Story: Michelle Cook
On 27th April, ‘Muslim Women‘s Voices’ was launched with an event held at Sorby House. Their aim is “to be an independent, proactive network that seeks out and values the voices of Muslim women and empowers Muslim women to influence strategies and decision making processes that affect our lives”
Baroness Haleh Asfar OBE, AcSS, a leading expert in women’s politics and Islamic law and a founding member of Muslim Women’s Network UK, opened the event. She spoke about the role of women in policy and decision making and how their voices can be a powerful force. There are many misconceptions about women in Islam that prevent their voices being heard in society. Women themselves could play a role in challenging these by questioning the interpretation of teachings and ideas.
Around 40 local women attended the meeting. They split into workshops and explored key questions such as:
What barriers do Muslim women face?
How can they be overcome?
How can we engage with Muslim women more effectively?
The organisers plan to hold a series of regular meetings (‘listening workshops’) where women can share their experiences and ideas.
Also they plan to use online networking tools to reach as wide an area as possible to gather a diverse cross section of women.
For more information or if you would like to become a member contact: muslimwomensvoices@gmail.com or
phone Zaiada 0114 243 5577 or Rafiza 07940 984 998 or Salma 07809 629 934.