不知道有多少读者知道，每年11月25日是消除对妇女的暴力行为国际日(International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women)，在密西沙加的庆祝广场，一群来自穆斯林社区及其他友好社区的男女汇聚一起，纪念那些在暴力中丧失生命的妇女。更多详情如下。
On November 25 at 6pm, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a number of women and men gathered at Mississauga Celebration Square both muslim and allies from diverse communities, to remember women that have lost their lives and those who have survived gender based violence. In addition they took a moment to reflect and honour those women that have been affected by gender based islamophobia in recent days after the heinous attacks such as in Paris and Beirut.
These women, lead by Farheen Khan, an author, survivor of gender based islamophobia post 9/11, a violence against women advocate and former MP candidate, will be launching a blog titled it’s #muslimsactually”. A platform which they believe will be used to counter the negative messaging about islam and muslims being projected in the media today. It’s an opportunity for everyday muslims to share their experiences about everyday topics and for the blog team to profile amazing people that happen to be muslim.
It’s time we stood up and spoke out against these extremist groups. ISIS and ISIL do not represent us and yet their actions are causing backlash to us and our women right here at home.
“Today we stand together against violence of all kinds, and in particular against violence against women. As we see the rise of this anti-muslim sentiment we are also seeing a rise to gendered islamophobia and hate crimes where women are being targeted. This blog is an opportunity to counter the negative narrative of muslims being portrayed in the media with stories of positivity and hope. It’s time for us to reclaim our narrative as muslims and to educate people on who we really are, not what is being presented in the media by these extremist groups like ISIS. Tonight we stand united regardless of creed, race, or ethnicity against hate, fear and violence in all its forms.” Farheen Khan.
Speakers Samra Zafar, a survivor of domestic violence shared her personal story and spoke about the work that she is doing to support women that are fleeing violence through her new initiative “Brave Beginnings”. Samra is also the first muslim to be featured in the blog which officially launched today (November 25).
The event was emceed by Rabia Khedr a member of the Federation of Muslim Women and also included additional speeches by community activists including Farina Siddiqui, President of Mom Links. A poem was also delivered by Samera Munir, the Executive Director of Speak Out Poetry in honour of women affected by violence.
The event ended with a candle light vigil and a moment of silence for all those affected by violence around the globe.
Members of the Muslim community were encouraged to write for the blog and to use the hash tag #muslimsactually when sharing positive stories and incidences through social media. Allies are also invited to use the hash tag #muslimsactually and posting their photos in support of muslims in our community.
