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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Farida Nekzad

"I want to break the silence. Whether I am dead or alive, the struggle should continue. Afghan women's voices should be heard."

photo of Farida Nekzad Photo Credit: Giacinta Pace/AP Images

Known For: Journalist
Dates: Hijri 1397 - Present (AH)
Common Era 1977 - Present (CE)
Country: Afghanistan

About

Winning the International Women’s Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Award in 2008, Farida Nekzad has devoted herself to drawing attention to the unfettered rule of the warlords in Afghanistan. Vice president of the South Asia Media Commission and managing editor of the only independent Afghani news outlet, Pajhwok Afghan News, Nekzad has been trying to improve the lot of women and their right to the freedom of speech by expounding upon the discriminatory actions of warlords.

She has worked freelance for the Institute of War and Peace Reporting, New York Times, BBC, Voice of America, and Effat, a magazine for women released by a group of Afghan female journalists post-Taliban era.

Despite the turmoil Afghanistan has been facing, Nekzad continues to write about the domestic violence, forced marriages, and discrimination against women’s rights workers that occur under the rule of the warlords.

These warlords have not taken kindly to her writing. She has received death threats and escaped a kidnapping attempt by the expedient of jumping from a moving vehicle.

In the face of this adversity, Nekzad nonetheless persists in her efforts, wishing to be a role model for other Afghan women.

Sources

Gangat, Sharmeen. “Nekzad Defies Warlords to Tell Women’s Stories.”  Women’s eNews. 2008. (accessed November 11, 2009).

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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.