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A Historical JourneyIn 1997 Mariam Bhabha, the first Chair of the Federation of Muslim Women, assembled a group of women to discuss issues pertaining to the Muslim community, specifically women and children. This small group of women decided to hold monthly Sunday meetings to discuss more of these issues in detail.By 1998, this group of about six to ten women were motivated to incorporate as The Federation of Muslim Women (FMW), as it became apparent that there was a need for an organization that was run by women for women. The intent of the group was to discuss topics in the community and to strategize ways they could make real change happen. The women came from various ethnic and national backgrounds and claimed other identities such as professor, student, homemaker, race relation's officer, grandmother, accountant, and computer scientist. The Board of Director's initial aims were ambitious. They displayed a wide range of goals and objectives, which included a Muslim women's shelter, and an education center for women and children. It soon became apparent that FMW had to delineate clearly articulated and manageable goals given its poor financial resources. During the past few years FMW has worked at the grassroots level to educate the Muslim and mainstream communities about Islam, and to alleviate poverty both within the local and global contexts. FMW believes that its work is important, as it provides a voice to those who are voiceless and a face for those who are hidden. FMW has been fortunate to have been able to work with many partners on various projects. We look forward to the growth of FMW, which is only possible through the hard word and dedication of its members. |