I grew up loving writing, asking questions, and sharing stories with everyone I met. My passion led me to pursue a degree in Journalism upon entering college, and I can attest to the fact that many Muslim women are constantly discouraged by going into the field, bombarded with questions about how they will survive in a field that is not profitable, and also… dare I say it... too competitive. When I would hear similar questions in undergrad, I’d wonder how some people think that money is the sole factor that dictates another person’s success. It was mind-boggling, to say the least.

Here are 10 Muslim women journalists who remind everyone (without saying a word) why they do what they do: they believe in and have a passion for honest storytelling. Check out their work and get inspired.

  • 1. Dena Takruri @denatakruri
  •  


    Dena is an on-air presenter and producer with AJ+, Al Jazeera Network's all-digital video news network based in San Francisco. She is the host of “Direct From With Dena Takruri” where she brings her viewers stories from around the world and gives a voice to those who have been unheard for far too long. 

  • 2. Tahera Rahman @taheratv

  • This young, ambitious newscaster has worked relentlessly to be standing where she is now. Tahera has worked for renowned television stations like WHBF-TV and KLJB, and has also worked as a producer. 

  • 3. Malak Silmi @malaksilmi
  •  

    Malak is based out of Dearborn, MI, and has been thriving in her career as a journalist. From landing a fellowship with the New York Times Student Journalism Institute to reporting for the Detroit Metro Times and Michigan Radio, she is always ready to tell the next story. 

  • 4. Aya Khalil @ayakhalilauthor 
  •  

    Aya is a freelance journalist as well as an author! Her work has been published in The Huffington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and Toledo Area Parent, to name a few.

  • 5. Nargis Rahman @nargisthewriter
  •  


    A Detroit-native and previous CAIR-MI employe, Nargis tells stories about food, women taking over the world, social change, and parenting. 

    6. Malika Bilal @mmbilal

     


    Malika, based out of D.C, is co-host of Al Jazeera English’s “The Stream”. She is also host of@AJTheTake! 

  • 7. Nushrat Rahman @nushrahman
  •  

     

    Nushrat has a mission to amplify the perspectives of underreported communities and individuals. She is pursuing her graduate degree from Columbia’s School of Journalism, and is currently reporting from NYC. 

  • 8. Dana Afana @dana.afana
  •  

    Dana is a Business/Government reporter at the@MLive. As hard as her job is, her passion for it is inspirational and motivating. 

  • 9. Rowaida Abdelaziz
  •  


    Rowaida is a reporter based in NYC — she focuses on Islamophobia and social justice issues within the Muslim community. 

  • 10. Asma Khalil @nprasma 
  •  

    Asma is a political correspondent covering the 2020 presidential campaign. Before joining NPR's political team, she helped launch a new team for Boston's NPR station WBUR where she reported on biz/tech and the Future of Work.

     

     


    Leave a comment

    Comments will be approved before showing up.