CCMW Launches Groundbreaking Report Exploring Canadian Muslim Women from an Intersectional Perspective

Written by Canadian Council of Muslim Women

Published in News

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is pleased to announce the launch today of a groundbreaking research report investigating the experiences and outcomes of diverse groups of Canadian Muslim women.

Titled Voices that Matter, the historic report is the result of an unprecedented intersectional study of Canadian Muslim women. The project is unique in its focus on women whose voices and realities are seldom heard or reflected in the work of other Muslim or mainstream organizations in Canada.

Voices that Matter applies an intersectional approach to explore the socioeconomic and demographic lived realities of Canadian Muslim women who are refugees, newcomers, Black, single mothers, queer, or women with diverse abilities. Research and literature on Canada's Muslim women has traditionally viewed these women as a homogeneous community without taking into account the myriad differences in the various subgroups. Voices that Matter offers a much-needed intersectional overview of the specific experiences and challenges of these different groups. The project is designed to uncover the unique barriers and facilitators to positive socioeconomic and health outcomes among these groups.

Spearheaded by CCMW’s Research Consultant Dr. Sarah Shah, the study analyzed disaggregated samples of Canadian Muslim women by their ethnic identity, immigrant status, socioeconomic status, geography, sexual orientation, and ability. The mixed methods research project drew on nationally representative quantitative data from the 2011 National Household Survey, as well as a series of focus group and individual interviews with members of the target groups. Research questions emerged from a review of literature and CCMW’s past research projects, as well as through feedback from consultations with CCMW board members and leadership.

The results of the study reveal significant inequities in the sociodemographic and socioeconomic outcomes of Canadian Muslim women when compared to the outcomes of non-Muslim women. In addition, the study identified varying levels of disparities within different groups of Canadian Muslim women. This information can serve as a valuable resource on Canadian Muslim women for policymakers, community organizations, religious institutions, and decision-making bodies.

Voices that Matter’s in-depth intersectional examination of the specific experiences of Canadian Muslim women at the margins is unique and path-breaking. Viewing various subgroups within the Canadian Muslim women community through an intersectional lens can help facilitate much-needed inclusivity in policy making and service provision for these women.

Highlighting the importance of this inclusive approach, Dr. Shah said: “When you’re making policies, if you don't have a variety of voices at the table, you’re going to end up with policies that work better for one group than the others. Inclusivity and the consultation of a variety of voices in this study allows for a more holistic understanding of Canada’s Muslim women. By taking an intersectional approach we are able to critically, intentionally, and mindfully centre the unique experiences of Canadian Muslim women and then identify solutions to address gaps in service provisions, with the understanding that these gaps need to be addressed at multiple levels.”

Insights from the report will help CCMW apply an intersectional approach to its future projects in order to better address the unique needs of diverse groups of Canadian Muslim women. The study is part of CCMW's Strengthening Capacity project, which was launched in 2019 to improve CCMW's long-term sustainability and strengthen the capacity of the organization's national board and chapters to achieve equality for Muslim women and girls in all spheres of their lives.

Speaking about the report, CCMW’s Executive Director Nuzhat Jafri said: ‘’Adapting our projects to better meet the specific needs of the diverse groups that we serve is one of our top priorities here at CCMW. We are delighted that the findings of this unique and much-needed study will help us achieve this. These are the voices that really matter to us and we are committed to incorporating them in our planning and decision-making. We would like to thank Dr. Sarah for all her work on the project, and the Federal Department of Women and Gender Equality whose financial support has made the report possible."

The results of this study will be published by CCMW in academic literature and will also be collected into a series of working reports to be presented by CCMW in policy forums. The results may also be shared by CCMW with relevant partners in academia, health care and social service institutions, community agencies, and government departments.

The research report was made possible through financial support from the Federal Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).

For technical questions on the research findings:

Dr. Sarah Shah, PhD, Principal Investigator

Research Consultant, Canadian Council for Muslim Women

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr. Sarah Shah joined CCMW on January 22nd, 2022 to present her insightful and groundbreaking research from the Voices That Matter report.

You can watch a recording of this presentation below:

Canadian Council of Muslim Women

The story of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across the country congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by the late founder of CCMW, Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society.

This inaugural meeting led to the establishment of CCMW, a not-for-profit organization that works to provide equity, equality and empowerment for all Canadian Muslim women. For the past 30 years, its proud and accomplished roster of members have achieved and continue to achieve great milestones for Muslim women and Canada’s multicultural landscape. As a highly diverse organization, CCMW is firmly committed to the overarching vision of improving the status of Muslim women to remain true to their Islamic heritage and Canadian identity.