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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Hammasa Kohistani

My mother came from a background that oppressed women for decades. It made me realize that girls and women who have the chance to make their voices heard should make the most of the opportunity.

Statement Hammasa Kohistani told the Guardian News. Afghan Council UK 2008

Known For: Crowned Miss England
Dates: 1407 Hijri
1987 CE
Country: United Kingdom

About

Hammasa Kohistani, was the first beauty contestant of Muslim origin to be crowned Miss England, at the age of 18. She was crowned following a two-day competition at Liverpool’s Olympia Theatre and was chosen from among 40 contestants.

After her parents were forced to flee Afghanistan, they immigrated to Tashkent in central Uzbekistan, where Ms. Kohistani was born. She speaks six languages including Russian and her mother-tongue Persian. Ethnically, she is a Tajik from Afghanistan.

She won the competition dressed in an ivory white chiffon and silk ball gown, which had been designed and made by her mother. She later said: “When they announced that I had won I thought I had misheard. I hoped they hadn’t, but it took a second to sink in.”

She is known as Miss Maya after the Asian fashion house that sponsored her and has reportedly been offered a part in a forthcoming Bollywood movie. She has also graced the cover of Asiana Magazine in 2004. 

Sources

Hammasa Kohistani Biography

Miss England 2005

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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.