Muslim women continue to challenge stereotypes and lead their communities in times of crisis, as demonstrated by the rise of community support and advocacy efforts among Muslim communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, anti-Black, Islamophobic, and misogynist attitudes and actions compromise their access to safe and supportive environments, both in public and private spaces.

Join us to celebrate two Muslim young women whose leadership and community-building is advancing necessary conversations within their communities and the broader society.

Khalidha Nasiri is a community organizer, medical student at Western University, and Executive Director of the Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative (AYEDI). A daughter of refugees from Afghanistan, Khalidha aims to break down the barriers that her community encounters in accessing spaces to express their voice and develop into leaders. Most recently, AYEDI partnered with TakingITGlobal to implement an incubator program that provided over $30,000 in funding to Afghan youth community service projects in Canada. Khalidha has an extensive background in community organizing, advocacy, and research, including interning for a former finance minister and at the World Health Organization. Her research interests lie in global health equity, newcomer and refugee health, mental health, and maternal and child health. She holds a Master’s degree in epidemiology from McGill and has published 10+ articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. Khalidha writes on her blog at www.behindthemd.com.

Khalidha is a medical student at the University of Western Ontario and has a Master’s in Epidemiology from McGill University. Her hobbies including reading non-fiction, Taekwon-do, drinking double doubles, and travelling.

Asmaa Ali is a community leader, freelance photographer, and Registered Nurse working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Edmonton Alberta. She is an advocate tackling issues such as health equity, gender equality, and systemic racism on a local and national level. Asmaa is the creator of a nationally recognized art piece “Flip The Script” challenging the narrative of Islamophobia, this portrait series was featured in Canada’s largest International Muslim film festival “Mosquers”. From this Asmaa has gone on to work with the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, creating policy to shape youth workforce development in light of COVID-19. She creates an array of health resources for marginalized communities including sexual assault resources and post-surgical care. Most recently, she was a recipient of Alberta’s Top 30 under 30 award but the Alberta Council for Global co-operation in recognition of her efforts towards a just, fair, and sustainable world for all.

This event is a partnership between Leading In Colour and Platform.

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