1.         Al Fateha.

2.        Approval of Agenda

3.         Adoption of Minutes of AGM of October 15, 2000

4.         Board Reports: President Treasurer Correspondence.

5.         Review and Actions of Conference 2002.

6.         Chapters' Reports:   

Calgary
Edmonton (missing)
Halifax
London
Montreal
Niagara Region
Ottawa
Peel/Halton
ReginaToronto
Vancouver
West Island

 7.         Elections

 8.         Other Business:        

Website
Meeting of Chapters and Kit facilitators.

 9.        Closing Du'a.

CANADIAN COUNCIL OF MUSLIM WOMEN

NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday, October 15, 2000
Blackfoot Inn, Calgary, Alberta

PRESENT:

As per attached list

 1.                     Recitation from Al Quran

                         Fateha recited by Dr. Lila Fahlman

 2.                     Approval of the Agenda

Approval of Agenda moved by Pervina Khan and seconded by Zia Afsar.

3.                     Adoption of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Held on October 31, 1999.

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 1998 were reviewed and adopted. 

Adoption of Minutes moved by Shelina Neallani, seconded by Mumtaz Ebrahim.

4.                     Board's Report 

Report on Initiatives: Chapters were presented a report on the projects that the National Board has been involved in. These included the preparation of the Conference 2000, the supervision and guidance of the work being done by the Work Group in preparing the Resource Kit, update and ongoing work on various other projects, and outreach to the community at large. 

Correspondence Highlights - Nina Karachi-Khaled presented a brief highlight of the correspondence. The correspondence file was presented to the membership and members were invited to review the same. 

Board Report - A short summary of the Board's work in the past year was presented. We need to outreach to the larger communities. A list of CCMW publications was presented and copies of books are available for sale.  The resource kit was presented in greater detail. 

Financial Report - Iman Zebian, the interim Treasurer, presented the financial report. Approval of the Treasurer's Report moved by Dr. Lila Fahlman, seconded by Zanifa Ali . 

MOTION:        BE IT RESOLVED THAT YUSUF SERPALAT BE APPOINTED AS AUDITOR. 

Moved by Angela Valli and approved unanimously. Carried. 

5.                    Review and Actions of the Conference. 

A majority of the attendees thought that the conference was very informative and was great. Some thought that there was too much information to absorb in one day but were glad they had come. Dr. Engineer was good but Dr. Laila Al Marayati was excellent. What a role model!! The Youth Video was very moving and quite an eye opener. 

Conference Reports are sent to every chapter and audio tapes available upon request. Chapters should follow-up and build on Conferences. 

6.                    The Amended By-Laws were presented to the meeting. After a discussion and clarification a motion was made: 

MOTION: BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AMENDED BY-LAWS PRESENTED BY THE BOARD BE APPROVED. 

Motion moved by Shelina Neallani and approved unanimously. Carried. 

7.                    Chapter Reports 

Each Chapter presented highlights of their Reports which will become part of the annual report. 

8.                    Chapter Action 

An exercise was presented to the Chapters by Nuzhat Jafri who facilitated this session. The Chapters were asked to get together in groups and were asked to work on their Chapter Initiates. The Chapters then outlined their commitments for the next year. 

9.                    Next Conference 

The Board's commitment to work on the Resource Kit will require their full attention and there are several initiatives that are not yet completed, it was therefore felt that to plan a conference next year would be something that could not be done properly. It was decided that the Board will not hold a conference next year, which will give the Chapters are chance to fulfill their commitments and to hold workshops and/or seminars in their local areas. 

10.                 Any Other Business 

The Board advised that Samar Zebian who was our Treasurer has moved to Middle East and Iman Zebian has been working as the interim-treasurer. The Board had also invited Humera Ibrahim to help with some projects and now wish to propose that both Iman and Humera be part of the current board. The membership was requested to approve their appointment to the Board. 

MOTION: BE IT RESOLVED THAT IMAN ZEBIAN AND HUMERA IBRAHIM BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF THE CCMW. 

Moved by Pervina Khan and approved unanimously. 

11.                  Closing Du'a 

There being no other business, closing Du'a were offered and the meeting was adjourned.
 

ATTENDEES AT THE CCMW ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - OCTOBER 15, 2000

Annual General Meeting: September 15/02, Toronto.

