As we celebrate Women’s History Month, CAIR-Ohio is honored to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Muslim women in our local communities. These women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, social justice, and beyond.
Munira Abdullahi – Ohio Representative (D9), Youth Director MAS Columbus
State Representative Munira Yasin Abdullahi grew up in the heart of Columbus, graduating from Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS) and receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from The Ohio State University. She began her public service career working in a nonprofit, advocating for and promoting youth development, leadership, and community service.
In Jan 2023, State Rep. Munira Yasin Abdullahi made history when she took the oath of office during the opening session of the 135th Ohio General Assembly at the Ohio Statehouse becoming the first Somali American, Muslim Woman and youngest serving member in the Ohio House of Representatives. On March 16, State Rep. Munira Yasin Abdullahi was elected Vice Chair of the Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus (ODWLC) for the 135th General Assembly. Below are some highlights of Representative Abdullahi’s efforts to advocate for constituents of the 9th House District and all Ohioans.
Legislation #1: World Hijab Day Resolutions
Rep. Munira will soon introduce two pieces of legislation to recognize and codify February 1st as “Ohio World Hijab Day”. Ohio’s greatest asset as it continues to grow is its diversity. Adopting legislation to recognize and codify this day, will not only aid in combating the bigotry and discrimination that hijabis and Ohio’s Muslim community face, but will strengthen our growing and diverse state.
Hijab is most commonly understood as the headscarf worn by women of the Muslim faith. Muslim women who wear the Hijab, also known as Hijabis, come from many personal and communal backgrounds but often face similar experiences regarding their veiling.
Throughout the world, Muslims, particularly hijabis, face discrimination and harassment. From hijab bans to Muslim bans, there are endless examples. February 1st, 2023 marks a decade of the international holiday, “World Hijab Day”. The holiday’s organizers have since created the nonprofit organization, World Hijab Day. The vision and mission of the nonprofit and, by extension, “World Hijab Day” is to create a world united through diversity by raising awareness, education, and empowerment in hopes of dismantling bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against Muslim women.
Legislation #2: Require Public Schools to Provide Free Feminine Hygiene Products in School Restrooms:
Additionally, Representative Munira will soon introduce legislation that will require public schools to provide free feminine hygiene products in school restrooms to ensure all students have access to this basic necessity. Rep. Munira believes access to period products removes barriers to education.
About 25 percent of menstruating students struggle with access to menstrual products, according to a recent study. This lack of access has resulted in a loss of time spent in the classroom. The same study found that close to 80 percent of menstruating teens said they have either missed class time, or know someone who has missed class time, because they did not have access to menstrual products.
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