Current Month:-March 2010 << earlier | Dec 2009 | Jan 2010 | Feb 2010 | Mar 2010 | Apr 2010 | May 2010 | Jun 2010 | later >>   Europe's Muslim Women, under cover and under pressure 16th March 10 BrusselsThe integration of European Muslims is the subject of intense debate across the European Union and within Europe's Muslim community. Discussions get especially intense - and often acrimonious - when it comes to the integration of Europe's Muslim women, with many policymakers and politicians denouncing the decision by some women to wear the head scarf or burqa and the prevailing perception of Muslim women as victims of a repressive religion. Europe's Muslim women are undoubtedly pulled in many directions: by traditions which often dictate conservative dress codes and conduct, strong familial and cultural obligations, but also pressure from the larger community to be seen as visibly liberated, modern and empowered. The debate – and the stereotypes – ignore, however, the more complex economic, social and cultural challenges facing millions of European Muslim women as they struggle to become active citizens of the countries they live in. Could it be that, despite the clichés and the hype, Muslim women often share the same aspirations and face the same struggle for better education, jobs and social recognition as their non-Muslim counterparts? To address these relevant issues as part of the Our Shared Europe project, we will hear from a panel of guest speakers. The debate will be chaired by Shada Islam, Senior Programme Executive at the European Policy Centre (EPC). Speakers Parvin Ali, Chair of European Muslim Women of Influence (EMWI) and CEO and founder of the FATIMA Women’s Network Malika Hamidi, Director General, European Muslim Network Sajjad Karim, Member of the European Parliament Wassyla Tamzali, Author and Former Director Women’s Rights at UNESCO Lorella Zanardo, Producer and Director of ‘Il Corpe delle donne’