Aziza Abdel-Halim

Aziza Abdel-Halim is an Egyptian-Australian academic, teacher, and founder of the Muslim Women's National Network Australia (MWNNA).

Early life and education Abdel-Halim was born in Egypt, and grew up in Alexandria during World War II. Her parents were educated, and Abdel-Halim gained a university education. Abdel-Halim was involved in political causes such as marching for Egyptian independence from colonial Britain, joining the Young Egypt Party, and supporting an independent Palestine. Abdel-Halim's uncle was arrested for criticising President Gamal Abdel Nasser's policies, and physically and psychologically traumatised while in jail.

Abdel-Halim migrated to Australia in 1970 with her husband and two children. In 1973, Abdel-Halim began wearing a hijab as a sign of solidarity with other Muslim women and because she wanted to make the statement "I am a Muslim woman. If you want to know about Islam, ask me."

Abdel-Halim writes on aspects of Islam and the role of women. In 1977, she wrote a chapter in a book discussing the role of women in different religions, Deliver Us from Eve. She has additionally held the roles of Chairperson of the Women Movement South-East Asia and the Pacific, Vice President of the Regional Islamic Dawah Council of South-East Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP), and board member of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations.

In 2008, Abdel-Halim was the recipient of the "Australian Muslim Lifetime Achiever Award" for more than 25 years of Excellence in Community/Professional service.