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« Back to Chapters (Archived Material)
OTTAWA CHAPTER -- ANNUAL REPORT – 2008
January ‘08 Ottawa Chapter is supporting an umbrella group called The Coordinating Council of Muslim Canadians. Ferrukh Faruqui represents CCMW and Fauzya Talib is the 2nd voting delegate. Ferrukh as the secretary, organized and did outreach to all Muslim groups in and around the Capital Region, and Fauzya as back up representative have attended all meetings and provided support to this group.
Shahla Khan-Salter led the Chapter in organizing a Vigil to commemorate the life of Aqsa Pervez, a 16-year old Muslim girl murdered by her father with the help of her brother. We had an amazing turnout and the event was graced by the late Marion Dewar a staunch defender of human rights, the famed Canadian author Heather Menzies and chapter members Farhat Rehman, Alia Mirza, Nezha Zizi and friends Feiszl Talib, Chelby Marie Daigle, Adnan Qayyum. Here is an excerpt from Shahla’s report:
It was chilly, standing outside at the imposing boulders that compose the Ottawa Women’s Monument. But it warmed all our hearts to be together, to remember this lovely girl, whose life was senselessly cut short and to resolve to end violence against women, in all communities.
We were fortunate to spread our message as well, with a news story on A-channel and CBC radio morning, featuring the vigil. Remembering the poem, read by Alia Mirza, written by Muhammed Allama Iqbal and translated by Farheen Beg, may Aqsa's life stand with knowledge and dignify her community. And remembering the prose, read by Farhat Rehman, written by her daughter,Rahat Kurd, "How to Mourn a Girl You'll Never Know ", we must "say aloud the name of the farthest mosque. Do not forget."…Aqsa”
Women’s Health Project meeting was held on January 15 at Inter Pares office. Planning is in progress to apply for funding, and plan an event raising awareness of issues among new comer/immigrant/ and native women.
February ‘08:
Chapter members met with Jill Burnett, a film maker and Director of Citoyenne Musulmane of Strasbourg to discuss issues of importance to Muslim women for her documentary.” Her email said: Dear Farhat, A word from Montreal to thank you again for your time Monday evening, not least organizing the meeting and the ride to and from. Meeting you and your dynamic group was a great launch to my Canadian research. I had an excellent meeting with Leila Bedeir on Tuesday so thank you also for this reference. I will keep you informed to our progress. For now, best regards, Jill
Afshan Khan, chapter member, held four Family Law training workshops for various groups:
A Dinner to recognize Muslim Canadians’ civic involvement. Chief guest Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. Feb 15, 2008. Some members attended on behalf of CCMW
March ‘08
Parents focus group for the Youth Project. Chapter member coordinator, Alia Mirza reports:
“I would like to provide you with a short update on the Muslim parents’ focus group meeting held on March 16, 2008. CCMW has partnered with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Service Organization (OCISO) on a project that examined the issues faced by Muslim youth at school (particularly students at the high school level).
CCMW’s involvement included two representatives on the steering committee. Humera Ibrahim as the National Board representative and I was the Ottawa chapter representative. Catalyst Research and Communications managed the project.
As most of you are aware one of the components of the Youth project is to hold focus group meetings with parents. The Ottawa Chapter of the CCMW helped to organize one of these sessions. The session was held at Ottawa City Hall and included participation from approximately 12 parents. I am happy to say we had a very diverse group of participants, mothers and fathers, Anglophones and Francophone and with ethnic diversity. The participants in the session had children that ranged in ages from elementary, high school, university and adult aged children. The session lasted approximately 2 and half hours and was facilitated by Lynne Tyler from Catalysts Research; I acted as chair of the meeting.
My overall reflections on the meeting were that parents felt comfortable to share their experiences and insights on the issues facing them as parents and their worries for Muslim youth. I also felt that the parents would be interested in participating in a similar session in the future; the discussion was open and honest.
The findings from this session along with the others will be complied by Catalyst Research as part of the report”.
Fauzya Talib and Chapter members, with the help of some OMWO members held a meeting with Catalyst Research for the Family Law Education for Women (FLEW). The objective was to review the content of the brochures with information on Family Law and Muslim Laws. Valuable input was received and implemented.
