In the Spotlight: Mojda Sidiqi's Impacts
Press Releases
Mojda Sidiqi urges the world to remember Afghan women suffering under the Taliban, highlighting the importance of UN advocacy for human rights.
Standing with Afghan Women: Moji Sidiqi's Call for Global Action
In a powerful post by the Better World Campaign, Mojda Sidiqi, an advocate for Afghan women, echoed the urgent need for global action. "As an Afghan woman, I would also urge people to remember the women of Afghanistan who are suffering immensely under the Taliban's oppressive rule," she said. Highlighting the role of the UN in advocating for human rights, Mojda emphasized how critical it is for the world to stand with Afghan women and push for meaningful change.
Mojda Sidiqi celebrates Afghan refugee entrepreneurs, highlighting resilience and the community's need for their success.
Empowering Afghan Entrepreneurs: A New Chapter in St. Louis
In a heartwarming event covered byThe St. Louis American, Mojda Sidiqi, director for multicultural affairs and Afghan outreach at the International Institute, highlighted the strength and potential of Afghan refugees in St. Louis. As three Afghan immigrants were awarded $15,000 entrepreneurship grants, Mojda emphasized the inspiring stories behind their success. “It’s not just about helping them — they are helping us, too,” she remarked. With Afghan refugees revitalizing the local economy and contributing to the community, the event was a testament to their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Mojda Sidiqi on how immigrants help revitalize St. Louis housing
Immigrants Are the Solution to Housing, Not the Problem
In a feature withThe New York Times, Moji Sidiqi, outreach director for Afghan refugees at the International Institute in St. Louis, emphasized the critical role immigrants play in addressing the city's housing needs. Amidst national debates on immigration and housing affordability, Moji shared her perspective on how St. Louis is actively working to turn immigrants into a vital part of the solution. "As a city, this is exactly what we need," Moji said. "St. Louis needs people to come here to fill up these homes, fill up these neighborhoods." Her powerful words underscore how new arrivals, with the right support, can help revitalize communities and mitigate housing shortages, contradicting claims that immigration exacerbates the problem.
Mojda Sidiqi's leadership spotlighted by the Financial Times
Financial Times: Mojda's Efforts in Revitalizing St. Louis
As the Director of Afghan Outreach at the International Institute of St. Louis, Mojda Sidiqi is playing a pivotal role in the city's ambitious project to reverse decades of population decline. Through the Institute's program, she is working to bring in thousands of immigrants to St. Louis, contributing to the city’s workforce and community revitalization.
Despite the broader national debate on immigration, Sidiqi's efforts are focused on creating opportunities for new arrivals and supporting their integration into the community. Her leadership in the Afghan outreach program has already made a significant impact, drawing attention from employers eager to fill labor shortages and fostering a more vibrant, multicultural St. Louis.
"You stand a chance of owning a home here. The cost of living here, compared to most of the country, is quite affordable."
-Mojda Sidiqi
Highlighting Cultural and Religious Practices
Understanding Ramadan with St. Louis’ Muslim Community
In this NPR article by Lara Hamdan, Mojda Sidiqi discusses the significance of Ramadan and how the local Muslim community in St. Louis observes this holy month. The feature sheds light on Mojda’s personal practices and her reflections on spirituality during Ramadan.
“It’s the best time of year...I like to just zoom into myself…disconnect digitally from the cyber world and connect with my inner world.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Guiding Refugees to New Beginnings
Open Arms: Leading the Afghan Support Program
In this feature by Cheryl Baehr from theSTL, Mojda Sidiqi is highlighted for her leadership of the Afghan Support Program at the International Institute of St. Louis. The article details her dedication to creating a welcoming environment for Afghan refugees, establishing community resources, and fostering a sense of belonging in their new home.
“I feel like I have a duty and a responsibility to this land because it helped me become a free and expressive woman who can yell when I want to and laugh out loud in crowds.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Advocating for Afghan Refugees
Afghan Community Prepares to Welcome Wave of Refugees
In this article by Sophie Hurwitz for The St. Louis American, Mojda Sidiqi is featured for her advocacy work during a critical time of need for Afghan refugees. The piece captures her efforts to rally support and resources for incoming families amidst the crisis in Afghanistan.
“I just want as many people who want to leave that situation to have the ability to get out.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Empowering Afghan Entrepreneurs
International Institute Launches New Afghan Community Center
Benjamin Simon’s article from the River Front Times covers the grand opening of the Afghan Community Center in St. Louis, a significant milestone in Mojda Sidiqi’s work. The center, which also houses the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, offers vital resources for Afghan refugees to thrive in their new environment.
