#SASHeroes Honors South Asian Women and Destroys Stereotypes

by Farah Khan

Originally appeared on AsAm News:

Preconceived notions, misinformed stereotypes, and judgmental attitudes can often create the worst possible associations with South Asian women. But, this past Thursday, a Twitter chat hosted by Brown Girl Magazine, , Muslimah Montage, and Love, InshAllah, perfectly highlighted the amazing achievements of so many South Asian women around the world.

In celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month with this brilliant Twitter discussion, these groups focused on the countless differences made by South Asian women in their own communities and worldwide over the years. The response was overwhelming, and the hashtags #SAsianSHeroes and #SASHeroes were used to capture heroism in South Asian women from all walks of life.

From the first Indian woman to earn a degree in Western medicine, Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi; to Oscar-winning Pakistani documentarian, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy; to the third prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi; to Bollywood sensation, Madhuri Dixit; to American singer-songwriter, Norah Jones; and even to the heroes found closer to our homes in our mothers and sisters – this Twitter party celebrated South Asian women the way they should be celebrated every single day. And why do these conversations even matter? Because by acknowledging and discussing these amazing past and present heroes, we’re shaping the future generations of South Asian women across the world.

Curious to read more about the many South Asian women whom you need to know about?  Check out some of the highlights below.

Then take a trip over to Twitter and read the trending tweets associated with the hashtag mentioned above.

 

Farah Naz Khan is an internal medicine resident at Emory University. After graduating from college in Boston, she returned to her Alabama hometown to attend medical school, and was reunited with the mix of Southern hospitality and South Asian culture that had shaped her childhood. Follow her on Twitter @farah287 or read some of her thoughts at farah287.blogspot.com.

By Brown Girl Magazine

Brown Girl Magazine was created by and for South Asian womxn who believe in the power of storytelling as a … Read more ›