Muslim Presence invited Fauzya to attend an afternoon seminar with Malika Hamidi, a respected academic and coordinator of the European Muslim network. The theme was Canadian Muslim Women: Challenges and gender justice in Contemporary Western Society
April ‘08
The fifth “Books & Biryani” book club was held on April 6. The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886), novella by Leo Tolstoy –Reviewed by Dr. Ferrukh Faruqui. The Kite Runner, a novel by Khaled Hosseini – Reviewed by Fauzya Talib. People were asked to bring items to donate, and a donation of much needed toiletry items was made to a downtown women’s shelter.
Two information workshops on Family law and Muslim laws took place this month and were presented by Shahla Khan-Salter assisted by Noreen Majeed. The session for Muslim women took place at the main mosque, on Sunday, April 20th, 2008 in the morning from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The atmosphere was relaxed and the discussion peaceful. The focus group was sisters only.
The session for service providers took place on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at City Hall in the Billings Room. Attendance was restricted to professionals working with the Muslim community including the social service, medical, counseling and legal professions.
We participated in an inter-faith discussion and social evening. Topic: What roles do seniors play in our families and how do these roles impact on the family. Sr Safaa Fouda organized this enjoyable and entertaining event in collaboration with the Unitarian Church. Songs were sung and instruments played and refreshments served.
May ’08
May 14 saw a large number of Muslim Organizations in the National Capital Region congregate in the Main Mosque and share common concerns and pledges of mutual cooperation as the newly formed The Coordinating Council of Muslim Canadians.
The 2007 Youth Project culminated in a Muslim Youth Conference hosted by CCMW in collaboration with Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) on May 25, 2008. Humera Ibrahim presented at the Forum.
July ‘08
Fauzya , Farhat and Ferrukh met briefly then attended a CCMC meeting on July 29.
We had earlier provided a letter of support to IWSO for submission of a proposal for funding. This project is focused on crime prevention, and CCMW Ottawa Chapter would be one of the partners in focusing on the Muslim Community. We met to review the project details and to begin the work of hiring the coordinator and job descriptions.
This project, known as the Neighbours, Friends and Family project is currently under way. Three members have been trained as Champions and are to hold two workshops each for the Muslim Community with a focus of reducing domestic violence against women. The challenge will be to approach the subject and navigate through information and solutions in a mixed gender workshop.
November ‘08
Our chapter member, Sr Khadija Haffajee informed us that she, with the help of others organized an evening for women entitled, “Expressions of Muslim Women” This was a focus for primarily young women in Ottawa with a wealth of talent. All forms of art, visual, spoken word, poetry & prose, fashion, drama, song and dance was included in this sold-out event. The next eagerly awaited event will be held on November 7, 2009.
Key Concerns:
Our effort is to engage younger women to be more active and participate in Chapter events. Human resources are needed. Members with more flexibility are needed to attend community events/meetings on behalf of the Chapter when called upon by media or others and to organize and plan chapter activities.
