Sexism and patriarchy remain dominant infrastructures in today’s world. Reshaping that infrastructure and the centuries-old mindset that accompanies it requires collective engagement and action from us all, working in allyship with one another. It is only when we lift each other up collectively that we can finally dismantle the walls of inequality and oppression built by the patriarchy.
Ani Zonneveld exemplifies this spirit as a pioneering voice for progressive Islam and social justice. She is an award winning songwriter, Founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values, and author of the book, An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist.
In this session, Ani shares her personal and professional experiences in advocating for human rights, gender equality, and religious freedom. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between faith, feminism, and activism and the various initiatives she’s created in countering patriarchy and sexism in society including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and in opposing the misuse of religion to justify prejudice.
About Our Featured Speaker
Ani Zonneveld is an author, writer, singer/songwriter, founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), an international human rights organization that advocates for social justice and equality for all, a strong supporter of freedom of expression and of conscience, women’s rights and as an ally, LGBTQ rights. Ani promotes these values at the United Nations by challenging human rights abuses in the name of Islam, and by offering an inclusive understanding based on universal human rights and justice. Since its inception, Ani has presided over MPV’s expansion to include chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York, Boston, Columbus and Chicago, and the founder of Alliance Of Inclusive Muslims, the first Muslim human rights umbrella organization made of members spanning six continents.
Ani is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; on the U.N. Inter-agency’s Faith Advisory Council, and was commissioned by the U.N. Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect to create an anti-hate speech curriculum for Muslim communities. Born in Malaysia, Ani, a Muslim since birth, spent a good portion of her formative years raised in Germany, Egypt and India as an Ambassador’s daughter. Her exposure to different politics, religions and cultures has shaped her inclusive worldview.
Panelists
- Ani Zonneveld, President, Muslims for Progressive Values
- David Parker, Co-Founder and Publisher, Lived Places Publishing
Session Details
- Date/Time: April 16, 2026 at 12:00 US ET
- RSVP (free to all): https://cassyni.com/events/EGxVcEuuqSZxaBkBEX5CmT
About the Series
- For past and future sessions in the series: https://cassyni.com/s/where-we-stand
- For all LPP seminars: https://livedplacespublishing.com/category/seminars
About the Book
What happens when a Malaysian Muslim woman defies expectations and challenges patriarchy?
Ani Zonneveld shares her journey from Kuala Lumpur to rural Illinois, confronting invisible lines drawn by religion, gender, and race – all in pursuit of truth and justice.
From the music industry to global human rights forums, Ani uses her voice – literally and figuratively – to advocate for freedom of expression, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Islam. Whether navigating UN corridors or standing up to extremists, her story challenges dominant narratives and fosters radical empathy. Her memoir, An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist, is a bold invitation to step out of tribalism and into allyship, using the intersections of feminism, faith, and the arts as tools for transformation.
Ideal for educators, students, and readers in activism, gender studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, Islamic studies, cultural anthropology, and human rights.
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- Please send questions or inquiries to Michael Boezi at michael [at] lived places publishing [dot] com
