The Muslim Women’s Civic Empowerment Program continued its cohort in the Bronx with a healthy relationship workshop introducing women to the elements of a healthy relationship, traits of an unhealthy relationship and red and green signs to look out for in an intimate partner relationship. Additionally, these women learned about the different types of abuse and resources available for survivors in the community and around the city. The women were really vulnerable and thanked MCN for giving them the space to voice their emotions and feelings about sexual and emotional intimacy. The topic of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) came up, and we discussed the negative effects of such a practice and why mothers need to protect their daughters to avoid this intergenerational harm and trauma.

The Muslim Women’s Civic Empowerment Program continued its cohort in the Bronx with an Introduction to Financial Literacy & Project Management workshop. Women learned the basics of wealth, money and income. They also learned the difference between usury (riba) and interest as they navigate the financial world. Women also learned how to save and the importance of spending according to their means and staying away from debt. The other half of the workshop explored their community project: "Hair Braiding" and how to divide tasks, support one another and work together as a team to accomplish this project. The women were grateful to be given roles that they will each play and contribute towards the bigger task. Team work indeed makes the dream work. These ladies were beaming with joy:)

Thank you to Hunter College MSA for welcoming MCN in hosting a Mental and Physical Fitness Workshop! Women were able to learn the different ways to take care of their mental health while also focusing on working out for their bodies no matter how much space they may have.

The Muslim Women’s Civic Empowerment Program continued its cohort in the Bronx with an Intro to Civic Engagement, Democracy and Voting workshop. Women learned the importance of voting, getting and staying engaged in their communities and impacting their neighborhoods through community organizing. Five (5) of the women registered to vote on the spot and all the women voted for the "People's Money" and listed their 5 top initiatives for the Bronx. This was one of the best sessions. The women were sharing life experiences together and realizing how important their voices and votes are:). They were especially grateful to MCN for such an amazing opportunity!!!
                                                          

The Muslim Women’s Civic Empowerment Program continued its cohort in the Bronx with a self defense skills training and a Hate Crime Prevention workshop. Women learned different moves and self defense skills to protect themselves in this climate of hate and Islamophobia. They also learned about the different bias and hate crime incidents and the authorities to report them to. They were elated to know that they have a voice and can stand up or record a hate crime incident as bystanders. It is beautiful to see these women getting empowered each week with new skills:)

Muslim Community Network partnered with Young Muslims from Kensington on hosting a healthy relationships workshop focusing on healing from inner wounds in order to show up your best for the relationships in your life. Thank you to YM for welcoming MCN and for allowing us to connect with the women in your community! 

MCN partnered with Sauti Yetu to facilitate an eye opening and sensitive session on childhood sexual abuse in our Muslim immigrant communities. Some women shared intimate stories of being victims of different forms of childhood sexual assault. Women learned ways to report and stay protected from pepertrators and how to properly respond to victims sharing their experiences.

The Muslim Women’s Civic Empowerment Program continued its cohort in the Bronx with a know your rights workshop, introducing women to the different types of law enforcement agencies (ICE, NYPD, National Guard, etc.) and government enforcement agencies (USCIS, DHS, Immigration court, etc.) The women were intrigued to learn that they have a right to an attorney, right to not speak to ICE agents, right to not consent to a search. They were also excited to learn about having an emergency plan in case of the unexpected to have someone take care of their children.
                                                                                                    

MCN staff Mariam was invited as guest speaker to the Eid celebration of African Students Association (ASA) at BCC. The event highlighted unity, togetherness and collaboration between muslims from different African countries who are all seeking to make their lives better on campus, outside and around the globe. Mariam reminded students of the etiquettes of a muslim wherever they are and the value of representing our faith in all aspects of our lives and stay true to who we are as custodians of the earth and peacemakers.

MCN partnered with CHASE on delivering a workshop to St. Francis students on saving and budgeting in hopes to gain financial skills while still young. Personalized activities were given where participants got to make a list of why they want to save and what drives them to grow their wealth!

MCN closed out Ramadan with the final distribution of our self-funded Iftar To-Go program at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in Manhattan. Throughout the month, hundreds of New Yorkers were able to break their fast with a warm meal, and on this final evening the sense of gratitude and community was palpable. Volunteers, families, and neighbors came together to share in the spirit of Ramadan, reminding us that even small acts of care can nourish both body and soul.