Daisy Khan

Daisy Khan is a prominent Kashmiri-American Islamic activist, reformer, and the founder and executive director of the Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE). This organization is dedicated to promoting peacebuilding, gender equality, and human dignity for Muslim women globally. With over 25 years of experience in community engagement, Khan has become a recognized leader in advocating for Muslim women's rights and addressing issues such as Islamophobia and violent extremism.124

Early Life and Education

Born in the foothills of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, Khan emigrated to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue her education. She attended the New York School of Interior Design and later worked as an architectural designer. Throughout her early career, she grappled with her identity as a Muslim woman in a post-9/11 America, which significantly influenced her activism.23

Career Highlights

Khan's career began with her work at the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), which she co-founded in 1997. She served as its executive director for 18 years, focusing on interfaith initiatives and cultural harmony. In 2008, she established WISE, which includes the Global Muslim Women's Shura Council, aimed at providing religiously-informed opinions on issues affecting Muslim women.124

Khan is also an accomplished author; her works include WISE Up: Knowledge Ends Extremism and her memoir Born with Wings. She has been recognized by various organizations for her contributions to social justice and women's rights, including being listed among Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" and receiving the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award.256

Advocacy and Impact

Through WISE, Khan has led initiatives that amplify Muslim women's voices and promote educational programs addressing critical social issues such as domestic violence and child marriage. Her work emphasizes interfaith dialogue and community building as essential tools for combating anti-Muslim sentiment and fostering understanding among diverse groups.456

In summary, Daisy Khan's extensive work as an advocate for women's rights within Islam positions her as a significant figure in contemporary discussions on gender equality, religious tolerance, and cultural integration.