sister-hood is an award-winning digital magazine spotlighting the diverse voices of women of Muslim heritage.
While scrolling on social media this morning, I came across a speech that I was deeply moved by. It was given by the actress Glenn Close as she was awarded a Golden Globe this year. Her speech was directed to…
Strange things have happened in the history of the seven Hausa States, and most strange of these is the extent of the possessions which God gave to Aminatu, daughter of the ruler of Zazzau. She waged war in the Hausa…
Sara Elgamal’s documentary A Piece of Me follows three survivors of FGM who are campaigning against the practice. FGM is a very sensitive topic to explore. What made you decide to take on the challenge? I initially went into this…
I noticed a bird That could no longer fly He extended his wings Carefully Gracefully But they could no longer lift him up He flapped them Stretched them Did what he knew What he was accustomed to But could no…
Pa·tri·arch·y A system of society or government in which the father or eldest male is head of the family Nothing should deter me from my deen. Yet, for my whole life, I have tried to shut out the opinions of…
There are many terms, labels and adjectives used in talking about abuse. They don’t always capture the issue of the twisted, warped, dysfunctional heart that longs to return to the abuser. Physically leaving an abuser is an achievable, practical goal:…
Interview with Sofia Buncy Sofia Buncy, founder and National Coordinator of the Muslim Women in Prison Rehabilitation Project, contributes to several national steering groups. She has co-authored a new report – Sisters in Desistance – which explores the experiences of…
I am that woman whose works are good. Under my veil is kingly power. – Padishah Khatun Padishah Khatun was the sixth sovereign of the Kutlugh-Khanid dynasty of Mongols, and the ruler of Kerman. She was the first non-Mongol woman…
– bleeds i. there lives a flower. green in roots and velvety white on the ends. flower, kashmir. ii. there lives a land beyond rules. covered with mud water and used bullets. land, kashmir. iii. there lives a boy in…
Hawo Tako (also known as Xawa Taako or Hawa Osman) was a political activist who has become a symbol of Somali nationalism. Although the reality of her life is largely unknown, she is an important figure within the Somalia’s oral…
Indonesia is becoming more conservative. Being religious is seen as the ultimate way to be good; the end-goal is to attain heaven. A woman’s faith and actions are judged by the way she covers herself, or how many times she…
Love is one of the purest and most powerful of feelings. Expressing feelings in a confined Muslim society is unfamiliar, it is strange in a sense. In many families, using the words ‘I love you’ to parents/siblings can be extremely…
The title of Nadia el Fani’s documentary Laïcité Inch’allah (previously Ni Dieu, Ni Maître!) roughly translates as ‘Secularism, god willing!’ – an ironic phrase taken from an Arab Spring graffito the director spotted in Tunisia. Filmed both before and during…
I want to empty my mind of myself, As all roads do not lead back to me. Build a wall of rejection around my heart, Let my ego fall to its knees. To achieve a pure state where others…
Maryam Namazie is an Iranian-born writer and activist. She is the Spokesperson for Fitnah – Movement for Women’s Liberation, One Law for All and the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. She hosts a weekly television programme in Persian and English…
sister-hood is a digital magazine and a series of live events. We create platforms for women of Muslim heritage to speak for themselves, rather than being spoken for or spoken about. sister-hood challenges stereotypes and promotes the fearless, progressive, creative voices of women of Muslim heritage.