Board Report: Alia Hogben.

As salaamu alaikum, 

The Board, Humera Ibrahim, Razia Jaffer, Nuzhat Jafri, Nina Karachi-Khaled, Solmaz Sahin, and Iman Zebian welcome you to the conference and to our Annual General Meeting. 

We have not met since the Calgary conference in 2000, and therefore have missed an AGM in 2001. As you know, the board has been so busy with two projects, as well as the aftermath of the tragedy of September 11/0 1, and felt that the additional work of planning of a conference was beyond us. We regret that we missed a year, and hope that this conference has made up for the lack of one in 2001. 

We should be proud of the fact that CCMW has its 20th anniversary this year!

It is quite an achievement for a small, volunteer women's organization to not only have survived, but lived up to the vision created 20 years ago. It was heartening to hear from the women who started CCMW that CCMW has broadened its scope and done more than they had aspired to. Women such as Lila, Talat, Najet, Solmaz, Sajida and Fehmida dreamed a dream and we are hopefully carrying it forward. We hope that our work of today will be a strong foundation for the work of the next 20 years, inshaAllah. 

We are passionate and committed to the cause of furthering the progress of Muslim women. We want to be Canadian Muslim women, proud of which ever ethnic origins we have, but focusing on our commonality of being Canadian and being Muslim. We want to be mature about looking at ourselves critically and not being defensive or closed to new ideas, so that we learn and gain and find our own strong clear voice. 

We believe that we have provided a voice for Muslim women which emphasizes alternatives within Islam; that we have demonstrated that Islam is a woman positive faith and that we have assisted with the integration and participation of Muslim women. We have done this through the conferences, the newsletters, the networking; initiating of projects, holding regional meetings, and our publications. However, there is so much more that can be done, especially at the local level and one of our strategic plan goals will be about how we can support the chapters. 

I wish we had more women and men in our communities who would see the desperate need for changes within the framework of Islam, esp. for women. If half the population, which is women, joined forces then change would occur in a very short time! The values of CCMW only reflect the values of Islam, that is, they are pro woman, inclusive, diverse, respectful of differences, and searching for knowledge so that Islam remains vibrant and relevant to all of us. 

This conference of 2002, will result in a Strategic Plan for three years and we will of course try to arrange regional meetings so that the chapters and the board work together 40 on how to implement the objectives. 

We have maintained contact with chapters via the minutes of the board meetings; by 40 requesting your news for the newsletters and by the focus groups held for the project 40 VOICES OF MUSLIM WOMEN. But none of these are as good as a face to face meeting!

The work of the board in 2000-2001, focused on the Resource Kit; the Voices Project; 40 and the ongoing work of networking, responding to the media; collaborating with McGill do regarding the book project; organizing the attendance at the World Conference Against 40 Racism in S Africa. As you know, we were able to send the Work Group members to the 40 conference where they presented a Workshop with the Kit. Very exciting for us!

Other work has involved our participation in the Campaign against Child Poverty; the M article in the Homemaker's magazine on CCMW; and the flood of media inquiries do regarding the tragedy of September 11/01 in the States. 

The tragedy has affected a lot of people and sadly it has long term repercussions for us 40 Muslims, and we are concerned about the rise in racism and discrimination. The 40 government's new laws only increase our fears and anxieties.

CCMW is represented on an Advisory Committee to the Secretary of State for am Multiculturalism, but we are unsure as to whether this will allow us to influence changes.

CCMW has been featured in an article in the U.S journal MUSLIM WORLD, May 2002.

Thank you,

Alia Hogben.

Calgary Chapter Report 2002

 With the new younger women who have joined we are hoping to have some activities and small workshops or events in the up coming year ahead.

 We were involved with the production of the brochure Violence Against Women in collaboration with the Calgary Police Department and hope to be involved with their organization called Middle East Police Advisory Committee.

We also are networking with the organization Women for Women Afghanistan and had the great honor of meeting with Dr. Sima Samar who was appointed Minister of Women's Affair in the cabinet for Afghanistan.

Dr. Sima Samar was here touring Canada and giving lectures on her work for humanitarian aid, during which time we managed to host a forum and fund raising event. We were extremely happy with the amount of $16,000.00 raised towards her cause.

