11 Muslim women and girls honored for community work

TORONTO – Eleven women and girls from the community of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto were recently honoured by the government of Ontario. A ceremony was held in honour of these exceptional ladies at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. The Leading Women/Girls, Building Communities Recognition Award was awarded to women and girls for their extraordinary volunteer community work, leadership and contribution towards improving the lives of women and girls in Ontario.

The recipients of The Leading Women, Building Communities award,  Jameela Rasool, Faria Bari, Azba Hathiyani, and Nadia Warsi, are the leaders and role models of the community. It is due to their dedication and diligence that the community has flourished so much. Mrs. Rasool, has life long association with Islamic Foundation of Toronto and School, she is an eminent member of the community who has always been at the forefront of the growth and the success of young generation from all backgrounds. Ms. Bari, on the other hand, has led the community and  its women through many programs and events. 

Ms. Hathiyani, a former graduate of the Islamic Foundation School has headed many organizations and committees and currently studies in the University of Toronto. Ms. Warsi, also an alumnus of the Islamic Foundation School, now studies at York University. She has volunteered for various organizations, and serves as an executive and on the board of many community organizations and committees. 

The recipients of the leading girls, building communities award were Afifa Saleem, Haania Warsi, Hiba Ahmed, Huma Alam, Kosan Shafaque, Nida Shamsi, and Salihah Khadim. All high school students at the Islamic Foundation School, these are the leading young ladies of the school. They were honoured for their leadership skills and community involvement. Among other achievements, these girls have provided their services by tutoring, fundraising for health groups, leading support groups for their peers, writing articles on current and eminent issues, serving as members on the student council, and volunteering for diverse causes. These girls embody the phrase "Leaders of Tomorrow", and have a lot of potential for the years to come to serve the province of Ontario and Canada, best province and country in the World. 

Among the guests were the Hon. Margaret Best, Minister of Health Promotion and Sports, Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture and Mr. Bas  Balkissoon MPP – Scarborough- Rouge River. Also in attendance was the President of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Mr. Javaid Ali Khan, Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Sheikh Yusuf Badat, Principal of the Islamic Foundation School, Mr. Yahya Qureshi. All of them gave applauded the award recipients. A clear message that resonated  from the speakers revolved around the involvement of women in Canadian society, particularly Muslim women. Also in attendance were many community and youth leaders.