Mission

To empower communities by harnessing the leadership of Muslim Women and ensuring that they have the resources they need to affect change in their areas of passion.

Vision

A world where every Muslim Woman has the opportunity to lead in the service of humanity.

Our Core Values

  • We are driven by our faith in the Divine to serve others and benefit humanity.

  • We are guided by the Qur’anic message of God’s mercy and compassion and by the example of Prophet Muhammad as a mercy for humanity.

  • We believe in the universality of human rights, which means equity and social justice, with no restrictions or discrimination based on gender, religion, race, or any other man-made divisive labels. We aim to be actively inclusive and accepting of diversity among ourselves, as Muslim women, and between us and other members of society. We acknowledge that MWO is one voice amongst many who speak on behalf of Muslim women, and respect others that may represent differing perspectives.

  • We are committed to developing partnerships with organizations and entities that share our values. We base these relationships on cooperation, trust, and respect. We sustain our partnerships through open, ongoing, and honest dialogue.

  • We are resourceful, talented, and educated, and use our knowledge and experience to create innovative programs that benefit the community in unique and exceptional ways.

Our History

In 2010, a group of Muslim women living throughout Central Florida connected in Orlando to create an organization where they could get involved and make a difference in their community. These Muslim women had experience taking on leadership roles as teens and young adults in the masajid and on their college campuses. As adults, though, they found there were fewer opportunities for them to serve their communities in positions that were meaningful to them. They saw a need and decided to address it.

In its first year, The MWO coordinated a Ramadan Prep Camp, an All-American Eid Picnic, and more. The response was huge, and the team found themselves reaching capacity at each event. The MWO quickly established itself as an organization that led with creativity, inclusivity, and excellence. In the years that followed, The MWO filled a vacuum with community service opportunities, especially those focused on providing assistance to prepare for Ramadan and celebrate Eid.

The MWO created initiatives where women were not only invited to volunteer but also encouraged to plan and assess - ultimately, The MWO gave Muslim Women opportunities to lead. The MWO also established connections with most of the major Islamic institutions of Central Florida, connections that have been strengthened over the years through continued collaboration. As the organization has grown, and its presence established both in the local community and online, Muslim women have reached out to The MWO with their concerns and challenges. Issues like abuse, lack of inclusive spaces, lack of financial resources, racism and more were repeatedly expressed.

In 2018, through a grant from the Contigo Fund, The MWO hired its first paid team member, a Gender Equity Advancement Coordinator, who conducted a survey of local Muslim women to assess the most pressing challenges that exist. The results of the survey and a concurrent examination of Islamic texts have highlighted the need for increased training and awareness around the established rights of women in the Qur’an. The MWO is now focused on providing training and resources to meet the needs of Muslim women. This requires a space where training programs, outreach efforts, and honest (sometimes difficult) conversations can be held. The MWO is dedicated to nurturing these safe, affirming, and brave spaces for self examination and growth so that all women can thrive. The HUB is that space, a valuable resource to uplift women and community. History is made each day, and at The MWO we continue to move into each new chapter, ready to face all the possibilities and challenges that come with it inshallah.