We are looking forward to working with our new young members who will be willing to devote the time and energy to move forward and bring forth their knowledge and reach out to the younger generation. We would like to see more members and have the Calgary Chapter grow.

Report from Halifax Nova Scotia

September 12, 2002

Muslim women in Halifax are individually as well as in small groups regularly involved in various community oriented activities.

They are operating a Nova Scotia School Board approved elementary Islamic school besides weekend two hours classes for those children who are in general public school systems.

A number of women get together on weekly basis to share Islamic knowledge with one another.

Some women regularly participate in providing food for Sunday suppers for the homeless at a church in Halifax.

As CCMW joined hands with other organizations to hold awareness workshops across Canada about the effects of September 11th on Muslim women, Samira Hussain, on behalf of CCMW National, came to Halifax and conducted the workshop about the negative and positive effects of September 11th calamity. Samira has completed her report on these workshops and we hope it will help erase prejudices and general misunderstandings about Islam and make the world a better place to live.

CCMW - London Chapter
Report for 2000 - 2002

Emergency Fund for Muslim Women : We have maintained this fund over the past years and are always ready to lend support to families in cases of emergency.

Links with Service Organizations : We have acquired membership of several organizations dedicated to the service of all women and their families in the community. These groups include :­

The Canadian Cancer Society, London InterCommunity Health Centre, Community Organization for Race Relations, Cross Cultural Learner Centre, Madame Vanier Children's Centre, Women's Community House, Shelter & Second Stage who provide safe places for abused women and their children, and Assaulted Women's Helpline. We obtain and distribute contact information, brochures, posters, and client cards.

Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario (ICSWO) : As active members of ICSWO we participated fully in various activities designed to provide education, information and services for our community and to promote peaceful and friendly relations among all faith groups in London and surrounding areas.

We assisted in programs to explain the values of Islam to the London and Area Council of Women, several church groups including the United Way, Trinity United Church, Young Women and Men Association (YW/MCA) and Fanshawe (Interfaith) Students.

We were included in the Remembrance Day Commemoration at the London Cenotaph and participated in the Peaceful Walk and Candlelight Vigil regarding desired Palestine/Israel relations and at Red Cross blood donor clinics in London.

Sister Organizations : We co-operated enthusiastically with the Londoners for Afganistan's Women (LAW) Organization, London Antihate & Antibias Committee, London and Area Council of Women, Ontario Breast Screening Board and We Want to Help Campaign for Afganistan's women and children.

Public Service Commission of Canada : We are in contact with the staffing and Recruitment Branch and receive job postings for the information of members of our community.

Foreign Relations : We have introduced our chapter to the leading women's organization in Trinidad and Tobago and hope to develop a meaningful relationship for our mutual benefit in the future.

MONTREAL AND WEST ISLAND CHAPTERS REPORT  2001 – 2002 

This year, our chapter has been busy and by and large, quite successful. To date, we have held 8 regular meetings. Many of our members have been active in both Muslim and mainstream communities. Our activities focused on women and women's issues, but were certainly not limited to only women. Individual members have organized activities out of their own initiative that allowed them to best use their strengths. 

Our efforts to liaison with other groups in Montreal have increased. We offer organizational help and support to other Muslim and non-Muslim groups. The youth have been active this year: during the summer, they organized a drive to collect clothing and non-perishable foods for the needy, with the guidance of one of our more experienced members. The community response was overwhelming. Most of the items have already been distributed but the remainder is being stored in a warehouse, offered by "Helping Hands", a local community organization. 

Our regular activities have continued and are strong. This year, we delivered 75 Ramadan baskets to needy families during the Holy month. 

Telephone inquiries have been received from France, by Muslim women seeking assistance and advice, regarding possible immigration to Canada. They were directed to the appropriate Government offices.

A letter writing campaign, both in English and in French was held to protest the occupation of Palestine and withdrawal of Israeli troops. This very successful activity (over 250 letters were mailed out by post to various Govt. offices) also led to the organization of Women's March in Downtown Montreal. The preparation and the mobilization was done entirely by a Women's Committee and the interaction and help given by the male members of the various organizations was tremendous. Apart from the Muslim organizations mentioned above, the input and active participation by the General Union of Palestinian Canadian Women, Women Against Occupation, Canadian Palestinian Foundation, Medical Aid to Palestine and SPHAR made this event a success.

