GAYA Magazine May 2017 - Hijab & Modest Fashion for today's Muslim woman

May 2017

PURE INSPIRATION

SINGAPORE

modest Fashion WEEK

May 2017

Contents Cover Story

Fashion 

   

Pure Inspiration: A Collaboration with Pure the label & Fashion With Faith MOGA Scarves Launches with ASOS ZALORA Launches 2017 Festive Collection Singapore Modest Fashion Weekend 2017 SMFW Designers Fashion Showcase

Beauty 

Turning Back The Clock

Opinion 

My Plural Identity: Between Struggles & Challenges

Food  

Avocado Grilled Cheese Avocado Pesto Pasta

Health 

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine or content may be reproduced or used without the written permission of the publisher: C.A. Editorial Consultants. All information contained in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. The views, ideas, comments, and opinions expressed in this publication are solely of the writers, interviewees, press agencies, and manufacturers and do not represent the views of the editor or the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies or losses incurred. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit material to us, you automatically grant C.A. Editorial Consultants a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world.

Combating Anemia

TEAMG AYA Our Writers

Co-founder & CEO Editor-in-chief Juliana Iskandar juliana@gayamagazine.com

Country Editor Australia Mastura Koelmeyer

Country Editor Bangladesh Mumtahana Elahi

Beauty Editor Naira Ghanem

Aateka Samara Amal El Gharbi Ameena M Shagari Ana Maria Aneesa Anu Shukla Asma Toujani Assil Taha Ayesha Khan Aylim Duran Azrina Naimuddin Bushra Amjad Hakeemah Cummings Haleemah Dandarawi Hanna Begum Hajar Masri Hira Ali Hasna B Idil Mohamed Ali Iqra Arif Lamaa Husseini Lamya Ayad Layla Rodrigues Lipa Hussain Madiha Ahmed Mahnoor Malik Malikah Ebrahim Marwa Samara Mahvash Rehman Nada Alzalloum

Nadia Ali Nafisa Bakkar Naseema Miah Nawal Boukir Nouhailah Rahma Talwar Regine Maryam Reham Khan Roda Abdi Rym Shamas Sabera Hassanally Goulam Safira Adam Sajeda Sheikh Saleema Shah Salma Shalaby Sana Mahmood Sanae Chakrouni Sara Dekkiche Sarah Ghanem Shazia Javed Hassam Sheema Sherry Sheikha Haroon Shuhada Alauddin Siddika Jaffer Siti Nur Habibah Stoori Khan Tayeba Abdur-Rahman Unaizah Toffar Zoya Khan

Designer Jessalynne Woo

Editorial Assistants Atikah Z Hanisah Maskon

Marketing & Distribution Byte.ME Pte. Ltd.

join our team of writers.

magazine@gayamagazine.com

May Love... he feeling of loss can sometimes consume you. You feel like you can't get out of bed and get back to your normal routine. You try but part of you feels guilty if you carry on life as normal. I know it doesn't sound very Muslim of me to feel this way but emotions can be quite overwhelming.

T

For many of you who know me personally and follow me on my IG, you know I've recently lost the most important person in my life: my grandmother - the woman I introduced to you before. For those who knew and sent me your heartfelt condolences, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those of you who have reached out to me to check that I'm ok, I sincerely thank you. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have come out of my cave. For everyone who has waited patiently for this issue, I really really thank you. Thank you for your love and patience. I know work and life shouldn't be affected and my grandmother had taught me better, but sometimes when the loss is so extreme and so sudden, it's hard to find sanity in all this. Nonetheless I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

love & peace...

Juliana Iskandar

how to use gaya Spot these icons in the magazine?

Tap them to go directly to the website, social media or even play a video.

Tap here to go to the website

Tap this icon to view Instagram

Tap this icon to go to Facebook

Tap this icon to go to Twitter

Tap this icon to go to a page

Tap this icon to play a video

Fashion

INSPIRATION A minimalistic life is all about getting rid of life’s excess and to focus on what is truly important.

The minimalistic fashion is a reflection of this lifestyle.

Clean lines, neutral colours and functionality.

We had the pleasure of having breakfast with influencer, Imane Asry of Fashion With Faith and designer, Sid of PURE THE LABEL to find out more about what compelled them to steer away from mainstream bold and dramatic fashion and instead chose to lean close to the more simple and structured fashion style.

