Workshop helps young Muslim girls build self-esteem

By Lisa Regnante
Posted: May 11, 2009

Strong role models are essential in a child’s life. Everyone remembers those special people in their childhood that gave them guidance and support. A recent workshop offered for young Muslim girls did just that. Held in the mosque at Dar Al-Taqwa, a Muslim community center in Ellicott City, the overnight workshop allowed the girls, aged nine through fourteen, to have fun, express themselves, and learn how to handle pressing social situations with confidence and ease.

Developed by The Realm of Knowledge, a youth educational enrichment company, the program offered young girls the opportunity to renew their sense of self-esteem and confidence in their Muslim identity. “As Muslims in America, we are striving to give our daughters the tools they need to become successful contributors to the Muslim community, to their future families, and to society at-large,” said Gena Chung, co-owner of The ROK.

It’s widely known that many girls during adolescence struggle with poor body image, peer pressure and low self-esteem. These issues are often compounded for young Muslim girls whose customs are sometimes vastly different from those of their American schoolmates. For example, some young Muslim girls choose to begin wearing the headscarf, known as the hijab, when they reach puberty.

The hijab, for many Muslims, is considered an obligation, ordered by God, allowing Muslim women to guard their modesty. Though there are also rules concerning men and their modesty as manifested in their appearance, the hijab is perhaps the most obvious symbol that someone is a Muslim. Supported by the Imam (religious leader) of the mosque, the workshop provided an opportunity for these girls to be empowered by their Islamic lifestyle, so that they could contribute to the larger community with confidence and integrity. The workshop engaged the girls in various hands- on activities including: situational skits, critical thinking seminars, brainstorming sessions, sewing and exercise class.

Each element of the event was designed to support their roles as young female Muslims growing up in America. In addition to Ellicott City, The ROK provides workshops to the Muslim community at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring and at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park

For more information, go to www.therok.org

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