IWWA Youth held its first event on Saturday 13 September by having a Girls Night at IWWA, Lakemba with high school girls gathering for food, games and crafts. Whilst it was only 20 or so girls, I felt a sense of community and joy, and I hope other attendees did too.
IWWA Youth started in 2022 and whilst its prominence has fluctuated due to the commitments of its young committee, we are hoping to host more regular events.
Next month on Saturday 11 October we will be holding a Zoom webinar with academic, activist and author Randa Abdel Fattah on the history of Palestine. This webinar is important now, more than ever, amid the genocide in Gaza, as we see the decontextualisation of Palestinian pain and resistance in Western media.
We would encourage any high-school or university aged young women to register (https://www.trybooking.com/
Muslim sisterhood is especially important at the moment. The Islamophobia register has found that Anti-Muslim incidents in person have increased by 150 percent – and by 250 percent online. Further to that, Muslim women are most at risk of harm as we are often visibly Muslim when we wear the Hijab.
Rising anti-immigrant sentiment in Australia threatens the safety and inclusion of many groups, including Muslims who are villainised in media and society. In order to combat this marginalisation, it is important for us to stick together.
Many issues currently face young people include bullying, mental health issues, uncertainty over our future and many others, it is vital that there are services by and for young people. Alhumdullilah, the Muslim community has been excellent in organising spaces for young people to empower them with friendships, skills and Islamic awareness to succeed.
IWWA Youth wants to continue to facilitate events and circles that keep young muslim women content and connected. “The best company is of those who love each other for the sake of Allah.” [Hadith: Al-Tirmidhi] We hope to create a loving sisterhood through both fun and learning for the sake of Allah.
If any sisters or organisations have input for what kind of events we can run, how we can improve or potential partnerships please reach out. We are keen to strengthen the unity and potential of Muslim sisters in the community.
Our email is iwwayouthcommittee@gmail.com and we are on Instagram, @iwwayouth. Jazakumullahukhairan.
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