Written by Hanisah Maskon Photos by Asyari Photography

5

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Imane Asry needs no introduction. A student from Stockholm, Imane is a vlogger and influencer who started her journey with social media when she was 15. “When I first started wearing the hijab, I was experimenting my fashion sense. I wore turban and high cut jeans.

I had mixed reviews at that time. Over time, my fashion style evolved and I grew to be most comfortable with minimalistic fashion.�

6

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

“I would wear clothes that have flowers but there is nothing more satisfying then to wear something simple.”

Imane now describes her personal style as ‘simple’, ‘comfortable’ and ‘minimalistic’. She believes that the simplicity of minimalistic fashion goes hand in hand with modesty. “That is what Islam is about. Simplicity.”

Imane shared that growing up and being active in social media can be pressurising but she enjoys creating content and staying creative.

She thanked her family and friends who had always supported her.

“Alhamdulillah, Allahuakhbar. My followers had been wonderful too.

They had been super supportive.”

On whether or not her style would change in years to come, Imane is not shy to share that it might.

...Over time, my fashion style evolved

Well, whatever Imane chooses to wear, we know we would always love it.

and I grew to be most comfortable with minimalistic fashion...

7

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Imane is wearing Simplicity Top & Pure Pants in beige. Available online.

8

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

It was instantly easy to get comfortable with Sid. Throughout the interview, one could sense how unassuming and genuine the designer and owner of PURE THE LABEL is. It was not difficult to see how the collections from PURE THE LABEL reflects her persona.

With a background in interior design, Sid shared that there were times when her fashion style swayed towards the interior of the hotels that she designed.

There were also times when she would wear clothes that have ‘drama’ in them.

“If you would see my past Hari Raya (Eid) clothes, I wore like, lime green and pink. Must be my hormones!”

However, over the course of time, she eventually found a style that resonates with her true self. This personal journey of hers is one of the inspiration behind the designs of her collection.

...Modesty has a strong yet subtle statement to it. It is a value. It is our faith and there is power in subtlety...

9

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Imane is wearing Pure’s new collection as seen on the runway of Singapore Modest Fashion Week.

Available mid June.

10

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Sid had envisioned PURE to reflect the strength and independence of women and mentioned how Imane is a “perfect PURE woman�. Sid is thankful that customers have begun to understand the intentions behind PURE THE LABEL and is grateful for the support that she had received thus far.

Well, one thing is for sure, we are definitely keeping our eyes on this brand!

11

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Fashion

FEMINIST FASHION LABEL MOGA LAUNCHES WITH ASOS

12

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

MOGA is officially ASOS certified and we could not be more excited!

It has been an incredible few months since our launch in September last year and we are proud to announce our latest collection for global online retail juggernaut ASOS (Marketplace).

We have teamed up with fellow Melbourne based fashion label Collective Closets to create a series of unique and bold looks for our boutique ranging from scarves (designed by MOGA) to dresses, jumpsuits and pants (designed by Collective Closets) for all the fierce and fabulous ladies out there.

13

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

On top of our SPECTRA collection that is currently available online, we will also be debuting 5 new and strictly limited edition retro inspired scarves exclusively to ASOS. In total, we will be launching with designs for our boutique which have been carefully selected to highlight the diversity of our fans who range from trendy hijabsters to festival goers and even the incredibly brave women undergoing chemotherapy.

14

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

At MOGA, we’re all about changing stereotypes and social norms when it comes to fashion. As a feminist label, we pride ourselves on creating innovative looks that are bold and unique, so each of our fans can feel fierce and fabulous! We are also a social enterprise at heart that is committed to empowering women around the world.

20% of our profits are donated to the CARE Foundation to help young women in parts of the developing world receive the education they deserve.

15

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Fashion

launches 2017

yxáà|äx vÉÄÄxvà|ÉÇ 16

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Lubna Collection

Z

ALORA, Asia’s Online Fashion Destination, is proud to unveil exclusive Festive Collections for 2017 from its very own in-house labels: Zalia, Zalia Homme and Lubna. Styleconscious consumers seeking glamorous modest wear that is on-trend can look forward to a wide selection of versatile pieces for the upcoming festive season.

17

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Lubna Collection

Designed by a dedicated team at ZALORA Design Studio, the three labels are available exclusively on ZALORA in Singapore starting this month and Lubna will be available for pre-orders starting 7 April.

