The CCMW Toronto chapter's aim is to promote a better understanding of Islam in Canada while strengthening the bond among Muslim women.
Mission
The mission of CCMW Toronto chapter is to ensure the equity, equality and empowerment of Canadian Women living in Toronto by organizing events, educating public opinion and collaborating with other organization in Toronto.
Mandate
The mandate of the CCMW Toronto chapter is to provide a comprehensive response to issues affecting Canadian Muslim women in the Toronto area. The response is to be provided in a collaborative manner with other Muslim and non-Muslim organizations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, professionals and volunteers. CCMW Toronto provides a voice and a face through events, blogs, social media, partnerships with other organizations and research in collaboration with the national organization (ccmw.com).
Our mandate is fulfilled through meeting the following goals:
Awareness raising: aimed at educating the public in Toronto about Islam and Muslim women’s rights in addition to educating women about their rights in Canada
Capacity-building: among members of the chapter which, includes mentoring, scholarship opportunities, creating a network
Collaboration: with other organizations, professionals and networks in Toronto to enhance partnerships and speak as one voice
Fundraising: to continue the efforts of the chapter
In the Beginning
The story of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across the country congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by the late Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society. This inaugural meeting led to the establishment of what is now known as CCMW and for the past 30 years its proud and accomplished roster of members have achieved and continue to achieve great milestones for Muslim Women and Canada’s multicultural landscape. A highly diverse organization, CCMW is firmly committed to the overarching vision of improving the status of women and empowering Muslim Women to remain true to their Islamic heritage and Canadian identity.
CCMW National Executive Director
Alia Hogben (C.M, LL.D)
“To me the values of Islam – social justice, compassion and equality – are the basis for the rights of citizens in a democracy”- Queen’s University 2011
Alia has been involved with CCMW since its establishment; first as a board member and now as the Executive Director, a position which she has dutifully held for more than a decade. While working with the Council she has lead campaigns which promote the equal status of women and interfaith-dialogue, presented at international conferences and helped develop community projects, publications and initiatives which empower Muslim women and their families. An Honorary Doctorate recipient from Queen’s School of Divinity, in 2012 she became the second Canadian Muslim woman to be awarded the Order of Canada for her work in the area of of women’s rights. Yet as Alia firmly establishes these recognitions are not individual accomplishments but reflect the collective spirit and hard work of CCMW:
It is the Canadian Council of Muslim Women who passionately “desire a better country” for all Canadians, and especially for those of us who “appear” to be different because of religion, race or ethnicity. . . . it (the Order of Canada) recognizes the efforts at the grassroots level of a small group of women to create change, to assist others to become part of the fabric of Canada, to be fully active in civic matters and to feel empowered to make their own lives better. It is a trickle in the vast scheme of things but how superb it is to be affirmed for our efforts!
CCMW National Board
Our National Board brings together a talented, engaged and diverse assembly of Muslim women from across the country, including successful individuals from the public sector, health care industry, academy and field of business and finance. The board works with consultants, leading experts and members of the Muslim community to develop projects events and community based initiatives.While the National Board works to further CCMW’s objectives at a national level, it is the 15 cross-national Chapters and members that advance its goals and objectives at the local level.