Aziza Abdel-Halim
Aziza Abdel-Halim () is an Egyptian-Australian academic, teacher, and founder of the Muslim Women's National Network Australia (MWNNA). Early life and education Abdel-Halim was born in Egypt, and grew up in Alexandria during World War II. Her parents were educated, and Abdel-Halim gained a university education. Abdel-Halim was involved in political causes such as marching for Egyptian independence from colonial Britain, joining the Young Egypt Party, and supporting an independent Palestine. Abdel-Halim's uncle was arrested for criticising President Gamal Abdel Nasser's policies, and physically and psychologically traumatised while in jail. Abdel-Halim migrated to Australia in 1970 with her husband and two children. In 1973 Abdel-Halim began wearing a hijab as a sign of solidarity with other Muslim women and because she wanted to make the statement "I am a Muslim woman. If you want to know about Islam, ask me." Career In Australia Abdel-Halim and her husband taught English, Arabic, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Muslim scripture. She was one of the founders of the Islamic Egyptian Society, and its first vice-president. Abdel-Halim and her husband organised events and projects to support and empower Muslim women and represent their views to media and government organisations, forming the Muslim