This year, ZALORA presents the "Enchanted Forest" series for Zalia 2017 Festive Collection. A line of statement-making and wearable pieces that takes inspiration from the natural elements and life in a forest, the collection closely references leafy ferns, tangling vines, climbing wild flowers and lush overgrown foliage. These elements are translated into the designs, 18

as seen through the elaborate detailing like 3D appliques, embroideries and print artworks that are set against timeless silhouettes like princess cut dresses and mermaid shape skirts.

For the first time, ZALORA has launched a line of bags for Zalia Festive Collection. Style savvy shoppers can look forward to a range of handbags adorned with embellishments and intricate embroideries. Available in assorted shapes and sizes - from chainstrap handbags to clutches - these bags are the ultimate occasionwear companion and a must-have to complete the festive look.

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

"Enchanted Forest" series for Zalia 2017 Festive Collection

19

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

With over 160 options such as blouses, skirts, dresses, coordinate sets, bags and headscarves in various colours and styles to choose from, the ready-towear collection aims to cater to modern women with different tastes and preferences.

Contemporary menswear label, Zalia Homme returns with a bigger festive collection this year. The 2017 Festive Collection is peppered with intricate designs inspired by latest trends like carefully designed embroidery patterns, motif prints and gold embellishments, while maintaining the traditional silhouette and shapes familiar to many.

20

Key picks include textured cotton tops, embroidered shirts and jacquard outerwear, and with over 40 items to choose from, the modern man seeking easy-to-wear Raya outfits can mix and match the versatile pieces to create different looks, enabling him to maximise his festive wardrobe using less items.

Daring to revolutionise modest wear for the modern woman, Lubna’s second capsule collection for the festive season is a blend of trend-smashing textural play and subtle shimmer with the brand’s signature fresh and romantic styling. Made for the Lubna woman

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

who is confident with her unique sense of style and always looking to inspire those around her with creative ideas and the latest trends, the new collection aims to evoke positive emotions associated with happiness, friendship and togetherness.

The extensive 240-piece collection features a stunning range of modern baju kurung choices in shapes like high-low mermaid and pencil that goes beyond the festive season and can also be worn on special occasions throughout the year. Â

prints, feminine florals and statement sleeves in shades of pastel pink and peach with hints of metallic and monochrome. Using special fabrics and textures like layered crepe, ruching, 3D floral embellishments, shimmer and organza printed fabrics, the Lubna 2017 Eid Collection is set to take the festive fashion up a notch.

Â

The collection is brimming with versatile separates in floral lace, dark botanical  21

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Fashion

LOCAL & REGIONAL DESIGNERS SHINE AT THE FIRST-EVER

SINGAPORE MODEST FASHION WEEKEND 2017.

Photos by Jessalynne Woo

B

eing the first is never an easy feat. With no previous steps to follow, it can feel like you’re walking a tightrope for the first time with no safety net below.

But sometimes being the first means no rules and no rules means you have all the creativity in the world to make it your own. And that can be a good thing - depending on how you look at it.

The first-ever Singapore Modest Fashion Weekend was no exception. Organisers, RoseValley, had their work cut out for them, but needless to say, they nailed it.

And we couldn’t be prouder.

22

The 3-day event brought local and regional fashion designers to the stage.

And if that wasn’t enough, there was a networking high-tea with some of the top local and international influencers, an exclusive workshop by sought after stylist Min Luna and an exclusive makeup workshop by celebrity makeup artist Syed Faizal.

The hall glittered with local and regional celebrities and influencers such as Dalillah Ismail, Imane Asry of Fashion with Faith, Zahra Rose and Omaya Zein.

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Whilst Modest Fashion shows are quite the norm in places such as Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia and even London, this was the first time Singapore had ever taken it on, which came to a surprise to the international visitors.

Whilst our little island does have its own share of talented modest fashion designers, the level of attention this genre has received hasn’t reached its pinnacle unlike our counterparts.

Modest Fashion here is still rather under wraps. We may have had fashion shows and exhibitions in the past, but it has not had its own spotlight until today.

The event which took place on the 14th to the 16th of April 2017, was planned to coincide with the upcoming Ramadan 23

giving visitors an early look into this year’s Eid Collections.

However being the first of its kind on a scale like this, never seen before in Singapore, made it challenging to convince local designers to take the leap and be a part of the event, according to the organisers, RoseValley. But once onboard, many saw it as an opportunity to elevate their brand to the next level.

Needless to say, the 3-day event was a success story that should be replicated in the years to come. Insya’Allah.

