sunday, September 28 2014 at North York Novotel, 3 Park Home Avenue, Toronto. This is an important event for CCMW because this allows us to provide resources to Canadian Muslim women to assist in their education. ASK! Do you know a Canadian Muslim women in your community who should be recognized for her work? Click here to nominate her as a Woman Who Inspires before May 29. The Women Who Inspires event raises funds to support promising Canadian Muslim women in their studies. If you are a student or have educational pursuits click here to apply before June 15. Are you a creative individual looking for an opportunity to showcase your talents and skills at a high profile annual fundraiser? Click here apply to perform before May 4. CCMW would like to promote products and services from the community. Should you like to set up a table or place an advert in the event brochure, click here to apply before August 3.   Please share the above poster with your networks! April 2014 Annual General Meeting 2013 CCMW hosted their annual AGM on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the Cambridge Suites Hotel, Toronto. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from the President of the Board, Executive Director and staff. We were delighted to meet with other chapters and hear about their activities. This was great event to network with local chapters across the country and learn about new and existing projects at CCMW! House of Commons The House of Common's Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) invited Alia Hogben (ED of CCMW) to appear before the Committee in view of its study entitled "Strengthening the Protection of Women in our Immigration System".  The study is looking to strengthen the integrity of the Immigration Spousal Sponsorship program. Montreal's Religious Communities Weigh in on the Election Shaheen Ashraf, CCMW national board member and secretary of the Montreal chapter appeared on CBC Radio to speak on what matters most to religious communities during the past election. Hear the interview. Food Baskets   On April 5 the Toronto chapter volunteered at the Muslim Welfare Centre in Scarborough to assemble 350 lunches. These lunches were then distributed to homeless individuals on the streets of downtown Toronto. Members of the chapter were able to meet a wonderful set of people who have been doing this for over 10 years. It is an amazing program run by the Welfare Muslim Welfare Experience. Sunday Edition "Public God"   Alia Hogben was invited to serve as a panelist on the Sunday Edition for the forum called "The Public God". It was a great discussion about the role of faith in the government, in public policies and in culture. The forum was aired on April 13, 2014. Henna Classes   On April 9, the Toronto chapter hosted a henna event at the Newcomer Women's Services. A huge thank you to all the wonderful ladies that came out to participate in this event. Move for Hope   On April 12, the Toronto chapter participated in Canadian Women's Foundation's Move for Hope event. This was a huge success. The turnout was amazing, which made the event even more empowering. Thank you to GoodLife Fitness for hosting this amazing workout. This was also a great event to showcase the chapter's new T-Shirts with CCMW's logo! VAW Community Workshops   CCMW chapters from across Canada have engaged more than 120 community members at VAW Community Workshops. The following workshops took place this month: Edmonton - April 7 Ottawa - April 8 Gatineau - April 11 Niagara - April 12 Ottawa - April 15 Montreal - April 19 Calgary - April 26 Vancouver - April 30 If you would like to host a workshop in your area, please contact info@ccmw.com   In This Issue - Scholarship Donations - House of Commons - Annual Fundraiser - VAW Community Workshops - CBC Radio - Sunday Edition - Chapter Activities Join Our Mailing List! Upcoming Events May 3 - VAW Community Workshop (Toronto) May 4 - VAW Community Workshop (Winnipeg) May 11 - High Tea (Waterloo/ Wellington) May 11 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) May 11 - VAW Community Workshop (Brampton/ Mississauga) May 15 - VAW Community Workshop (Oshawa) May 25 - VAW Community Workshop with Faith Leaders (Toronto) Jun 7 - CPR Day 1 (Toronto) Jun 8 - CPR Day 2 (Toronto) Jul 20 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) Aug 24 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) Sep 21 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) Oct 19 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) Nov 23 - Executive Committee and Member Meeting (Toronto) Sep 28 - Fundraiser "Women Who Inspire 2014" CCMW in the News 'Honour Diaries': Breaking silence on violence or reinforcing stereotypes? CCMW Blogs Alia Hogben - April 27 - Exploring the different understandings of God Toronto chapter features first guest blogger   CCMW Petitions CCMW signed a petition asking the Law Society to withdraw guidance legitimizing discrimination against women, non-Muslims, and "illegitimate" and adopted children CCMW signed another petition to stop forced child marriage from being legalized in Iraq CCMW Quick Links Publications Toolkits Position Papers Presentation Resources of Interest Newsletters Public Service Announcements HeForShe: Men Raising Their Voices for Change and Equality Register for the Impact of Family Violence Conference 2014 Al Azhar Views on Shias Rape, sexual slavery and flogging: a crisis situation for women in Sudan   CCMW Banners You will be soon seeing these banners across the country! Support CCMW If you like what we have been doing and would like to support Canadian Muslim women and their families, you can help by donating to CCMW. Write a cheque to "CCMW National" and mail it to: PO Box 154, Gananoque, ON, K7G 2T7, Canada Please indicate if you would like to be recognized on our donor list. Every little bit helps to provide a future to Canadian Muslim communities by supporting their women! Thank you! Facebook Twitter Website Email LinkedIn Google Plus Copyright © 2014 Canadian Council of Muslim Women, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported CCMW in the past. Our mailing address is: Canadian Council of Muslim Women PO Box 194 Gananoque, On K7G2T7 Canada