Our interfaith meetings with Jewish ladies have been a success. On their request to observe our prayers, a visit to the Mosque was arranged in co-ordination with the Imam. We were also invited to the Synagogue to observe their service, then we had a 'Joint Service' with them at the Synagogue.

Another member facilitated a Basic Computer Skills workshop that introduced those members who are not familiar to the world of computers. It was a dynamic workshop, appreciated by all those who attended. 

Although the annual 'Blood Drive' was not held this year, two of our members are on the Board of Hema Quebec Volunteer's Association. This year, the importance of donating blood has been made evident as a member of the community recently lost her son to leukemia. Due to this incident quite a few members enlisted for bone marrow registry. 

On a continuous basis, members have been volunteering their time by giving emotional and physical support to women who need it. 

The annual conference 2002 of Islamic Social Services was held in Montreal. This provided an excellent platform to discuss issues of the urgent need for social services within the community. It was the first time that Montreal Muslim Community had the opportunity of discussing problems at a public forum. 

Al-Hidaya, an organization which has purchased a building in the North of Montreal for a Community Center, has been in touch with CCMW chapter to ask for guidance and help in forming a women's branch and setting up a day care. 

Future Activities 

Our current project is our chapter's participation in the Canada Day parade in Montreal.

Another initiative that we are actively pursuing is the creation of a fitness centre for women. We have offered our assistance to the Women's Vitality Association who are enthusiastically trying to structure a project that would allow women to have a variety of services offered to them under one roof, such as swimming, gymnasium, fashion boutique, beauty salon and a cafe etc.

CCMW NIAGARA CHAPTER

2000-2002

In the past two years, our chapter has accomplished a great deal.

Ongoing projects include our "After Jum'a Lunch" program, and Community Care. Our lunch program has reached its ninth year of success.

Under the direction of Sisters Angela Valli and Sharifa Al-Harazi, the "Women to women kits" drive has been established to meet the needs of incoming refugee women. The kits consist of shampoo, deodorant, soap, sanitary napkins, body lotion, etc.

We also participated in a toy drive to donate toys to refugee children in the area during Eid ul Adha.

Afler September 11th, we attended a peace vigil in Niagara Falls. We also participated in the workshop, "Voices of Canadian Women" that was conducted by Samira Hussein on behalf of the CCMW National.

We also held an interfaith social evening to which we invited women from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. Sister Lisa Aboaen spoke to the group about the role of women in Islam.

OTTAWA CHAPTER REPORT 2002

 June 7: Appeared before the Standing Committee on Health. Presented a briefing on Muslim women's perspective on Assisted Human Reproduction.

 October: Presentation at the Religion Seminar for the Metropolis Workshop. The theme was, Religion and Public Policy: What's missing?

November: Some University students, as part of their project on Muslim Women, interviewed and videographed Chapter members.

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.                                                                                                                           V

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 and 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.

Peel/Halton Chapter Annual Report 2002

Nuzhat Haider provided training and group counselling to the Pakistani Womens' Support Group headed by Zakia Khan. Nuzhat is the President of our Chapter. She is a clinical psychologist working in social services and has a private practice.

Mrs. Sayeeda Husain continued to visit the sick at the Credit Valley Hospital.

Media relations efforts: Mrs. Anwari Alikhan writes and actively communicates with The Toronto Star to comment on coverage of Islam and Muslims.

Interfaith dialogue. Atiya Ahsan has had the opportunity to do a lot of inter­faith dialogue and education, especially after Sep. 11, 2001. She spoke to three church groups, three groups of high school students in the Catholic school boards. She also made presentations at an inter-faith education day held at the Holy Blossom Temple.

Very recently, we have started contacting the constituency offices of local members of Parliament.

Regina Chapter 2002

• Samira Hussain held a focus group on the effects of Sept. 11th on Muslim women.

• Work with Muslims for peace and justice - we work jointly with this newly formed organization after the Sept. 11th incident. 

• Our limitation of work- Unfortunately the Islamic center and mosque of Regina has been taken over by people who do not understand Islam as we do.

•  Future plan depends on out come of our meeting here and if another group of Muslim is formed in Regina.

• Presentation on Women in Islam: Luther College - University of Regina By: Samna Ahmed

After September 11th, I was asked by CBC to write a dairy about what my experience as a Muslim woman were like during after the attack.

