Synopsis
Twelve women from various backgrounds embarked on a six-week journey to enhance their leadership skills to collectively break down the stereotypes of Muslim women.
This was a group of health professionals, educators, students, wives and mothers who laughed, joked, debated and discussed innovative ways to create change and improve the profile of Muslim women in the local community.
A Muslim woman is more than a religion, a colour, a dress code. A Muslim woman is a mother buttering toast for her two boys in the morning; she’s a fashion designer chasing her dream; a professional who prays in the first aid room; a student of Kung Fu; and a single mother studying to empower herself and inspire her children.
What a Muslim Woman Looks Like tells the real stories of twelve women who participated in the 2010 Brimbank City Council Muslim Women Leadership training. This book is a not-for-profit publication written by two of the participants Amra Pajalic and Demet Divaroren.
This was a group of health professionals, educators, students, wives and mothers who laughed, joked, debated and discussed innovative ways to create change and improve the profile of Muslim women in the local community.
A Muslim woman is more than a religion, a colour, a dress code. A Muslim woman is a mother buttering toast for her two boys in the morning; she’s a fashion designer chasing her dream; a professional who prays in the first aid room; a student of Kung Fu; and a single mother studying to empower herself and inspire her children.
What a Muslim Woman Looks Like tells the real stories of twelve women who participated in the 2010 Brimbank City Council Muslim Women Leadership training. This book is a not-for-profit publication written by two of the participants Amra Pajalic and Demet Divaroren.
teaching notes
Download teaching notes from here.
| wmwll_teachers_notes.pdf |
Reader responses
‘The energy that is radiated and reflected in these stories is an important lesson for all of us.’ Helen Szoke, Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
'I enjoyed reading the stories that the women told, their life experience and the generous nature of their willingness to share with the reader. I realised that all women are the same and that Muslim women are just like me. We share the same stories and hardships, resilience and feelings. Like me these women are one of many who make up this melting pot of women called Australians.' Vesna, St Albans
'I concluded from the book that each and every woman in this book is a fabulous role model. I admire the sheer willpower some of these women have to achieve their aims, breaking down both their own internal (inner community) and external (mainstream community) barriers.
I hope the book changes other readers perception of Muslim women – “Women, we are ONE, but we come in so many different shades, textures, inner strength and experiences”…. Let’s continue the journey and break down those barriers further.' Senada, Footscray
Thank you for the opportunity to reiterate the success of the book. Some of the stories were very truthful and surprising with their honesty. I do see the dilemma of the scarf and it’s good to read the independence that the women show in the book. Well done. Margaret
'While I actually knew most of what was in the book, I just thought it was a really good way of showing people that there is no one size fits all for what we label a ‘Muslim Woman’.' Colleen, Footscray
'What a Muslim Woman Looks Like was a fascinating insight into the real lives of real Muslim women. It was a powerful reminder that any community is made up of individuals each with different histories, interests, hopes and dreams. This book is an important document which shows the diversity of Muslim women and encourages empathy, understanding and connection through stories.' Jodi, Bundoora
'I found out Muslim women are as diverse as any other woman! Though I suspected this anyway. I loved the way the book was written. The personal stories were great and the warmth with which they were told was wonderful. The book has changed the way I think about Muslim women’s perceptions, knowing that some women cover and some don’t, some agree with wearing the Burkha and some don’t like it (for)… I thought it was a wonderful publication and admire the group so much for putting it together. I also think it’s a wonderful tool for education and that everyone should be made to read it to break the stereotypes and myths.' Ellen, Thornbury
'I enjoyed reading the stories that the women told, their life experience and the generous nature of their willingness to share with the reader. I realised that all women are the same and that Muslim women are just like me. We share the same stories and hardships, resilience and feelings. Like me these women are one of many who make up this melting pot of women called Australians.' Vesna, St Albans
'I concluded from the book that each and every woman in this book is a fabulous role model. I admire the sheer willpower some of these women have to achieve their aims, breaking down both their own internal (inner community) and external (mainstream community) barriers.
I hope the book changes other readers perception of Muslim women – “Women, we are ONE, but we come in so many different shades, textures, inner strength and experiences”…. Let’s continue the journey and break down those barriers further.' Senada, Footscray
Thank you for the opportunity to reiterate the success of the book. Some of the stories were very truthful and surprising with their honesty. I do see the dilemma of the scarf and it’s good to read the independence that the women show in the book. Well done. Margaret
'While I actually knew most of what was in the book, I just thought it was a really good way of showing people that there is no one size fits all for what we label a ‘Muslim Woman’.' Colleen, Footscray
'What a Muslim Woman Looks Like was a fascinating insight into the real lives of real Muslim women. It was a powerful reminder that any community is made up of individuals each with different histories, interests, hopes and dreams. This book is an important document which shows the diversity of Muslim women and encourages empathy, understanding and connection through stories.' Jodi, Bundoora
'I found out Muslim women are as diverse as any other woman! Though I suspected this anyway. I loved the way the book was written. The personal stories were great and the warmth with which they were told was wonderful. The book has changed the way I think about Muslim women’s perceptions, knowing that some women cover and some don’t, some agree with wearing the Burkha and some don’t like it (for)… I thought it was a wonderful publication and admire the group so much for putting it together. I also think it’s a wonderful tool for education and that everyone should be made to read it to break the stereotypes and myths.' Ellen, Thornbury