Happy International Women's Day

Today is such a fantastic day because it is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day! I'm not only ecstatic that today is entirely dedicated to the celebration of women, but also that this month is Women's History Month. I couldn't be more excited about all the events going on at my university over the next few weeks. Some speakers I can't wait to see this month include April Wilkner from America's Next Top Model and Dr. Gail Dines, a critique of pornography and hypersexuality that is seen in pop culture. Expect to see photos and posts from those events once I attend InshAllah! Also I'd like to leave you with 10 rights that Muslim women have in relation to their sexuality. I know that this is a topic that is rarely talked about, but I believe that it is essential for a Muslim woman to know her rights, especially when it comes to her body. 

Islamic Bill of Rights for Women 

1) Women have an Islamic right to a respectful and pleasurable sexual experience.

2) Women have an Islamic right to make independent decisions about their bodies, including the right to say no to sex.

3) Women have an Islamic right to make independent decisions about their partner, including the right to say no to a husband marrying a second wife.

4) Women have an Islamic right to make independent decisions about their choice of a partner.

5) Women have an Islamic right to make independent decisions about contraception and reproduction.

6) Women have an Islamic right to protection from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

7) Women have an Islamic right to sexual privacy.

8) Women have an Islamic right to exemption from criminalization or punishment for consensual adult sex.

9) Women have an Islamic right to exemption from gossip and slander.

10) Women have an Islamic right to sexual health care and sex education.

Women for Women International founder Zainab Salbi speaks at 'Join me on the bridge' Global Campaign in New York City 

Members of the Rwanda chapter of Women for Women International 

“Woman was created from the rib of man

She was not made from his head to top him 

Nor from his feet, to be trampled on. 

She was made from his side, to be equal to him

From under his arm to be protected by him

From near his heart to be loved by him”