Enjoy the next few pages of sheer inspiration from some of the designers showcased at Singapore Modest Fashion Weekend 2017.

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

ADRIANNA YARIQA

24

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

The Warisan Collection

by Adrianna Yariqa.

Specially curated for Eid 2017. Featured here, the TEJA Kurung Blue Silver.

25

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

26

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

SAZZY FALAK

27

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

The Modest Collection specially curated for Eid 2017 by Malaysian celebrity, Sazzy Falak. Featured here, SOFEA in blue.

28

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

29

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

BY DYNAS MOKHTAR

30

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

One-Ra ready to wear exclusive collection by Malaysian celebrity Dynas Mokhtar.

31

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

32

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

RIAMIRANDA

33

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Ria Miranda from Indonesia showcases her upcoming Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection.

34

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

35

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

X NUSHEE NURRA

36

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Love at First Raya Collection: a design collaboration between Singapore labels ANZA and Nushee Nurra for Eid 2017.

Featured here, Isabella lace dress in white.

37

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

38

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

GIRLFRIENDS

BY FIZA O.

39

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Girlfriends latest 2017 collection by Singapore celebrity Fiza O. Clutch by Girlfriends by Fiza O. 40

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

41

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

BY NORA DANISH

42

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Owl Raya Collection 2017

by Malaysian celebrity, Nora Danish. Featured here, Seroja in pink.

43

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

44

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

LULLY SELB

45

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Eid’17 Momento Collection by Singapore label Lully Selb.

46

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

47

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

48

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Singapore label PURE launches its first Eid Collection at SMFW. 49

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

50

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

BY ROSITA HUSSIN

51

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Eid 2017 Collection from ROSITA by Singapore celebrity Rosita Hussin.

52

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

53

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

MIMPIKITA

54

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Bespoke Lebaran Collection by Malaysian label MimpiKita.

55

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

56

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

LULU ALHADAD

57

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Gorgeous kaftans and ethnic wear by Singapore designer Lulu Alhadad.

58

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

59

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

FIZI WOO

60

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Fall Winter 17/18

by Malaysian label Fiziwoo.

61

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

62

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

NO SKIN ATTACHED

63

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Raya Collection from Singapore label No Skin Attached.

64

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

65

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

BETA AZEE

66

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

New Eid Collection

by Beta Azee.

Bold modern colors intertwined with traditional material and cut.

67

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

68

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

RICO RINALDI

69

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Bespoke Summer Raya Collection by Rico Rinaldi.

70

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

71

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

DARLA & FLYN

72

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Kids Raya Collection

by Darla and Flyn.

73

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

74

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

KARIMAH A DESIGN

75

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Stroke Of Songket 2017 Eid Collecion by Karimah A Design

76

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

77

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

78

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Eid Collection

by Singapore label, Aeesha.

79

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

80

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

LYNDA RAHIM

81

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Eid Luxe 2017 Collection by Lynda Rahim Kuala Lumpur.

Featured here, Cherry Quist.

82

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

83

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

NURITA HARITH

84

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Lebaran Luxe Collection by Nurita Harith. Featured here, Eleanor.

85

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

86

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

SYOMIRIZWA GUPTA

87

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Raya Cruise 2017 by Syomirizwa Gupta.

88

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

89

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

RAFFIEY NASIR

90

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

SMFW Designer of the Year, Raffiey Nasir.

91

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

92

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Beauty

TURNING BACK THE

CLOCK Our skin goes through all sorts of pollution, sun and stress throughout the day. So it is imperative that at the end of the day, we take a few minutes before bed to take care of our skin. According to researchers, new skin cells grow faster while we sleep, therefore a nighttime routine should be a top priority - whether you’re too tired to do it or not.

93

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

REMOVE TRACES OF MAKEUP For many of us, makeup is part of our daily routine before heading out to work or school. The ingredients in our makeup dig deep into our pores and this leads to clog pores and even pimples.

Prolonged use of makeup also ages the skin. And since our skin cells grow at night while we sleep, it is so important to wipe off all that makeup and grime accumulated during the day. You may have your own go-to makeup remover, some of you may even reach for the easy wipes. Whatever your preferred remover is, be sure to get a good one one that really rids your face from all that gunk.

Our personal fave is this Calm & Composed Purifying Makeup Remover

by Good Virtues Co. It’s halal, free of harmful chemicals and is infused with organic black seed oil.

