On November 15, 2009, a workshop empowering Muslim women and girls to make healthy choices will take place at the Morton Arboretum (located in the Chicago suburbs). I have been asked to be a presenter as part of a lecture about nutrition, where I will suggest healthy everyday food items and recipes for growing school girls.

Here’s a summary provided by the hosts to explain the program:

One hundred fifty junior high and high school girls (grades 7-12) from several suburban full-time Islamic schools and weekend Islamic schools and youth groups will have a unique opportunity with their mothers, female teachers, and female counselors to discuss health related issues such as fitness, nutrition, stress-management, well-being and spirituality. It is believed that this is a niche group of girls and women who would otherwise not have access to this important and timely opportunity.

 The girls will attend four interactive workshops on Fitness, Nutrition, Self-Esteem/Self-Image, and basic girls’ health. Workshops will be led by a variety of experienced professionals. The adult women will simultaneously attend two interactive workshops on understanding opportunities and challenges facing our girls today, and on taking care of themselves as they care for their students and daughters.

 Lunch-time raffle! Participants will have the opportunity to win: a copy of iCover (coffee table book by photographer Sadaf Syed) a $100 gift certificate from Artizara.com, Splash Gear (Burqini) gift certificate, and Prima Moda (Burqini) gift certificate and more!!!

This event is in collaboration with the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region V, Hamdard Center, and Project Exploration. The event is also supported by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, Community Builders of Chicago, the Compassionate Care Network, Whole Foods, Prima Moda Women’s Fashion, Artizara, SplashGear, and Right Start Foundation USA.

Hosts: Nadiah Mohajir, Ayesha Akhtar and Erica Abu-Ghallous

Location: Thornhill Education Center at the Morton Arboretum

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

Date: Sunday, November 15 from 9:30am-3:00pm

Phone: 312.404.3779

Cost: $10/person

Student ticket: $10

Bring your mother, teacher, counselor, she pays $5! Breakfast, lunch & Arboretum entrance included in cost!