Taslima Haque:
In a bold and celebratory step toward uplifting Muslim women leaders, nonprofit organization Malikah launched its Power100 Muslim Women initiative with a landmark event in New York City. On Friday evening, 100 Muslim women from across the five boroughs gathered for the first time in a powerful show of unity, purpose, and sisterhood. The event, held at the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU), marked the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at fostering connection, leadership, and collective care among Muslim women changemakers.
Malikah, a grassroots organization dedicated to building safety and power in communities, curated this initiative to recognize and elevate the impact of Muslim women who are shaping the city’s neighborhoods, institutions, and social movements. From public servants and entrepreneurs to artists, healers, and organizers, the women brought together represent a broad spectrum of talent, leadership, and community dedication.
The evening was not only a celebration but also a call to action. Attendees broke bread, shared stories, and began forming bonds that will continue to grow over the course of the year through two more in-person gatherings and an ongoing virtual community. The initiative’s structure is designed to provide both emotional support and professional empowerment in a space that centers joy, faith, and solidarity.
“This was nothing short of historic,” said Malikah in a statement following the event. “We broke bread, built bonds, and began a journey to grow a new kind of sisterhood, rooted in community, joy, and collective care.” Organizers emphasized that this is just the beginning — a pilot that will expand and evolve, supporting a larger vision of Muslim women’s leadership grounded in justice and healing.
The Power100 event was made possible with the support of several generous sponsors, including Ben & Jerry’s, Sanzo, Lush, Moka Café, Fable and Mane, Vela Scarves, and ICNYU. Their backing allowed Malikah to host a space that was as nourishing and intentional as it was celebratory.
Though the night was the first official gathering, it felt more like a reunion — a testament to the strength and readiness of Muslim women across the city to come together and lead. By acknowledging their work and creating a structured space for continued growth, Malikah is setting the foundation for lasting impact, not just within the Muslim community, but across New York’s broader civic and cultural landscape.
With two more in-person events to follow and a year-long virtual network taking shape, the Power100 Muslim Women initiative is poised to deepen relationships, amplify voices, and empower action in ways that reflect the urgent needs and dynamic contributions of Muslim women today.
As Malikah noted in their closing reflection, “The future is Muslim, woman, and rising.” With this initiative, that future has officially begun.
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