94

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

WASH IT ALL OFF Now that the first step of cleansing is done, on to the next step. Washing it off. There are various types of face cleansers in the market - from the ones that promise to unclog pores to the ones that promise to reduce fine lines. Researchers have said that these extra promises aren’t really important and we shouldn’t be fussed about them. What you do want to do is choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin.

We’ve tried a few and here are our two favourites Oil balancing exfoliating wash from Simple, and Purity from Philosophy.

95

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB Sometimes if an exfoliating cleanser is not enough, or if you’ve not opted for an exfoliating cleanser, you may want to get that extra boost by using an exfoliator either in a form of a brush or a pad. Foreo has been hailed as one of the best in the market and is available at Sephora but personally, we don’t want to shell out a load of cash on that, so we found a cheaper alternative, just as good and just as available at Sephora. We found this at the Sephora beauty tools aisle.

If you spot it, get it and let the tiny bristles do its thing.

We only got it for less than 10 bucks. Well worth it!

96

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

MOISTURISE Now that your face is all shiny and clean, slap on your favourite moisturiser. Just like the face cleanser, the choice of a moisturiser is personal.

Select a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type. If you’re acne prone, be sure to get a moisturiser that is for that purpose and doesn’t clog the pores. The last thing you want is more pimples when you’ve cleansed your skin so well.

If a moisturiser is not up your alley, you may want to opt for an oil-based serum. Oil is good for the skin. It keeps the skin from aging and that’s a hell of a good thing. Our personal favourite is Habatus Sauda Oil available at VivaQueenBee.com.

Been using this for almost a year and we aren’t about to swap it out.

97

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Opinion

my plural identity Between choices & struggles

Written by Amal El Gharbi Photos by Assia Takkal “Where are you from?”

“From Belgium.”

“Yes, you live in Belgium, but what’s your cultural background?”

“I was born and raised here in Brussels, Belgium, by Moroccan parents.”

“Oh, so you’re Moroccan.”

“I’m Belgian and Moroccan.”

98

When I was a teenager, I often got sad when I was systematically reminded of my Moroccan origins over my Belgian belonging. It was like there were the “real” Belgians, and the “not real ones”, like me. I felt like I couldn’t be considered as a Belgian, while born and growing up in Belgium.

Same goes when I was in Morocco, while visiting during the summer holidays. People there used to tell me that I was from “the other side” of the Mediterranean Sea, from “al kharij” (literally meaning “the outside”), that I wasn’t a “real” Moroccan.

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

“Basically, in Belgium, I’m a Moroccan, and in Morocco, I’m a Belgian”, the 16-year-old girl I was, concluded, a bit confused. This conclusion, and, above all, this feeling of “belonging to nowhere” I had - at that time - led me to question my sense of cultural belonging.

Then I started refuging in something that seemed to me more secure, something that would erase all the barriers imposed by so called cultural borders: religion.

Only a few schools accept or allow religious signs, but let’s admit it, the quality of education is not that good, not to say that those schools look like ghettos.

Thus you have to choose whether you want to go to a highly-ranked school to benefit from a high-quality education (and take your scarf off) or to be free of practicing your faith, in a ghetto school.

“

Wearing a hijab is not that easy when you’re a young woman living in Europe as it’s banned from most of the schools and workplaces, making the access to education and work for Muslim women really difficult.

”

I started wearing the hijab, practicing and learning every day more about Islam, and later at university, getting in-depth knowledge of History and historical criticism, Arabic, social sciences,…

Wearing a hijab is not that easy when you’re a young woman living in Europe as it’s banned from most of the schools and workplaces, making the access to education and work for Muslim women really difficult.

99

I made a choice: I took my scarf off during my last years at high school.

Having a good education mattered to me most (also as I’m convinced that it’s a priority actually), but I keep thinking that it’s so sad to be left with little choice. For example, I’d love to teach in a school, but it’s not possible. All the public institutions forbid any sort of religious sign among their employees.

Same goes with the majority of private companies (recently The European

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Court of Justice has ruled that employers are allowed to ban employees from wearing visible religious symbols in the workplace). Here again, you face a cornelian choice: to keep your scarf on knowing that only a few private companies or centers allow it or to take it off and work ‘everywhere’.

Furthermore, being a Muslim allowed me to experience what it’s like to “belong” to a religious community, with all aspects it has to offer, good and bad: fraternity, solidarity, benevolence, building strong social links, but also the pressure of social and religious conformism.

