Welcome to Muslim Women's Association
Our Story
We started Muslim Women's Association with a simple goal in mind: to create a platform that makes it easy for people to connect with others who share their interests and passions. Our journey has been a long and winding one, but we're proud of what we've accomplished so far.
Foundation
The Muslim Women’s Association of Washington, DC was founded in 1960 by Begum Aziz Ahmad, wife of the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States. It was originally a cultural exchange group whose membership was comprised of women from the diplomatic community, including the wives of ambassadors, as well as other Muslim women in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. There was also a prominent non-Muslim American membership.
Charitable Activities
In 1980, the Muslim Women’s Association of Washington, DC decided to become involved in charitable activities. We decided to focus on the education of Muslim women. As a result we provide scholarship assistance for young Muslim women to attend college in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Over the years we have helped about 100 young women obtain their college degrees. We also provide occasional relief during disasters or at times of great need on an ad hoc basis through US based charitable organizations.
In 2010 we reached another milestone. Under the leadership of Nevine Hassouna, wife of the Arab League Ambassador, we completed the requirements to become a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization. Now donors are allowed to deduct their gifts from their United States income tax.
Our Culture
The Muslim Women's Association of Washington, D.C. began as a cultural exchange group. Since many different Muslim majority nations were represented in the Washington, DC area there was an opportunity for members to learn from each other about their respective cultures. Meetings were relatively informal and frequently held in members homes with those attending bringing food for a potluck lunch.
Over the years the luncheons became somewhat more formal. In addition to members' homes, meeting were also held at various Embassies. Such meetings were especially popular because it gave members a glimpse into other nations.
Each meeting features a speaker. The topics under consideration range from the serious to the more light hearted. In 2016, for example, we were honored to be given a private viewing of Ambassador Akbar Ahmed's documentary film Journey into Europe. The Ambassador was present to discuss his film and answer questions. On other occasions fashion shows or musical presentations have been the order of the day. Whatever the subject, however, we always learn something new about other cultures.