The Muslim Student Alliance began working this semester to have a more active role in campus activities – and one of its upcoming events is already generating a positive reaction among University students.

Today MSA will host Slma Shelbaya, a journalist and communication and language studies scholar, who will speak about the common stereotypes of women in the Islamic faith.

She will speak about experiences she had this summer dealing with work-related harassment.

“It’s always good to have a better understanding of how everyone lives in this world,” said Isabelle Cantin, a freshman majoring in applied bio technology from Watkinsville, who said she is interested in attending the event.

MSA is trying to engage Bulldogs of all races, religions and backgrounds in an open discussion about women in Islam this week.

“We wanted to hold an event that would interest UGA students and broaden their perspectives on Islam,” said Madiha Memon, an accounting major from Marietta and MSA president. “We’re excited to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and get answers from actual Muslims, not from the media.”

As a Muslim woman, Memon said she has never had a problem practicing her faith at the University.

“But like anybody, I sometimes have difficulty balancing my religious beliefs and worldy life. Slma can talk to us about that, too,” she said.

Memon said many of the common stereotypes surrounding the role of women in Islam have been proven false numerous times, but people continue to believe that Muslim women suffer as a result of their chosen faith.

“These silly stereotypes are still embedded in people’s minds,” Memon said. “Like that Muslim women have no rights, that they are treated as second-class citizens, that they are not educated and that they are oppressed and forced to wear the burqa or hijab.”

“There are a lot of stereotypes out there about Muslims,” said Nitesh Patel, a business major from Stone Mountain and publicist for MSA.

“People will come to the event and learn something new. It’s important for non-Muslims and other people unfamiliar with Muslim culture to come out and learn.”