Forum in Hume to Help Muslim Women Speak up against Violence
Recent and past events on a worldwide scale have lent a hand in the unjust backlash often felt by Muslim women, many of who have been advised not to leave their house unescorted.
It has led the Uniting Church in Australia in conjunction with Lentara UnitingCare and Dianella Community Health to hold workshops for those living in fear, both to air their personal experiences and to search for practical strategies against discrimination.
Uniting Through Faiths interfaith network developer April Robinson said she constantly heard stories of Muslim women being spat on or abused, but not knowing what to do about it.
With two Muslim friends, she came up with the idea of a forum to bring together service providers and those who were experiencing such treatment.
“Muslim women are more explicit than men when they wear the hijab,” Ms Robinson said. “They’re wearing this as an expression of their devotion . . . yet a lot of women are feeling like they have to take it off just so they can ride the train without being harassed.”
She said large-scale events – including the events of September 11, 2001, and more recently the Sydney siege – often led to repercussions for Muslim women.
“To feel and be told that you should not leave the house unless you are walking with a man or walking with a group . . . it makes you feel despondent and it makes you feel alone and isolated,” Ms Robinson said.
Muslim woman Reem Hakem, who will chair the forum, migrated from America and admitted she was surprised by some of the negative backlash she had copped in Australia.
“It’s unfortunate that sometimes when a bad event occurs, you sort of anticipate that something might happen,” Ms Hakem said.
“It’s also sad to say it’s somewhat understandable because people will choose to look at the Muslim female as a symbol – that’s the only symbol available to them, physically in front of them, to vent their anger and frustration towards.
“It is unfair because it’s almost like putting all of us in one big pot along with the terrorists.”
She said relationship-building between Muslim women, organisations and the wider community would help minimise issues.
The forum is from 9.30am-3pm, February 25, at Hume Global Learning Centre, 75-95 Central Park Ave, Craigieburn.
Source: Herald Sun
