Rethinking Representation: Muslim Women in Educational Settings
Nov 5, 2026 — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Description
Rethinking Representation: Muslim Women in Educational Settings is a panel discussion dedicated to exploring the diversity of experiences, identities, and journeys of Muslim women in educational settings. The conversation will offer a nuanced perspective on the representations associated with Muslim women and seek to challenge reductive stereotypes, particularly the common tendency to equate Muslim women's identities solely with the wearing of the hijab. Bringing together voices from education, research, communications, and the public sector, the event will examine both visible and invisible barriers, including the glass ceiling, as well as the factors that can help foster more inclusive educational environments. Panelists will also discuss concrete actions that can improve the representation of Muslim women in the media, schools, and institutions.
Saba Alvi
Part-Time Professor and Long-Term Appointed Professor, Faculty of Education
Saba Alvi is an award-winning educator and anti-racism specialist. Her teaching focuses on antiracist and anti-oppressive pedagogies, marginalized youth, and the subcultures of Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth. She also works as an anti-racism consultant with schools serving large populations of racialized students. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Ottawa, where her doctoral research examined how Muslim youth subcultures express identity through clothing, including the hijab.
Amal Boultif
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education
Amal Boultif holds a bachelor's degree in French Literature Education, a master's degree in French Language Didactics, and a PhD in Education from the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her research focuses on creative writing and slam poetry, popular literacies, writing motivation, reading and writing difficulties, and the integration of multimodal approaches and technology in French language teaching and learning. She is also interested in both pre-service and in-service teacher education and is a member of the CHENINE research team.
Roda Muse
Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs, Government of Ontario
Roda Muse has served as Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs for the Government of Ontario since May 1, 2023. She has also been a member of the Ontario Public Service Commission since September 16, 2026. Her extensive experience in public service and leadership in Francophone affairs brings a valuable perspective to discussions on representation, inclusion, and access to decision-making spaces.
Majda Taourou Talbi
Manager, Communications and Marketing, Faculty of Arts
Majda Taourou Talbi is the Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Arts, where she leads strategic communications, student recruitment initiatives, and institutional outreach. An experienced leader in intercultural communication, she has long been involved in promoting the Francophonie and fostering connections among diverse communities. She is also a host and the founder of Franchement franco, a platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting the Francophone diaspora in Canada.