Chapter meeting 2004
As the Chapter last met on October 13th, a number of issues were mentioned as an update for the Group, as outlined below. The Group also discussed issues to further the Chapter’s work plan. Update on past events and follow-up issues from the last meeting (held on October 13th): Members were asked to visit www.ccmw.com for further documentation related to the Canadian implementation of Sharia. The Marion Boyd report is not been made public yet. However, there are other reports available on the website (e.g. Terms of Reference for the Marion Boyd report and NAWL report). There was no update to the recommendations sent by the Chapter to the National Board for comment (please see Oct. 13th Minutes for background info.). Media training workshop: The CCMW Newsletter indicates that the Media Handbook is currently being updated. Farhat will send a reminder to the National Board about training for the Ottawa and Montreal chapters (please see Oct. 13th Minutes for further details). The Chapter may find own resources in Ottawa for media workshop, then follow up with the Board. Anu Bose has offered to train. We will contact her and get her availability for training Chapter members. The media training should be held on a weekend, possibly from 10 am to 1 pm. Training video and manual: “In My Own Skin”—Iman Zebian will be asked if she can train Afshan and Chelby to present these videos at workshops connected to their work. (settlement, anti-racism). Date and time to be determined. Post-Meeting Action Items: Farhat will send information received from CCMW Board to the Chapter members regarding the recently released CCMW report entitled: “Muslim Women in Canada: Overeducated and Underemployed”. The Progressive Muslim meet-up is tentatively scheduled for December 18th at 2 pm at the Bridgehead café in Nepean. Amena will send a follow-up e-mail to the Group for additional details once the arrangements are finalized. Closer link with National Board: Concern was voiced that there be more communication between the National Board and Chapters in order for the Board to be aware of developments and issues at the Chapter level. Therefore, the need for greater contact and liaising with the National Board was seen as imperative for effective representation. The participation of the two local Board members to be clarified. Iman and Humera participate at meetings and give feed back to and from National Board. Information about Nat. Brd. Meetings could be shared Suggestion to be made to encourage regional representation on the Board A question was asked how CCMW can better communicate, and keep abreast of, developments with other Muslim groups and filter down information about the organization to the broader Muslim community. A question was asked about CCMW’s relationship with CAIR_CAN and the Winnipeg based Social Service Org. (Shahina Siddiqui’s group. As our work is touching their work, so we should define ours.) Khaddouj has done her research paper on the effect of 9/11 on Muslims- men and women. She asked if CCMW would find a slot in the symposium, or some future venue that touches on this theme. Upcoming events: January 23rd, 2005: 2nd “Books and Biryani” event—Discussions/reviews of 2 books to be selected. Fauzya will circulate an updated list of books for interested members. (Some members provided names of books that were added to the original CCMW reading list) January 26th, 2005: The ZONTA group will be holding an event where Alia Hogben will be speaking on Muslim women and “Sharia” law. Farhat and Fauzya will be meeting with Kathy Bose on December 3. March 2005: Symposium on “Role of the Religion in the State” (topic concerns the bounds of secularism and democratic rights). Ask if this is the same event originally planned for Dec.3/04. The meeting adjourned at around 2:45 pm. Annual Report 2003 On behalf of the Ottawa Chapter of CCMW, called the local morning radio show to declare admiration for Dr. Monia Mazigh who displayed extraordinary courage and strength in the face extreme hardships of her husband’s imprisonment and torture. By her struggle for justice she was able to bring about change and helped to shatter the stereotype of Muslim Women. Fauzya Talib works at Health Canada. She got a group of colleagues together and organized a Fast and Feast event at her work. Co-workers we invited to fast and then attend the evening program of Information session with presentations by invited guests. Lyne Naguib spoke on “The Growth of the Ottawa Muslim Community”, and Abu Nazir spoke on “Ramadan- The way to Self-improvement”. There was a panel discussion and a question and answer session. At Iftar time the breaking of fast was followed by call to prayer, and Maghrib prayers. The evening ended with a feast of dinner and delicacies. People mingled at the dinner table and expressed interest and asked questions. Handouts were distributed containing the description of the content of the Call to prayer and other pertinent information. The guests appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Muslims. Farhat represented NOIVMWC and CCMW at the National Women’s Reference Group on Labour Market Issues (NWRG/GRNF) Forum in Winnipeg. This is a not-for-profit voluntary organization, established in 1991 to advance women’s labour market status in Canada. They represent the diversity