I guess I got lucky, very lucky, to find a job in one of those rare private centers where pluralism and cultural diversity are encouraged. I feel blessed. What about my other sisters out there?

Indeed, I faced many intolerant remarks within my own community; especially on my way of dressing and wearing the hijab (turban styled) (see my short pieces: “Compassion” and “I chose Modesty”, published in my blog).

100

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Undoubtedly people’s reactions shaped the way I perceived myself, my identity, my choices. On the one hand, it made me hold on to certain elements of my identity (my faith, for instance).

On the other hand, it made me rethink and question everything: my perception of what is called “identity”, the reasons of my belonging to one in particular, my role in society as a Belgian from Moroccan origins, a Muslim, a woman…

THE WRITER: AMAL EL GHARBI Editor, translator, writer for Peace, born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, Aamaly - alias Amal El Gharbi, is passionate about modest fashion and interested in social and women issues. Aamaly mag is a bilingual online space created after an inspirational trip to Canada to share passion for modest fashion, but also insights on women’s conditions, education and society.

101

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Food

AVOCADO aficionado

The avocado. Love it or hate it, it is one of the most nutritious fruits out there. This small dynamite is packed with a wide variety of nutrients including 20 different types of vitamins and minerals. High in healthy fat, the avocado can be added to almost everything. We personally like to add a few slices of avocado in scrambled eggs in the morning for that added boost for the day. But here are other ways (and quick recipes) to add it into your diet.

102

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Food

AVOCADO

GRILLED CHEESE

103

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Ingredients 1 avocado Juice of 1 lime Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp butter 2 slices bread 2 slices pepper jack cheese 104

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Method 

In a mixing bowl, mash avocado with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.



Heat pan to medium heat. Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread, then spread avocado on the non-buttered side of one slice.



Top with cheese and close sandwich.



Place sandwich in a pan, then cover and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.



Flip and cook other side until cheese is melty and bread is golden brown, 2 minutes more.



Slice in half and serve.

105

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Food

AVOCADO

Pesto Pasta

106

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Ingredients 1 lb linguini 1 avocado, pitted 2 cup fresh basil 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Salt

107

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Method 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and return to pot.



Meanwhile, in a food processor blend avocado, basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese and season with salt until creamy.



Add pesto to pasta along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss well to combine.



Add tomatoes and toss.



Serve with more Parmesan cheese.

108

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Health

COMBATING ANEMIA Women of reproductive age, mostly have inadequate levels of hemoglobin, which is a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. This causes anemia which may cause the feeling of fatigue and lack of energy. However a healthy lifestyle and smart nutrition choices can help to combat the condition of anemia.

In this month’s issue, I share with you tips which can help in increasing the hemoglobin production and treating the condition.

Written by Stoori Khan 109

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Eat iron and fiber rich foods like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, broccoli, kidney beans, berries and green leafy vegetables. In addition to that, consume citrus fruits as it helps in increasing the absorption of iron. Add on Vitamin B12 rich foods like meat and dairy as they produce red blood cells which will help to combat the inadequate levels of hemoglobin.

110

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Add cumin seeds and black pepper powder to your soup and curries as they are a very good source of iron. Iron is your best friend in combating anemia.

111

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

A famous quote says: “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” And it’s rightly said as apples are rich in iron and its daily intake can fulfil the deficiency of iron in the body.

On the other hand, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C which encourages quick iron absorption, so for a synergistic effect, drink a glass of an apple and tomato juice to combat anemia.

112

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia while honey is a very powerful agent when it comes to increasing hemoglobin in the blood.

For a greater effect, slice a ripe banana, mix it with one tablespoon of honey, and eat it twice a day to treat anemia.

113

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Dates, raisins, figs, almonds, pistachio etc.

Are rich in iron. Munch these between meal times instead of consuming junk food or simply add to your smoothie or shake. And avoid coffee and tea after meals as it decreases iron absorption.

114

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Women with low levels of vitamin D have a much higher risk of anemia.

Exposing your body to early morning sunlight 10 minutes a day can help in treating anemia. In addition to natural agents on the skin, massaging the body with mustard, olive or coconut oil can also increase blood circulation.

ABOUT THE WRITER: STOORI KHAN Stoori Khan is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate and an author/poetess.

You can find her work at: fb.com/stoori.thepoetess

115

GAYA MAGA ZINE. COM

Always with you wherever you go.

Get GAYA MAGAZINE on your iPhone, iPad, Android or Tablet.

Download & Subscribe FREE today!