Building Civic Participation and Interfaith Collaboration

As the oldest Muslim women's human rights organization in New York City, Women In Islam, Inc. has developed relationships with organizations in the Muslim community, as well as interfaith groups, elected officials, and the diplomatic community. Our partnerships allow us to bring Muslim women’s perspectives to critical conversations and public discourse on issues that impact Muslims and Muslim women. Our interfaith collaborations with like-minded organizations and individuals from a variety of faith traditions aim to advance social justice and bring the voices of faith leaders into the public square. Presentations and partnership activities include:

  • Dialogue with Law Enforcement: Women In Islam, Inc. is a founding member of the Muslim American Civil Liberties Coalition, a collaboration of NY area community organizations and leaders focused on addressing civil liberties concerns of Muslim communities . Group members have been participating in dialogue with the NY Police Department regarding our response to the report "Radicalization in the West: The Home Grown Threat" and wrote a letter to Secretary Napolitano congratulating her upon her appointment and outlining community concerns. Women In Islam, Inc. also helped write a letter to Police Commissioner Kelly regarding the use of distorted material in educational trainings of officers.


  • Women Against Islamophobia and Racism: A coalition focused on highlighting the perspectives of women and youth about the impact of stereotyping of Muslims, Islam and other communities on education and public discourse.


  • Letter to President Barack Obama on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, signed by hundreds of religious leaders across the country, including Women In Islam, Inc., delivered to the White House Office of Faith Based Partnerships.


  • Planning and participating in local celebrations and programs, including:

    * Annual Iftar Dinner: hosted by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
    * Annual ‘Eid Celebration: hosted by Senator Bill Perkins
    * Eid-ul-Adha Breakfast: hosted by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
    * City Council Eid Celebration
    * ‘Eid Celebration: hosted by New York City Conptroller John C. Liu
    * Annual Muslim Day Parade
    * National Islamic Leadership Summit
    * Sounds of Solidarity: NYC Concert for Pakistan Flood Relief
    * Muslim Voices: Art & Ideas: Aisha Al-Adawiya served on the Community Advisory Committee. See Community Voices