Largest Muslim women’s conference to address pressing issues facing Canadian Muslims

The largest Muslim women’s conference in North America is gathered in the city today to generate discussions and offer women an outlet to express themselves.

Over 5,000 women are attending the eighth annual “Being Me” conference Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

In the midst of the New Zealand mosque terror attacks, attendees will be given the opportunity to share their thoughts, fears and emotions regarding the attacks.

Organizers say it will allow them to start conversations around the “shared trauma the Muslim community has endured.”

Naila Kibria, one of the organizers, said they will also be providing an outlet to support the victims.

“People can come in and talk about the events and kind of heal and grow together. We have created shirts that will be sold in the gift shop where they will be donating the proceeds to the victims’ families,” Kibria explained. “Also, they will be recording and making messages to be sent back to the families in support.”

There will also presentations given during the conference addressing, “the most pressing issues facing Canadian Muslim women today,” including providing an outlet to discuss ways of combating Islamophobia and other forms of racism and hatred.

In order to make attendees feel safe, an increased security presence has also been set up at the event.

Discussions are expected to end around 4 p.m.