Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Faghmeda Miller

Known For: HIV/AIDS activist, Founder, Positive Muslims
Country: South Africa

About

Faghmeda Miller was the first Muslim woman in South Africa to publicly disclose her status as a person infected with HIV.1  Since making that decision soon after her husband died from the disease, she has become an HIV/AIDS activist, focusing specifically on the Muslim community. 

When she discovered in the mid-1990s that she too was infected, her initial reaction she said was one of shame.  “The first thing that went through my mind,” she says in an interview with South African non-profit Positive Heroes, “was the shame I had brought on my family. I, therefore decided to keep this information to myself, after all it wouldn’t be long till I die.”2

Faghmeda said she did not realize the possibility for people infected with HIV to lead full, productive lives, a message she now actively shares with others.  Learning the facts about HIV and AIDS has been a transformative experience for Faghmeda who claims in her life, her attitude, and even her personality changed.  In the process, she said she found the courage to battle the stigma attached to infection, even announcing her status on community radio. 

In 2000, Faghmeda founded Positive Muslims, an organization that provides emotional and psychological support as well as workshops and train to those infected with HIV/AIDS as well as their families.  In the same year, she was given Femina magazine’s “Women of Courage” award for her work.  In addition to working with the organization she founded, she does home counseling and does television, radio, newspaper, and magazine interviews to support HIV/AIDS awareness.  She was also the subject of the documentary The Malawian Kiss directed by Akiedah Mohammed.

[1] Positive Heroes.
[2] ibid.

Sources

Positive Heroes.
“South Africa/People and Projects,” Islamic Relief Worldwide.

More Information

Positive Muslims Website
Positive Heroes Interview with Faghmeda Miller

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.