(Cleveland, OH, 4/19/16) – On Saturday, April 16, the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) joined the Inclusivity Ministry of the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, Ohio in hosting a presentation and panel discussion on Women in Islam.
The event, which was attended by more than 70 people, was designed to help dispel stereotypes about Muslim women. The opening presentation provided a brief overview of women’s political, economic, and educational rights as well as an exploration of Quranic texts on the equality of women in Islam. The panel session covered hot button subjects such as modern gender roles, domestic violence, patriarchy and human rights in the Muslim world. Panel participants included seven Muslim women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and age groups in order to provide a range of perspectives.
“The goal of this event was to help counter the ubiquitous distortions in the media about women in Islam and to provide the audience with authentic perspectives on how Muslim women view their faith tradition and practices,” said Julia Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director.
Following the panel, participants enjoyed a Middle Eastern luncheon. The event was part of a day-long forum on Islam sponsored by West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, which is known for its inclusion and strong relations with diverse communities. The event, entitled Islam 202, was a continuation of the previous year’s Introduction to Islam and Muslims 101.
Panel participants included women from the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, the Islamic Council of Ohio, the Muslim Association of Cleveland East and others.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, 216-830-2247, jshearson@cair.com or Hala Sanyurah, 330-858-6948,halamsanyurah@gmail.com