Today is Muslim Women’s Day. Founded by Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, founder of MuslimGirl.com, Muslim Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and amplify the voice of Muslim women around the world.
“Muslim Women’s Day is a positive response to this critical moment by celebrating a marginalized community that needs the public support right now,” said Amani Al-Khatahtbeh. “This day is all about centering Muslim women’s stories and voices.”
To celebrate Muslim Women’s Day, Her Campus BC in collaboration with Her Campus Bentley have partnered together to shine the light on the Muslim women community within our campus. Check out Her Campus Bentley’s article!
Sara Elzeini is a senior at Boston College and active member of the Muslim Students Association at Boston College. She is majoring in Communication and minoring in Management & Leadership. A fun fact about Sara is that she’s had her pet turtle since the 3rd grade!
Sara Elzeini answered some questions for our readers.
What does it mean to be a Muslim woman in today’s world?
I think it means that the world looks at you as if you’re oppressed or lost, but I’m such a strong woman because my mom is also a strong woman and she raised me that way.
How would you describe being a Muslim student at Boston College?
I have a slight privilege because I don’t wear the hijab, so people never assume that I am Muslim, so sometimes I feel like a fly on the wall. I’m sure if I wore a hijab my experience would be different, but that just goes to show the diversity of Muslim women that people ignore.
Do you find Boston College as being supportive of the Muslim community?
Boston College, not really. Boston College students, yes. Last year when the Trump administration announced the Muslim Ban, I, along with the rest of MSA, organized a protest in one week and it was a huge turnout. I felt so much love and support from students it was overwhelming and it also gave me hope for our future in this country.
Are there any resources that you’d recommend to our readers for further learning and advocacy?
Always ask, never assume! I very comfortable talking about my religion, so you can always ask, but also keep in mind that it is not a Muslim woman’s duty to educate people, so know your audience. But the best books you can read if you want to understand Islam is the Quran, and the Bible, and the Torah! There are more similarities than differences.
Do you have any upcoming events that our readers could attend?
Yes! We have Muslim Awareness week coming soon in April so look out for it!