Who Defines Liberation? | MLF x MWF Book Club & Networking

Since the 90s, French feminists have centred their political agenda around the veil, framing Muslim women as stubbornly refusing to assimilate into their version of "French womanhood."

But who gets to define liberation and womanhood? Why should one ideology monopolise these concepts to the exclusion of everybody else?

On Thursday 19th November, MLF & MWF are proud to host Shahed Ezaydi, author of “The Othered Woman: How White Feminism Harms Muslim Women”

Location: Kamran Djam Lecture Theatre (DLT), SOAS Main Building

Our free evening event features an author interview, breakout group discussions, an audience Q&A session and networking.

Shahed Ezaydi has written for a range of publications including Dazed, Stylist, Glamour, and gal-dem, and appeared on radio shows such as BBC Woman’s Hour.

She is an experienced host and presenter and has worked on several literary events, including Wilderness and Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words.

Her debut book The Othered Woman: How White Feminism Harms Muslim Women is out now.

MLF (Muslim Leadership Foundation) is a volunteer-led organisation created to cultivate the next generation of Muslim Leaders who embody Islamic ethical values to drive positive change.

MWF (Muslim Women Founders) is a growing platform and ecosystem dedicated to elevating Muslim women’s leadership, visibility, and influence across sectors.

This evening is kindly supported by Islaah Collective at SOAS.

Please note: SOAS is providing the venue for this event. Its role is limited to providing the space and does not constitute endorsement of the views or activities of any speaker, organiser or attendee.

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📖 If you don't have time to read the full book, don’t worry. Our discussions are accessible to everyone. We will share a summary and discussion prompts ahead of the session, and our host will guide the conversation to ensure it remains thoughtful, grounded, and relevant.

For more information please email info@themlf.org or message us on social media.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that registering for this event will automatically subscribe you to a mailing list for updates regarding this event and future ones. Filming and photography will occur for promotional and archival purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer.