Muslim Women to Break Ground in DC

Muslim Women Gear to Break New Ground in DC Changemakers Conference ….

We are pleased to announce the upcoming AMMWEC’s (American Muslim Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council) Change Maker Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 21st. It is a pivotal event focused on empowering Muslim women to confront hate, antisemitism, and extremism. This conference serves as a gathering for courageous individuals uniting under a common purpose: to champion a narrative that reflects the values of civic responsibility and coexistence within the broader American context.

In a time when the Muslim community in the United States faces leadership challenges, overshadowed by concerns predominantly related to foreign issues in the Middle East, this gathering marks a crucial shift. Muslim women are stepping forward to assert their agency and redefine the conversation, articulating an America-first perspective that values inclusivity and engagement, trust and citizenship.The Conference seeks to empower Muslim women in several impactful ways, fostering a new narrative around civic engagement and community leadership in the United States of America.

Anila Alis, CEO of AMMWEC said, “The conference aspires to foster dialogue, share strategies, and build coalitions among those committed to addressing the rising tide of intolerance. By highlighting the voices of women leaders, particularly Muslim women leaders, this initiative aims to cultivate a renewed sense of responsibility within the community, encouraging active participation in civic life, combating Antisemitism and hate while building Interfaith solidarity.”

The conference will commence with an interfaith prayer, the national anthem followed by a poignant remembrance of Sarah Milgrim, Yaron Lischinsky and Karen Diamond – american citizens, who were brutally murdered by terrorists on American soil.

Among the important goals of this conference is providing a Platform for Voices.: The conference hopes to serve as a platform for Muslim women to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. This year’s conference will also feature AMMWECS first cohort of Fellows, highlighting the success of youth engagement.
The conference will feature skill development workshops focused on building interfaith relationships, leadership skills, advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing.

Two major panels will share compelling findings on Antisemitism in healthcare and Antisemitism in education.

The evening will be a celebration and gala with an awards ceremony recognizing the powerful contributions of Changemakers.

On day two of the conference, participants will engage in critical discussions and advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, focusing on pressing issues that intersect with national security and societal cohesion. A central theme will be the examination of the troubling alliance between Islamist and leftist ideologies, which has often manifested in the glorification of terrorism. This alliance undermines democratic values and poses a significant threat to the social fabric of diverse societies.

Participants will demand transparency from Muslim nonprofits, advocating for accountability in their operations and funding sources. This call for transparency is crucial, as it fosters trust and ensures that charitable organizations operate within ethical and legal frameworks. Additionally, the conference will address the pervasive issue of antisemitism within certain segments of the Muslim world, a concern that requires an urgent and unified response. Acknowledging and confronting these prejudices is essential for promoting tolerance and understanding among communities.

Through these meetings with elected officials, participants aim to raise awareness and foster dialogue, urging policymakers to take proactive measures against extremism and discrimination. By doing so, they contribute to a broader movement towards billing trust, promoting peace, tolerance, and a commitment to fundamental human rights for all, as they uplift civic discourse and American Muslim identity

Soraya M. Deen – is an Executive Board member of AMMWEC (www.ammwec.org) and one of the coalition partners of the organization, Founder of the Muslim Women Speakers.