November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month which aims to educate people on what Islamophobia is and how it manifests within our society and wider culture. It also aims to educate people on the culture and lived experiences of Muslims to break down barriers and reduce prejudice.
What is Islamophobia?
“Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.”
Quote copied from https://www.un.org/en/observances/anti-islamophobia-day
Although this definition is detailed, the experiences of Islamophobia may be different for each person and each situation. People who have experienced Islamophobia may wish to define it
Islamophobia Awareness Month
Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is a campaign created in 2012 by a group of Muslim organisations to raise awareness of Islamophobia and showcase Muslim Heroes. Visit the IAM website to find out more!
Theme for 2024:
The theme for Islamophobia Awareness Month 2024 Seeds of Change. The goal of this year's campaign is to emphasise the impotance of how small actions contribute to big change.
Stand Up Against Islamophobia
Stand Up Against Islamophobia was a month-long project launched in November 2022 by Hamza, the Warwick SU Postgraduate Officer for 2021-22 which aimed to highlight different ways Islamophobia manifests and to showcase the creative and imaginative work of Muslim students & creatives both at Warwick and beyond. There was a series of events hosted with speakers and panels of people with lived experiences as well as reading and poetry performances and a consultation forum.
The campaign was made possible by the support of alumni and donors through the Warwick Innovation Fund.
Events for 2024:
Building Awareness: Islamophobia Awareness Month - Seeds of Change
Let’s grow together! This year’s theme, Seeds of Change, highlights how small actions can lead to big transformations. Join us for an interactive session focused on building awareness about Islamophobia and exploring the role we all play in creating positive change.
You’ll dive into a quick and impactful talk, get creative by painting a plant pot and planting seeds, and enjoy some delicious donuts and cupcakes along the way. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time for discussion, connection, and inspiration.
Event Details:
- When: Tuesday, 26th November 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Where: Oculus OC0.01
Please be aware that attendance for this session will be limited to 40 students due to room capacity.