by Israa Abid in Culture & Lifestyle on 6th September, 2017
A group of British Hijabis across different races and ages, are seeking to reclaim the narrative surrounding hijab.
Cut from the same cloth is a collection of ‘groundbreaking essays’, edited by author Sabeena Akhtar, which will feature fifteen working class Muslim Hijabi women. They are aiming to expand beyond the usual tropes and stereotypes perpetuated by the media, and provide insight into issues affecting their lives;
“From modern pop culture to anti-blackness, women’s rights, working life; this first of its kind anthology will examine a cross section of British hijabis and the breadth of our experiences.”
Tired of being spoken for and by non-hijabis, and non-Muslims – they are turning over the conversation in their hands.
Sabeena Akhtar is a writer, blogger, researcher from London – and currently works for a non-profit publishing house, Titled Axis Press. She was also commissioned by Media Diversified to curate an online library of writers of colour in 2016.
The collection is currently on the crowd funding publisher Unbound, seeking funding in order for it to be published. You can pledge certain amounts in return, for a copy of the book, and more advanced rewards, including a mention of your name in the back of the book.
Consider supporting the publication of the book on Unbound here.
Israa is a Creative writing and English literature graduate, and currently volunteers for a few charities. In between her routine of nerding out over Dungeons and Dragons, and obsessively eating strawberries, she spends her time writing as much as she can.