Reflection
Personal. Political. Powerhouse. Meet Lina Khalifeh from SheFighter!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Lina Khalifeh! I’ll always remember the first time Lina came into Sister Fit. When she saw me, her eyes widened in surprise. She wasn’t shy to tell me that she expected me to be a conserative looking Muslim woman from Pakistan. Instead, she was met…
Read MoreBuilding an Authentic Identity • Asmaa Hussein from Ruqaya’s Bookshelf!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Asmaa Hussein: Ruqaya’s Bookshelf lady! That’s what I’ve been calling Asmaa since I’ve been acquainted with her through my circle of friends. I think merging her with the name of her indie publishing company reflects my impression of her. She has built a strong and…
Read MoreMainstream Fitness – Creating a Culture of Jerks
By Fatima Lee Garsi In the last ten years, I’ve ebbed and flowed through the fitness world as a certified personal trainer. Actually, it’s felt more like a battle. Many, many battles. I’ve worked for Goodlife Fitness, LA Fitness, boutique style gyms, a private women’s only studio, a physio/massage clinic, my own studio in Kitchener,…
Read MoreLeadership Identity Series: Episode 3 – Unwavering Reema Gets Down to Business
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Reema Rafay: Reema Rafay is a business beast! I was first intrigued by Reema several years ago when she added me to an annoying FaceBook group about body transformations. I suppose I get annoyed with anyone who adds me to any group! Reema however, impressed…
Read MoreLeadership Identity Series: Episode 2 – From Canada to Barbados!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Fatimah: I am pleased to introduce you to Dr. Fatimah Jackson-Best! Fatimah Jackson-Best is indeed the best! This is a lady who is the real deal; there’s something about FJB (I hope she doesn’t mind the acronym!) that is real nice. This is someone who…
Read MoreLeadership Identity Series: Episode 1 – MasterChef Canada’s Reem Ahmed “Good Mood, Good Food!”
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip I started the Leadership Identity Series – a long-term interview project featuring unique, passionate, leading Muslim women – to have meaningful conversations about what it takes to be a leader. I wanted to talk to women who had a strong sense of identity, who challenged themselves,…
Read MoreThe Problem with “Safe Spaces”
By Fatima Lee Garsi Whoa FLG – what on earth are you talking about? Isn’t Sister Fit a “safe space” for Muslim (and non-Muslim) women! YES! It is! Hold your horses and henchmen! Let me explain… What exactly is a “safe space?” A safe space is a place where the owner of the space can…
Read MoreFirst Step: Self-education to Combat Anti-Black Racism
Do the Deep Work: When we’re not on social media, what are we doing? Awareness is important and essential – but what happens when we step away from our screens? What will happen a week from now? A month? A year? Anti-racism work is an ongoing, introspective, deeply connected process that involves a commitment to…
Read MoreDon’t treat me equally; treat me fairly
In athletic settings, is it possible to treat genders “equally?” Coach EL explores why fair treatment is not the same as equal treatment. By Coach EL I was on my way to a downtown gym to attend a Level One boxing coach course with the National Canadian Coaches Program (NCCP) and I couldn’t help but…
Read More3 Tips to Increase Iman and Embrace Solitude in Ramadan 2020
By Amber Von Grat Bismillah, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem, This year we are facing our own unique challenges when it comes to protecting our communities and trying to ensure the well-being of everyone around us. Whether this year is your first Ramadan, or you’ve experienced it before, I want to give you three ways to help you…
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