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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Nimah Ismail Nawwab

photo of Nimah Ismail Nawwab

Known For: Poet, Writer, Photographer, Activist
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Nimah Ismail Nawwab is an internationally renowned poet, writer, photographer, lecturer, and youth and women’s empowerment activist. Born to a Meccan family with a long history of scholars, she is dubbed a “voice for Arab women and youth.” She engages in critical and emerging issues related to women and youth empowerment as an advocate, writer, speaker, workshop leader, and director of youth-led relief, volunteer campaigns, and intercultural projects. She often works with established and emerging film makers, musicians, calligraphers, and artists of various genres through mentorship and projects.

As an activist, Ms. Nawwab has been involved with numerous women’s issues, including the forced divorce petition and case, the Qatif gang rape, and guardianship of women and their professional lives. Her work, including her best-selling book, The Unfurling, have been featured in Newsweek International, BBC World News, Al Arabiyah, Asian Age, Hindustan Times, the Malay Berita Harian, and numerous other international media outlets. She is currently working on three book projects.

Seeking to build bridges of understanding on a diverse range of social, professional, educational, and economic issues, Ms. Nawwab has frequently been called upon to speak at international events, including the World Economic Forum, Japan Expo, UN Pavilion, Smithsonian, American University, Rice University, Ghalib Academy in India, London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), amongst other institutes.

Ms. Nawwab’s academic writings, essays, and photography are featured in international publications, books, and anthologies, (see Ms. Nawwab’s web site)

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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.