STI 101 one pager

Tags: RAHIM, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

The Muslim tradition is rooted in the concepts of justice, upholding the sacred inviolability of people, and commitment to addressing oppression (Mattson, 2019). Moreover, gender-based violence in all its forms is antithetical to Islam and God’s commands (al-Hibri, 2003). Therefore, Muslim communities, in partnership with trained professionals, can play a key role in addressing gender-based violence in a manner that is affirmed by the core principles of their faith. Muslims can be a vehicle for raising awareness of the prevalence of gender-based violence, advocating with and for survivors, and actively working to build spaces free of violence and oppression.

Tags: Islam, RAHIM

There is limited literature on anti-sexual violence programming on college campuses for historically underrepresented groups in the United States, including, and especially, for Muslim students. This study will explore the following questions: (a) What is Muslim students’ awareness of sexual violence on college campuses? (b) What are Muslim students’ attitudes towards sexual violence?, and (c) What challenges do Muslim survivors and allies of sexual violence face on college campuses? A mixed methods analysis of quantitative (n = 91) and qualitative data (n = 8) was utilized to understand the impact of anti-sexual violence advocacy programming on college campuses. Results demonstrate that Muslim women reported knowing more survivors of sexual assault than Muslim men. Women also reported significantly higher levels of disagreement with victim-blaming statements compared to men. Qualitative interviews with eight student leaders demonstrated challenges to sexual assault programming on campus, include Islamophobia, power struggles between student groups, denial that sexual violence is a problem, and a lack of engagement from men. Results from this study highlight several key findings including (1) rape culture attitudes vary significantly between Muslim men and Muslim women, (2) barriers to facilitating sexual violence programming include several systems of oppression, and (3) the urgent need to provide nuanced programming to support minoritized youth communities on college campuses.

Tags: Avenues of Support, Advocacy, Barriers to Reporting, Community COllege, Mental Health, Youth

This is a list of resources when you have questions regarding your decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Tags: Abortion, RAHIM, reproductive health, Reproductive Justice, sexual health

Between figuring out what you want to major in, navigating financial aid, and potentially living alone for the first time in your life, college brings plenty of challenges. And for Muslim students on campus, there are additional struggles. From experiencing (gendered and racialized) Islamophobia in the classroom, to struggling to find halal options, to exploring and setting boundaries around your faith, college can be really stressful (not the mention COVID). But college brings a lot of firsts, many of which are exciting! To help you all navigate college, we’ve put together #BackToSchoolWithHEART in which we discuss the unique experiences of Muslim students.

Tags: Community COllege, Muslim Students, School

The resources to navigate sex ed, fertility, pregnancy and the post partum period for Muslims with uteruses are limited. HEART being a reproductive justice organization invested in the wellbeing of those impacted by the sexual and reproductive health landscape partnered up with influencer Irene Khan to break down these topics. Our series brings in individuals who hold professional expertise and lived experience to go in depth, break the silence and create a space for us to speak openly about how we are impacted when we lack language, resources and access to take control of our sexual and reproductive health.

Dr Roohi Jeelani, MD Ob/GYN with subspecialty training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has done extensive research in Onco fertility and fertility preservation. She serves as the Director of Research and Education at Vios Fertility Institute in Chicago, Il. Dr. Roohi uses her own personal journey and professional background to help educate and empower all those navigating the ins and outs of fertility through her social media platforms.

Folks can follow Dr. Roohi at @roohijeelanimd on instagram and @roohijeelanimd on tiktok.

Tags: RAHIM, reproductive health