of women in Canada. Their website is (www.nwrg-grnf.ca). CCMW’s name was put forward for them to contact and invite membership. The Ottawa Chapter is meeting on December 13 to meet and go over the CCMW work plan for 2003-2004 activities and formulate a Chapter plan, Insha’Allah. January 18: Participated in a demonstration against war in Iraq on Parliament Hill. This was part of worldwide demonstrations. February 17: Made a presentation at a Day-long consultation on Visible Minorities and the Justice system. Talked about the over-representation of Vis Mins in correctional facilities across Canada, and the lack of education of the correctional authorities on the Muslim inmate population in particular. February 21, 22: Attended a Needs Assessment presentation and SIDPD Project Steering Committee meeting at NOIVMWC as CCMW representative. March 1: Attended CCMW Board and Chapters Meeting in Montreal. Agenda: Conference planning. March 16: Participated on behalf of CCMW at a vigil held on Parliament Hill to protest the war in Iraq. March 20: Upon receiving an invitation by the Mayor of Ottawa, attended a Multifaith ceremony to promote harmony and solidarity among all faiths in the Ottawa region. March 21: Attended the book launch event in Montreal for CCMW publication, “The veil in North America.” March 23: Women’s Health Project Meeting- Ottawa As CCMW representative in this group, held discussions on planning the “Kashmiri Women” victims of war Project. March 25: Attended a panel discussion on peace at the National Arts Centre. Signed petition as CCMW member. April 28: Interpares- a philanthropic National organization held their annual general meeting. The invited speaker, Phyllis Bennis spoke on Militarization and Peace, with references to Iraq. May 26: Advocated on behalf of refugee claimant in front of IRB judge. Favorable decision resulted. June 21: Attended a women’s conference held in Ottawa. The name of the group is Women Engaging in Bridge Building and the title of the Conference was Diversity in Islam. June 29: Two members participated in a fund-raising BBQ hosted by the Montreal and West Island Chapters. Click here to see some pictures... July 25: Two members attended a CCMW Board/Chapters meeting in Toronto. Conference planning was on the agenda September 17: Ottawa Chapter held an Information meeting. Participants signed memberships and registered for CCMW annual Conference. September 27: Attended an informative meeting arranged by the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization. Made a presentation about CCMW, its objectives and goals. Distributed brochures and Conference information to more than 30 women attending the meeting. OMWO and the CCMW Ottawa chapter, Insha’Allah, will plan future collaborative efforts and events. Same evening we had the conference information announced and conference flyers were displayed at a Guyanese /Caribbean Muslim Assoc. Dinner Miscellaneous: Occasionally respond to questions by media and journalism students on topics relating to Muslim women. E.g., increased literacy statistics among Muslim women and questions relating to head cover. Some of our future projects in the planning stages: • Creating linkages with other Faith women’s group and promote harmony and peace-building • Promote literacy and awareness by establishing a book club to read and critique works by Muslim women and other Canadian writers • Continue to work towards starting a theatre group, or link with an existing group to bring out stories about the lives of first and second generations immigrants before the public.
Ottawa - 2002
June 7: Appeared before the Standing Committee on Health. Presented a briefing on Muslim women's perspective on Assisted Human Reproduction. January 14: We participated at a multi faith gathering at the Diocesan Church highlighting the faith of Islam. This was organised by Women of Peace, a group within the Church. Prominent Muslim speakers from the community were invited to speak. February 3: Women's Health Project held a meeting. WHP is an Ottawa-based women's group that we have been involved with since the early nineties. We have done two projects with them: one on Bosnia and one on Somalia. This involves raising awareness of issues in the conflict and the impact of war on women, and raising funds for women victims of rape and other atrocities of war. This year, the women agreed to work with the Ottawa Chapter on the Kashmir Project. We also contacted "South Asia Partnership, Canada". They will collaborate with us on this project. February 27: Humera represented CCMW at the Eid dinner organized by the Assoc. of Progressive Muslims of Ontario on Parliament Hill March 2: Attended a rally and Human Rights March and Women's Fair at City Hall March 6: The newly established Ottawa Muslim Women's Organisation is led by Nazira Tareen, who has been very active in the Muslim community for over 30 years. A beautiful multi-faith event and dinner was held. Prayers were offered by all invited spiritual leaders. March 14: The Guyana Caribbean Muslim Association presented an event at Parliament Hill entitled, "Women in Islam: Beyond the Images - An evening of discussion and reflection on the role of Muslim women in society." Fauzya Talib of the Ottawa chapter was one of the organisers together with Ms. Nazreen Ali, the President of the