“Now that they're in the United States in a safe space, I’m going to push for the center to advocate for their creativity — for arts, for bands, for music, for writing.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Making a Global Impact
St. Louis Afghan Refugees and Their Role in the Community
This article explores how Afghan refugees, under the guidance of leaders like Mojda Sidiqi, are integrating into and contributing to the St. Louis community. The feature discusses the economic and cultural impact of Afghan refugees and Mojda’s role in facilitating their successful resettlement.
“Afghans will definitely have a positive impact in St. Louis...It will not only boost the economy, but it will also create a stronger community here.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Inspiring Afghan Resettlement
The International Institute Tours the U.S. to Attract Afghan Refugees to St. Louis
This article by Andrea Y. Henderson from St. Louis Public Radio details how Mojda Sidiqi and her team are traveling across the U.S. to encourage Afghan refugees to resettle in St. Louis. The feature discusses the unique opportunities the city offers and Mojda’s efforts to create a thriving community for new arrivals.
“We don’t want our new family members or new neighbors to continue to survive; we want them to thrive.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Building Community Through Resettlement
With a New Newspaper and New Businesses, Afghan Refugees Find Community in Missouri
Featured in this PBS NewsHour article, Mojda Sidiqi discusses her role in helping Afghan refugees maintain their cultural identity while building new lives in Missouri. The article highlights the launch of the Afghan Community Center, Chamber of Commerce, and other vital resources under her leadership.
“You’re not just tolerating new Americans. You’re embracing them, embracing who they are.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Supporting Afghan Businesses
International Institute Starts New Afghan Chamber of Commerce
This article from KSDK highlights the establishment of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce under Mojda Sidiqi’s guidance. The chamber provides crucial support for Afghan entrepreneurs, helping them establish and grow their businesses in St. Louis.
“The chamber is going to set people up for success as far as finances are concerned...as far as entrepreneurship...as far as helping them with starting a business...establishing themselves.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Fostering Cultural Identity
Modest Wear Gaining Attention in St. Louis — And Globally
This article by Shahla Farzan from St. Louis Public Radio focuses on Mojda Sidiqi’s work in modest fashion design, showcasing her efforts to empower women through culturally sensitive clothing. The article highlights a fashion show she organized, which brought attention to the growing demand for modest wear.
“The world thinks Muslim women don’t have style. They think we have allowed our men to oppress us to the point where we’ve given up our personality and desires, but that’s not true.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Raising Awareness and Building Support
Afghans Take to Streets of St. Louis to Rally for Peace in Their Homeland
This article by Holden Kurwicki from KSDK highlights Mojda Sidiqi’s role in organizing a rally in St. Louis to support peace in Afghanistan. The piece covers her advocacy efforts and the impact of her work in rallying the community to support Afghan refugees.
“It’s not enough. Millions of Afghans have been left hopeless.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Guiding a New Generation
Meet CAIR-Missouri’s New Executive Director, Mojda Sidiqi
This NPR article introduces Mojda Sidiqi as the new Executive Director of CAIR-Missouri. It highlights her journey from communications coordinator to a leadership role, showcasing her commitment to civil rights, justice, and empowering the Muslim community in Missouri.
“The whole point of being an activist, the whole point of worshipping any god, is that so I could relay the message of compassion and unity and family.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Understanding Faith and Community
Ramadan Observance Amidst the Pandemic
In this St. Louis Public Radio feature, Mojda Sidiqi shares how the Muslim community in St. Louis adapted to observing Ramadan during the pandemic. The article delves into the spiritual and communal adjustments made during this time and Mojda’s personal reflections on the experience.
“We have no excuse not to be reading the Quran. We have no excuse not to meet every single one of our prayers at the time that it’s set.”
-Mojda Sidiqi
Bridging Cultures Through Fashion and Dialogue
Big-Time Appreciation: Small Town — Big World Event Educates and Entertains
In this feature by David Blanchette from The Telegraph, Mojda Sidiqi is highlighted for her participation in the "Small Town — Big World" event at the Jacoby Arts Center. Through her hand-made clothing display and the "Meet a Muslim" program, Mojda engaged with the community to foster understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam, while also showcasing her passion for modest fashion.
“A lot of people think that Islam is a terrorist religious institution when really the word ‘Islam’ derives from the word ‘salaam,’ which means ‘peace.’ We are peace-loving, God-fearing human beings.”
-Mojda Sidiqi