Muslim Women: Past and Present

Recommend a Muslim Woman

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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Fatima Ahmed

photo of Fatima Ahmed

Known For: Founder, Zenab for Women in Development (ZWD)
Country: Sudan

About

Fatima Ahmed is the founder of Zenab for Women in Development (ZWD).  Launched in 2000, ZWD works to promote education for girls and children with special needs and raise awareness of women’s health issues concerning female genital cutting (FGM), HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Additionally, ZWD aims to foster peace and democracy in Sudan and educate the international community on the region’s humanitarian needs.

Ms. Ahmed’s began assuming leadership roles at the University of Gezira in Wad Madani, Sudan; she actively fought for her fellow female students’ rights. She later obtained her Master’s degree in a joint program with the University of Gezira and the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) in Aleppo, Syria.

In addition to her work with ZWD, Ms. Ahmed has worked in a consultative position with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSO) of the United Nations since 2005. She is also on the Board of Trustees of African Women Development and Communication, one of the most active regional African women’s organizations.  Ms. Ahmed has represented ZWD at many international conferences and was invited to address the first Round Table on Gender Equality and Poverty Alleviation during the Millennium Development Goals High Level Meeting. She has received several awards for her contributions to women’s education and advancement in Sudan, including the 2005 Ambassador of Peace Award.

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women alphabetically by their first names. Many Muslim names have alternative spellings once rendered into English so if you cannot find the name you are looking for, please try the general search tab where you can enter keywords of your choice.
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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women chronologically by the Common Era century. 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 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.