Guyana Caribbean Muslim Association. The panel of speakers were Dr. Leila Ahmed, Dr. Riffat Hassan, Dr. Tyseer Aboulnasr, Dr. Heshmat Mousavi and Ms. Amina Sherazee. Dr. Sallama Shaker, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt was the Panel Moderator. March 26: Farhat Rehman representing CCMW and Dr. Anu Bose of NOIVMWC were interviewed on Rogers Cable on "Cross Cultures". This is a local, weekly TV program designed to raise awareness about immigrant and minority issues. Several questions regarding issues facing Muslim Women were asked and hopefully answered without raising the ire of too many viewers. April 6: Attended an interesting Community Forum organised by Urban Rural Mission, entitled, "Many faces of Racism". Ubah Hersi presented an inspiring personal account of her experiences of living as a Canadian Muslim of Somali cultural background. April 11 & 14: Attended demonstrations on the Hill to express concern for events in Palestine April 28: Organised and held the CCMW Focus group to assess the impact of Sept. 11/2001. June 13: Held the 2"d Evening of Dialogue with the women of the Kashmir Project. As there are many points of political conflict in Kashmir, the women participants have agreed to come together on social justice issues for the people of Kashmir, especially women and children. July: As Treasurer of NOIVMWC, Farhat attends regular meetings and is a member of the Project Committee of the National Visible Minority Ref. Group, of which NOIVMWC is the lead agency, and has secured a project from the Solicitor General's office. The aim of the project is to train and educate, and also be educated by the member visible minority groups in formulating government policy. August: Preparations for CCMW Conference. Completed the questionnaire. October: Presentation at the Religion Seminar for the Metropolis Workshop. The theme was, Religion and Public Policy: What's missing? October 25: Attended a Conference with NOIVMWC Executive director, Dr. Anu Bose in Kingston, Ontario. Hosted by Queen’s University, the focus was the implications of anti-terrorist legislation on charitable organizations. Dr. Bose presented a paper from a Vis Min perspective. November: Some University students, as part of their project on Muslim Women, interviewed and videographed Chapter members. November 27: All day meeting – NOIVMWC Farhat Rehman is CCMW’s representative on the Board of NOIVMWC as the treasurer and sits on the Project Steering committee for the SIDPD project. December 15: Guyana Caribbean Muslim Association Dinner was held in Ottawa. Fauzya Talib, CCMW member is on the organization’s Board We have had four meetings of the local chapter so far. On February 7, 2000 we accepted an invitation from the Jewish Women's Group in Ottawa to come and speak with them at one of their monthly meetings. We were asked to talk about our identity as Muslim women in Canada and integration into Canadian society as immigrants. They wanted to know what our issues are and the social challenges faced by Muslim women and Muslim parents. The host Jewish women asked us questions about the portrayal of Muslim women in the media. Was it true, they asked, that there was some verses in the Qur'an that specifically state that Muslims should hate Jews because they are bad. We assured them that was not true. Also, there was a lot in common between the two religions and that God clearly states that He will not judge us as Jews, Christians or Muslims but by our acts and intentions of kindness and justice. They mentioned that Judaism was also historically patriarchal. It was our first inter-faith encounter and both groups learned a lot about each other. We left with the intention of meeting again and collaborating on mutual issues.
We traveled to Montreal to participate in the follow-up meeting for Youth. Some valuable input was given by Ottawa youth. We are currently planning to hold a Hadith Seminar for women. There exists a great need for women to address issues of Health, mental health, aging nutrition, exercise and recreation. We recognize that there is a large aging population of immigrant Muslim women who do not have the support of a strong community resource to assist in addressing the issues listed above as well as related issues like menopause, empty-nest syndrome, stress and depression. We will organize a panel of experts in these fields to hold a day seminar on these issues and provide a safe space for women to openly discuss issues that are critical to their healthy and happy lives. Insha'Allah this event is planned for the month of May. We are part of the "Community Cupboard." This successful endeavour was started in Ottawa by Nancy Magued and a group of Muslim women. Needy families are referred here for clothing, food and household needs. After the plans to register are completed, a fundraiser will be held to meet the expenses and organise food basket programs. On March 10, CCMW Ottawa member spoke on CBC radio (CBO morning) as part of a panel of three women, to give an immigrant Muslim woman's views on feminism. This was a second in a series of subject for Women's Int. Week. This was an interesting but short presentation. We have been publishing and selling Reading Rights in the Ottawa area. Farhat Rehman Ottawa - Fall 1998 (September)
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