“Muslim Women - Leadership and Visibility” Conference

This week, MBI Al Jaber Foundation staff member Ms. Suhad Jarrar-Browne, our Scholarships, Conferences and Events Officer, and Ms. Fahmia Alfotih, one of our MBI Scholars from Yemen, attended an important conference in London focused on the social, political, artistic and economic advancement of Muslim women.

Cineforum brought women together from all walks of life & all cultures to advance the leadership of Muslim women in mainstream society for one day conference of interactive & inspirational exchange.   

The conference, held in the Royal Society of Art in London and organised by the Fair Knowledge organization, featured sessions paneled by world scholars, speakers, media professionals, mentors, spiritualists, human rights and political activists, educationalists, as well as diplomats.

The parallel sessions included films, workshops and mentoring sessions and were well attended by participants of all age groups, both Muslim and non-Muslim women as well as men. The audience interacted well with the panels and speakers on various topics such as women as peace builders, Muslim women in the media, British politics, positive presence and image, as well as the need for modern interpretation of the Quran to suit our times. 

As well as attending sessions and workshops, Suhad and Fahmia watched two of the films. The ‘’Bass Player’’, a short film exclusive to the conference, told the story a young Muslim girl named Salima and her journey into the music world along with all the challenges she faced from the society around her due to either stereotyping or Islamophobia. The film ‘’Pray the Devil Back to Hell’’ tells the story of the Liberian War and the remarkable role that the Liberian women played in ending the war and bringing peace to their country.  

The intensive day was finished by the magnificent Lebanese pianist and soprano Hiba Al Kawas who flew in from Abu Dhabi especially to participate in this significant forum.  She shared a musical film called ‘’Lady Light’’ and performed live, thrilling the audience, even those who didn’t understand the Arabic songs which brought some listeners to tears of nostalgia. 

For more information http://www.fairknowledge.co.uk/