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MuslimGirl’s collection with Getty Images challenges stereotypes of Muslim women

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By Haley Velasco, Freelance journalist

March 10, 2017 | 5 min read

In an effort to represent Muslim women in a "fresh and contemporary light", Getty Images has partnered with MuslimGirl.com, the largest Muslim women's website in the US, to create a host of images that challenge stereotypes.

MuslimGirl’s collection with Getty Images challenges stereotypes of Muslim women

MuslimGirl’s collection with Getty Images challenges stereotypes of Muslim women

Showing Muslim women taking selfies with friends, chatting on the phone and more, the images were created to challenge misconceptions of the Islamic community and better empower that community.

Founder and editor-in-chief of MuslimGirl.com, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh hopes this collection of 41 photos will be the first of many.

“Getty Images has a deep belief in the power of visuals to incite change and shift attitudes," said Pam Grossman, director of visual trends, Getty Images, in a statement.

"Visual literacy is so prolific with today's generation, that photos are now absorbed and processed with unprecedented immediacy. Positive imagery can have an impact on fighting stereotypes, celebrating diversity, and making communities feel empowered and represented in society. We're so proud to partner with MuslimGirl.com to increase the visibility of these kinds of images in the world.”

The images, which are available for commercial use, feature girls with and without a hijab, are shown doing every day activities, at home, with friends, and in the workplace, and their style and strength is front and center.

According to Grossman, keyword searches for “Muslim” has increased 107% over the last year on GettyImages.com.

"One of the ways I open up my talks is by asking the audience to search 'Muslim women' images on their phone browsers, which is always met with their awe at the unsettling results," said Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, founder and editor-in-chief, MuslimGirl.com, in a statement. "I don't want to be able to use that example anymore, and I could not be prouder to partner with Getty Images on finally taking on such an important and influential task."

This isn’t Getty’s first foray into challenging stereotypes. In 2016, they partnered with Refinery29, Lane Bryant and Aerie to create the 67% Project — speaking to the fact that 67% of women in the US are plus-size but only 2% of images depict plus-size women.

“67% of the bodies you see on our site, in our newsletter, and on our Instagram and Snapchat channels will be plus-size... We've been shooting stock photography and redesigning illustrations to more accurately reflect the women who make up the majority of our country. And we’re partnering with Getty Images to make this collection available to other outlets that wish to join us in closing the representation gap,” Refinery29 said in a statement.

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