Around 200 women gathered at the Al Zahra Muslim Women's Association event on June 19 to challenge the stereotype of female oppression and male domination, and talk about the distinction between culture, tradition and religion.

The day included demonstrations on the purpose of henna and how to apply it, a hijab and Arabic calligraphy exhibition and talks by Australia's first veiled policewoman, senior constable Maha Sukkar and first veiled lifesaver Mecca Laalaa.

Project manager Fatima Bazzi said the event was to "open people's eyes'' as to the daily challenges faced by Muslim women, who are often perceived in Australian society as oppressed and inferior to Islamic men.

Ms Bazzi said Muslim women were united in the fight for feminist issues and were opposed to domestic violence.

She said the event provided an opportunity for non-Muslims to better understand Muslim women, men and their families.

"People think the hijab is a restriction forced upon women, [and that] we are not educated, we are restricted to the home, [and] considered inferior to men in Islam,'' Ms Bazzi said. "This is entirely untrue.''

Winner of Muslim Woman of the Year, Zainab Beydoun, received the award for her extensive volunteer work and role in helping to establish Bellfield College, an Islamic School in Rossmore.

The speech pathologist and mother of four said: "I do as much as I can for the community.''

Federal Attorney-General and Barton MP Robert McClelland said the forum was an opportunity to "develop understanding and respect for our differences''.