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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Santanina Tillah Rasul

photo of Santanina Tillah Rasul

Known For: Chair, Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., Shura Council Member
Country: Philippines

About

Former Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul joined government service as a public school teacher in 1952. She has held various positions in government representing Muslim and Cultural Minorities, including Commissioner of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) from 1976 to 1985. She was elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in 1987 and re-elected in 1992. She was the first and only woman Muslim senator elected and the first Muslim senator re-elected to the Senate. During her tenure, Ms. Rasul is credited with a number of landmark legislations, among which were laws that sought to remove all vestiges of gender discrimination. She also sponsored R.A.9649, declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day in the Philippines.

Currently, Ms. Rasul chairs the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI), dedicated to the promotion of literacy, economic empowerment, and peace advocacy. In recognition of her literacy work in the Philippines, Ms. Rasul was appointed “Honorary Ambassador of UNESCO” during the ILY in 1990. She is also the founder of a number of multi-awarded foundations/programs such as the Bantay Dagat Inc., Kasannangan Foundation, Inc., and Muslim Professional & Business Women Association of the Philippines, Inc.

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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.