TORONTO, October 23, 2007 - The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is honouring
Canadian Muslim Women who have made a difference in the
lives of others in Canada and elsewhere.
CCMW is
bestowing its first-ever awards to Muslim "Women Who
Inspire", to provide role models for girls and women and
promote a positive image of Canadian Muslim women.
CCMW received many nominations from across Canada for women who
challenge stereotypes and whose stories can inspire all
Canadians. Eight women were selected to receive the
first-ever Canadian Muslim “Women Who Inspire” awards at the
Council’s 25th anniversary conference and banquet
on Saturday, October 27, at the Noor Cultural Centre in
Toronto.
The award winners hail from cities across Canada: Zia Afsar (Squamish,
BC), Saadia Ashraf (Montreal, Quebec), Salima Bhimani
(Toronto, ON), Ayshi Hassan (London, ON), Zohra Husaini
(Edmonton, AL), Nimet Karachi (Niagara Falls, ON), Rabia
Khedr (Mississauga, ON), and Madina Wasuge (Hamilton, ON).
"Women and girls can achieve anything they set their minds to,” said
award winner Saadia Ashraf, who coaches tackle football and
owns the Montreal Blitz football team. "Go out there and
struggle for it without letting anything come in the way,"
she urges.
The women are from diverse backgrounds and have achieved excellence in
sports, business, education, the arts, community service and
leadership. The one thing they have in common is that they
care deeply about people and their communities.
Nominations were sought for Canadian Muslim women who have:
- demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others,
- demonstrated a commitment to women's equality, and
- embraced diversity and inclusion within Muslim communities and in the broader Canadian society.
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Full stories about the winners and information about the other nominees are available at
www.ccmw.com.
For more information, contact: Nuzhat Jafri at 416-487-8037 or 
