Feeling safe entails more than the absence of danger. It extends into knowing you belong, that your voice matters, and that you can move through the world without fear. For many Muslim women, especially Black Muslim women, safety has never been guaranteed. Instead, they navigate a world where discrimination, racism, and Islamophobia shape their daily lives.
In February 2021, Sisters Dialogue was born out of this reality. A series of Islamophobic attacks in Edmonton made it clear that a safe space was needed. A place where Muslim women could come together, support each other, and stand against discrimination.
What Safety Means
Safety looks different for everyone. For Sisters Dialogue, it is physical security, feeling respected, valued, and free to express who you are without fear. This is why everything we do is built around listening and care. Our events are judgment-free spaces where women feel seen and supported. We offer childminding, prayer spaces, and free refreshments to make sure everyone feels welcome. More importantly, we create spaces for healing, whether through storytelling, art, or group discussions.
Removing Obstacles
Muslim women face many challenges, ranging from racism and Islamophobia to gender discrimination. These barriers make it difficult to find jobs, access healthcare, or feel safe in public spaces. Sisters Dialogue works to remove these obstacles by empowering Muslim women both in the community and at the policy level.
One of our main goals is to increase exposure of Sisters Dialogue. Without real data, the struggles of Black Muslim women remain invisible, making it harder for meaningful change to take place. By shedding light on these issues, we can help the community understand and address them more effectively.
We also create programs like healing circles and Black History Month events, where they can share experiences and support each other in ways that feel safe and familiar.
Change Starts in the Community
When larger institutions fail to meet the needs of Muslim women, Sisters Dialogue steps in. One example is the Edmonton SafeWalk program, which we launched in 2021. After the attacks on Muslim women, many felt unsafe walking in their own neighbourhoods. SafeWalk paired them with a buddy to walk with, helping them regain a sense of security. It was a simple idea that made a big difference. It showed that real change happens when communities come together.
Working With Allies
Real change requires collaboration. That’s why we work with Indigenous groups, community leaders, and other organizations to build stronger connections. We organize events like Community Healing Circles and anti-oppression workshops. Our goal is not just to teach but to create real relationships where different communities can support each other in meaningful ways.
Allies play an important role in this work. We encourage allies to go beyond just offering support and instead take real action, whether that means challenging harmful narratives, standing up against discrimination, or amplifying Muslim women’s voices.
A Space of Our Own
The opening of Amanah, our physical location, was a huge step forward. Amanah means trust and responsibility, and that is exactly what this space represents. Muslim women can gather, connect, and access needed resources without fear of judgment.
With a dedicated space, we have expanded our work, offering in-person workshops, support groups for mothers, and one-on-one counselling. Since opening, more women have reached out, showing how much they needed a space like this.
Striving to Changing Public Perceptions
One of the biggest challenges in fighting discrimination is changing the narrative about Muslim women. Sisters Dialogue focuses on education and advocacy to make sure the voices of Muslim women are heard. We run workshops on racism and family violence, helping communities understand these issues deeply.
Our “Muslim Women Tell It As It Is” campaign in 2023 used photography and theatre to share real stories from Muslim women, helping to break stereotypes and build understanding. We also work with government leaders to push for policies that reflect the needs of Muslim women. By speaking at events like the Senate Hearing on Islamophobia, we ensure that decision-makers hear directly from the people affected by these issues.
Finding Joy in Resistance
Advocacy is about more than just fighting injustice. It is also about celebrating identity, culture, and community. Sisters Dialogue believes in the power of joy. We create spaces for women to heal and celebrate who they are. Through cultural events, storytelling workshops, and social gatherings, we remind Muslim women that they are more than just their struggles. They are powerful, proud, unapologetic about who they are and deserving of joy.
Looking Afar
As Sisters Dialogue grows, we are launching Mental Health Drop-in Sessions, Where women can access free drop-in sessions that provide flexible, accessible, and immediate support. In April, we will start a Mothers’ Support Group for moms raising children with different abilities.
Community gatherings are also a big part of our plans. On March 22, we will host Iftar for Sisters, a space for Muslim women to converge during Ramadan. On April 5, 2025, we will hold an Inclusive Eid Celebration, welcoming the entire community for a day of food, music, and connection.
How to Get Involved
Sisters Dialogue is proving that real change starts from the ground up. It is built by the people most affected, powered by real experiences, and driven by a shared vision for a better world.
Anyone can support this work. Whether by attending events, sharing resources, or simply listening and learning, every action helps. Creating a safer and more inclusive world is a collective effort, and we are showing what is possible when communities stand together.
