NEWS RELEASE
THE COALITION OF MUSLIM WOMEN
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Waterloo Region Muslim youth are taking a close, hard look at the state of mental health services available for racialized and newcomer youth. An eight-member Waterloo Region Muslim Youth Council, formed as part of the Coalition of Muslim Women (CMW) of KW’s Youth Leaders 4 Change program, will be leading a study to assess gaps in mental health service for racialized and newcomer youth.
The council, made possible through a Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation racial equity grant, will operate through 2022. The group, made up of local youth selected through an open application process, will drive discussions and gather feedback from racialized youth at large. The project will dive deeply into the effects of racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia on mental health services.
“The council provides an open and safe space for Muslim youth to come together and speak on topics and social issues most important to them,” said Fatima Awan, Youth Outreach & Engagement Lead, Youth Leaders 4 Change program. “The council will give Muslim youth a chance at leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. They will enhance these skills by leading and assisting the needs assessment that will focus on Muslim youth and mental health needs.”
The project hopes to impart to the youth a sense of belonging and inclusivity, as well as empowerment as they take the lead and bring about a change.
"I wanted to join because, for once, there was a group that I could relate with on a much deeper level," said Jasmine Akter, a member of the youth council.
At the end of the project, the youth council will present a report to community stakeholders, and system leaders and also share recommendations for improvement.
Another council member, Asmanur Negash said she joined to be a changemaker, a leader, and to be the change she wants to see in the world.
The Coalition of Muslim Women (CMW) of Kitchener-Waterloo is a non-profit and federally registered charitable organization in Waterloo Region that was established in 2010. The Coalition works with area Muslims and other racialized minorities, especially women, empowering them to be leaders and change makers. The non-profit operates with the help of hundreds of volunteers, dozens of members, and a strong team of staff members. The Coalition's main programming innovatively addresses gender-based violence, racism, anti-Islamophobia and hate-related incidents, and builds bridges between Muslims and the community at-large.
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