Muslim women are among the most fetishised and objectified groups in society today. Much is assumed and imagined about their lives, and it is all too easy to succumb to orientalist myths.
For too long, Muslim women have been reduced to two-dimensional stereotypes: empowered heroines rejecting patriarchal religious teachings, or victims of a misogyny believed to run deep within Islam.
But why is this neatly packaged view so pervasive? Are oppression and subjugation actually so central to Muslim women’s lives? How is this misogyny influenced by white supremacy and Islamophobia? And where do the biggest threats to Muslim women’s freedom and safety really come from?
In the next in our series of private, invite-only events for journalists, creatives and all those working in arts, media and culture, the writer Samia Rahman sits down with Shahed Ezaydi to discuss her new book.
This wide-ranging conversation will explore the relationship between misogyny and Muslim women’s experiences in Britain today, untangling complex issues such as Muslim feminism, white feminism, toxic masculinity, marriage and sexuality.
Space is limited and we fully expect this event to be oversubscribed. Plus-ones are welcome.
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The Global South Club is an invite-only dinner and discussion club. The evening is a chance for journalists from South Asian, Arab, African, Black and other Global South backgrounds, as well as friends, colleagues and supporters, to come together, network and share their experiences. The event is fully catered and there is no entry charge.
We will be joined by journalists from ITV News, The Guardian, the New York Times, the BBC, The Times, Al Jazeera, the Washington Post and other publications and outlets.
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Samia Rahman is a writer, scholar and journalist, whose research focuses on Muslim women, patriarchy and structures of power. Her book Muslim Women and Misogyny: Myths and Misunderstandings, is published by Hurst Publishers.
Shahed Ezaydi is a writer and editor whose debut book The Othered Woman: How White Feminism Harms Muslim Women, comes out soon. Based on extensive interviews, both women’s bold new books offer a powerful, much-needed response to the misappropriation of female voices, revealing the many faces of Muslim womanhood within the UK.
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Timing
The event starts at 7pm. From 7.15pm there will be a short panel discussion, followed by networking. The evening will close at 9pm. (The menu will be served at 8pm.)
Venue
We have booked out the whole of Preem Restaurant in Brick Lane, a beautifully decorated, award-winning restaurant serving Indian and South Asian food. We have a set menu arranged of starters, dinner with vegetarian options, and tea and coffee at the end. As this event is by invitation only, there is no charge.
Preem Restaurant is at 120-122 Brick Lane, London E1 6RL. Nearest transport links are Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High Street and Aldgate East.
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This event is being held off-the-record.
