Last year we were introduced to Muslim women from around the world that broke boundaries in their respective fields, fought for justice and challenged stereotypes about Hijabis.
Here's a list of some of these incredible women that shaped 2021:
Mona Al-Kurd
The Palestinian activist, Mona Al-Kurd, became an icon of the struggle in Palestine against the practices of the Israeli occupation after they arrested her from her home in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood. With her brother Muhammed, they used social media to bring attention, sympathy and support to Palestinians. They were listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Persons of the Year in 2021.
Rawdah Mohamed
Rawdah Mohamed is a Somali-Norwegian model, blogger and activist. She is a prominent advocate for Muslim women's rights. She launched the #handsoffmyhijab campaign last year and was named the new editor of Vogue Scandinavia.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri
Sarah is the United Arab Emirate’s first Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and the chairperson of the country's space agency. She is one of the youngest ministers worldwide and is also the youngest to lead a space agency.
Halima Aden
Halima Aden was the world's first hijab-wearing model. She left the fashion industry as she saw in the industry a conflict with her religion.
But after 10 months she came back to the industry on her own terms. She became the Global Brand Ambassador for Modanisa, one of the largest modest fashion brands in the world saying that the brand shares her faith and values.
Abtaha Maqsood
Abtaha is a Scottish cricketer. She plays for Birmingham Phoenix and the Scotland national team. Maqsood was hailed on social media for setting an example for other Muslim women who want to take up the sport as their profession.
Jameelat Bakare
Jameelat was picked in one of the most coveted opportunities for beauty bloggers. She became part of the Sephora Squad which is a yearlong, paid partnership with Sephora.
“Black Muslim women have taken many strides in being a part of the beauty community and I’m grateful, Alhamdullilah, to be among those who get to represent us,” said Bakare.