The dairies are still available in the CBC archives on the internet.

I was asked to speak about the rights of Muslim women at various churches, schools, government organizations and the Islamic classes at the University of Regina.

CBC radio asked me to speak about a feature film I have written about Muslims during their September 11th radio program.

CBC asked me to write an anniversary piece about how my life changed one year after the attack.

As a member of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW). I have been involved in the following activities on behalf of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women:

Volunteer teacher with Regina Open Door Society, a semi-government organization that looks after the needs of the refugees and new immigrants. I teach spoken English mainly to selected senior citizens who come to Canada and to Regina on one to one basis.  At times I have been requested by the Open Door Society to teach English as a spoken language to those seniors who have been in Canada for more than two years. 

I, at times, also volunteer, as a host, in providing assistance to new immigrants and refugees. 

I have made arrangements with Open Door Society to inform us (CCMW) of newly arrived Muslim immigrants or refugees so that we can inform them about The Regina Mosque, about Islamic Association, and to meet other Muslim brothers and sisters. I have requested Open Door Society to approach other Muslim families to be hosts to the newly arrived Muslims, mainly refugees.

When Regina Lioness Club folded in 1998, I became a member of the Lions Club of Regina. I am involved with volunteer services such as assisting at the White Cane Club functions, raising funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) At Christmas time, with members of the Lions Club, I visit blind people, and senior citizens, residing in Nursing Homes and distribute cash or gifts to them. The Regina Lions Club provides funding for such services. However I identify myself as a member of CCMW as well as a member of the Lions Club and thus I endeavor to familiarize people with Muslim women's volunteer services.

As a member of the Lions Club I have been instrumental, with my husband, in fund raising for Canada Cancer Society, Canada Diabetes Association, Regina Multiple Sclerosis, Canadian Kidney Foundation, Saskatchewan Lung Association, Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, CNIB and Salvation Army.

In the past, I participated in the discussion of Regina School Board relating to teaching religious studies in Regina Schools. As a member of the CCMW, I very actively participated in these discussions and brought about better understanding of Islam and its teachings, as well as Muslim culture, to the non-Muslims present.

I have on several occasions delivered talks on Islam and the role of women in Islam to Christian women and children, to scout masters and to girl guides.

After September 11, 2001,1 have been actively involved in giving talks on Islam to church groups, to Saskatchewan Geriatrics Society, to Moose Jaw Health Region (Nurses and other health care professionals), to student teachers at the University of Regina and to Nursing Students at the Regina Hospital.

Annual Report -Toronto Chapter

 One of our executive members has been extensively involved this year in the preparation of CCMW's resource kit, In My Own Skin. Despite that she has also managed to do a great deal of networking.

 Interfaith work has been ongoing this year:

Ø      with Scarborough Missions (a multi-faith prayer service ), with Women's Interfaith Dialogue (meets every 6 weeks),

Ø      with the National Christian Liaison Committee

Ø      with St. Nicholas Anglican Church

Ø      with the United Church ( consultation on a discussion paper to be used

across the country and an upcoming United Church prayer session.

 We were honoured to be guests at the welcoming ceremony in Toronto for the Pope and the Reception held afterwards by the Mayor of Toronto.

Presentations continue to happen in a variety of forms such as:

Ø      presenting at the R.I.S.E. conference for the York Region School Board -April

Ø      presenting to a women's group at Emanuel College at U. of T. during Ramadan about the role of women in Islam - December

Ø      presenting at a high school on March 21st -the Day For The Elimination of Racism

VANCOUVER CHAPTER REPORT 2002

 In the past two years, Vancouver Chapter has seen an increased interest in our membership.

In the past two years, we have actively assisted the National Board in organizing and coordinating focus groups for CCMW's projects.

Last fall, Vancouver Chapter assisted in recruiting youth for a workshop called "In My Own Skin".

Vancouver Chapter coordinated a focus group for the community research project  "Voices of Muslim Women".

The issue of a hate article written in a local newspaper was brought forth in the meeting. A chapter member and her husband wrote an open letter to the author of the article, as well as to the Mosque where the paper was distributed condemning the hate language used in the article. The letter was posted on a list serve and people and organizations were invited to sign it. There was a polite but unapologetic response to the letter.