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 2023:
The theme for Islamophobia Awareness Month 2023 is #MuslimStories which aims to create connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds through the power of storytelling. Everyone has a story to tell and whether you are Muslim or not, you can share yours! This could include examples of inspiring Muslim role models or making a positive change to tackle Islamophobia on campus and in wider society.
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.
This campaign has been made possible by the support of alumni and donors through the Warwick Innovation Fund.
Events for 2023:
Social for Stand Up To Islamophobia
Date: 24th November
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Location: Kevin Gately Meeting Room (SUHQ 1st Floor)
Description: Join us at the SU for a fun social for all students to come together to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month! This is an opportunity to meet others and to break down barriers between the muslim and non-muslim community in a relaxed environment. There will be food provided (halal options) and activities to get involved with!
Follow this link for more information