Storytelling
When our founding sisters gathered to discuss representation, civic engagement, and community involvement of Muslim women, one of the themes to emerge was the problematic narrative surrounding our identities. The dominant narrative about Muslim women depicts us either as victims of oppression or as villains and terrorists — demonstrating the gendered Islamophobia that gives our diverse sisterhood a single story. We began to ask the question: how can I be what I cannot see? If I am not exposed to empowered imagery of people who share my identities, why would I believe that I belong in a position of power?
By curating and amplifying powerful stories of Muslim women as agents of change, Reviving Sisterhood is reclaiming our narrative.
Our storytelling program challenges one-dimensional and stereotypical portrayals, offering alternative perspectives about who Muslim women are. In addition to creating significant change in the public perception of Muslim women, our mosaic of stories inspires our sisters to step up in their communities. In order to continue building a movement of Muslim women, courageously taking on gendered Islamophobia, we need narrative change. It is only through the shift from stories of Muslim women as victims to Muslim women as changemakers, trailblazers, and Sheroes that our movement will triumph.
Sheroes Project
In 2016, Reviving Sisterhood kicked off our Muslim Sheroes of Minnesota series — a storytelling project to amplify girls and women in our community who aren't waiting for permission to change the world. The project includes a series of video shorts, a collection of stories, and a podcast/radio show, as well as a set of illustrations. Each story features a Shero — a female trailblazer who is creating change in her community. She takes risks, she challenges misconceptions and addresses injustices. Sheroes are on a mission to build a better world, and the Sisterhood is here to support them and uplift their voices.
Expressions Blog
The Expressions Narrative Project is a platform dedicated to the voices and perspectives of Muslim women, from activists and artists to professors and political representatives. This blog showcases personal narratives expressing Muslim women's thoughts, opinions, and lived experiences.
Connections Radio
In 2018-2021, the Sisterhood joined Laurie Beth Fitz, the Executive Producer and on-air host of Connections on AM950Radio, in a series of shows to amplify the voice and power of Muslim women.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.