Muslim Women’s Voices

Story: Michelle Cook

Muslim Women’s Voices is a group based in Burngreave whose aim is to listen to and involve Muslim women who are at risk of being socially excluded on the grounds of their religion, belief, gender, race or other social or economic disadvantage.

On 23rd February, they held their first AGM at the Vestry Hall in Burngreave. Over 100 women, from many different cultures, attended. The theme was Women’s Empowerment. Guest speaker, former MP Helen Jackson, said,

“Muslim Women’s Voices have shown the importance of having the confidence to speak. I have been inspired by the work of women who had to overcome difficulties in their own lives to achieve this. Every year they have gone from strength to strength. Women can be the agents of change in the world.”

Kaltun Mohammed of Byron Wood School extended services said,

“I have lived in Sheffield half my life. When I first got here, I didn’t speak English and I didn't want to come out of my house. But I got involved to help my children and to encourage other women to get involved.”

Zabeda Hussain from Pye Bank School extended services, one of the founders, said,

“It’s really important to have women’s voices heard. There is so much good work going on in Sheffield and elsewhere, we wanted everyone to share the good practice. There are lots of communities represented here today which is very good.”

New members are always welcome and women are encouraged to be involved. Anyone interested please contact Rafiza Amin at muslimwomensvoices@gmail.com or 07940 984 998.