CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Jennifer Nimer, was one of three panelists to speak at the International Women’s Day event at the Ohio Statehouse on March 6, 2017.  The panelists discussed the contributions their organizations are making to advancing immigrant women’s rights in central Ohio.

Nimer said that CAIR has consistently been the leading Muslim organization in promoting women in leadership roles.  She pointed out that nationwide CAIR has many female Executive Directors, lawyers, and board members, including the current chair of the CAIR National Board.

She also said that locally CAIR-Columbus is empowering Muslim women by representing them in discrimination cases, cases of public accommodation, and helping them learn how to protect themselves from hate crimes.

“Unfortunately we have seen a large increase in hate crimes since the election,” Nimer said. “We also continue see discrimination in the workplace, especially when it comes to the way Muslim women dress. Accommodating the headscarf is still a huge issue and has gotten worse since the election.”

After the panel discussion, keynote Speaker Francis Strickland spoke about hope and the continued advancement of immigrant women.