Building Bridges, Empowering Women, Uniting Community.
The Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization founded by fifty women in the wake of September 11, 2001 — dedicated to interfaith understanding, charitable service, and correcting misconceptions about Islam and Muslim women.
Interfaith Unity
Mutual Respect
Equality for All
Education & Bursaries
Compassion & Charity
Interfaith Unity
Mutual Respect
Equality for All
Education & Bursaries
Compassion & Charity
Twenty-five years of building bridges in Ottawa.
The Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization was established on September 30, 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks, when the Muslim community was reeling with shock. About fifty dedicated women from diverse origins came together with one goal: to build bridges with people of all faith groups and address misconceptions about Islam and the image of Muslim women.
Today, OMWO’s membership has grown to include men and women from many faith backgrounds, united in mutual respect, acceptance, and understanding of all cultures, traditions, and religions — reaching out to fellow Muslims and to every community across Ottawa and Canada for the common good of all.
Today, OMWO’s membership has grown to include men and women from many faith backgrounds, united in mutual respect, acceptance, and understanding of all cultures, traditions, and religions — reaching out to fellow Muslims and to every community across Ottawa and Canada for the common good of all.
“The most honoured of you in the sight of God is one who is the most righteous of you.”
Programs & services that carry our mission forward.
From named bursaries to interfaith events and community fundraising, here’s how OMWO puts its mission into practice.
Scholarships & Bursaries
The Eva Wahab, Khadija Haffajee, and Charlotte Lorbeer bursaries at Algonquin College support students in nursing, trades, and culinary programs.
Community Fundraising
Annual giving directed to hospitals, shelters, refugee relief, and disaster funds — over twenty causes supported since 2001.
Interfaith & Educational Events
From Islamic History Month lectures to our annual spring dinner, we bring the wider Ottawa community together.
Membership & Volunteering
Open to men and women of every faith who want to serve, learn, and build genuine friendships across Ottawa.
List of Beneficiaries
A selection of the hospitals, charities, and causes OMWO has proudly supported since 2001.
CARE Canada — Afghan Women & Children
2002
World University Service of Canada
2002
CHEO — Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
2003
Ottawa University Heart Institute
2004
Tsunami Relief — India & Indonesia
2005
Earthquake Relief — Bam, Iran
2005
Canadian Cancer Society
2006
Terry Fox Cancer Foundation
2006
Multifaith Housing Initiative
2007
Join us in building bridges across Ottawa.
Whether you give your time, your voice, or your support — every contribution helps OMWO continue two decades of service, education, and interfaith understanding.
Upcoming Events
Join us at our community gatherings, lectures, and annual celebrations.
Islamic History Month Canada — IHMC Ottawa
Commemorating the rich heritage and contributions of Canadian Muslims, featuring guest speakers from the local academic community.
OMWO Annual Community Dinner
Our signature spring dinner bringing together the diverse Ottawa community for an evening of connection and celebration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining, supporting, or partnering with OMWO.
OMWO welcomes both men and women from any faith background. While founded by Muslim women, our membership has grown to include people of various faiths who share our commitment to interfaith understanding and community service.
OMWO is run entirely by volunteers without purpose of personal gain. Donations go directly toward our bursary funds, community fundraising causes, and educational events across Ottawa.
We proudly support three named bursaries at Algonquin College: the Eva Wahab Bursary, the Khadija Haffajee Bursary (supporting Syrian refugee students in trades and culinary programs), and the Charlotte Lorbeer Bursary (supporting a female nursing student).
You can become a member, attend our events such as Islamic History Month Canada or the Annual Spring Dinner, or reach out directly via our contact form to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
OMWO is an independent, non-profit organization. We cooperate with other NGOs and Muslim organizations across Ottawa and Canada that share similar values and goals, while remaining an independent volunteer-run body.