Faith, Gender and Visibility: Commemorating Islamic History Month

Immerse yourself in a space of discourse, reflection, and creative expression. 

October marks Islamic History Month. With this year's theme of Faith, Gender and Visibility, we welcome you to join us in celebrating Islamic History Month in community with your colleagues, by listening to an informative and insightful talk, and holding space for art and reflection. No art experience is required. 

Date: Wednesday October 22, 2025
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm 
Location: Shared upon registration.

About our Esteemed Guests

Ms. Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia will join us virtually for an opening message. 

Dr. Lailatul Fitriyah, Associate Professor at the Claremont School of Theology (Los Angeles, CA), whose work spans Muslim feminist theologies, decoloniality, gender, and interreligious dialogue, will deliver the keynote lecture that examines hijab and gendered Islamophobia. The lecture offers a summary of hijab’s doctrinal formation and an analysis of its diverse meaning across the globe. By highlighting the complexity of hijab praxis worldwide, the session aims to counter pervasive Islamophobic narratives about Muslim women in Canada.

Following lunch, Farooq Zia of FZ Designs will lead a healing and reflective Geometric Art Design session. Explore the cultural depth of geometric motifs while creating a meaningful art piece to cherish. Absolutely no previous art experience required. 

Event Schedule

11:00am - Start and Land Acknowledgement

11:05 am - Welcome Remarks from campus leaders and Opening Message from Ms. Elghawaby

11:30 am - Keynote lecture by Dr. Lailatul (Laily) Fitriyah on "Faith, Gender and Visibility" with a focus on gendered Islamophobia

12:00 pm - Lunch

12:50 pm - Geometric Art Design by Farooq Zia (FZ Designs) 

1:50 pm - Closing Remarks & Thank you

Participants are asked to arrive by 10:55am, or a few minutes prior, to ensure a timely start. Thank you! 

Deadline to register is October 15, 2025 or when the event is full.

 
This event is brought to you by a Grassroots Initiative led by UTSC Staff  in collaboration with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office and it is open to all staff, students, faculty, and librarians who are respectful of the intent and theme of this event. 

Accessibility Information
It is our goal to make this event accessible to all interested in attending. If you have any questions or requests to best accommodate your participation, please contact the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office (edio.utsc@utoronto.ca).