A unique event celebrating both International Women’s Day (IWD) and Ramadan was held in Bedford last month, honouring Muslim women who have made significant contributions to society.
The Hawaa Empower IWD event took place on Saturday, 8 March at The Marquee Bedford, inviting over 300 women of all backgrounds to share their struggles, celebrate their achievements and inspire collective action.
The event included breaking of the fast, bringing together professionals and communities in a communal iftar gathering, with Quran recitation by Kadeja Begum and Nasheed (songs) performed by Malaika Khan, honouring the role of the mother.
The event featured a lineup of trailblazing Muslim women speakers including Dr Nazia Khanum OB, DL, first Muslim Female Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Zara Mohammed, first Scottish and female General Secretary for Muslim Council of Britain, Selina Ullah, Chair of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Uroosa Arshid, the UK’s first Muslim hijab-wearing (headscarf) firefighter.
Other speakers at the event were Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE, FREng, DL, a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the highest honour for an engineer in the UK, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the School of Aerospace at Cranfield University.
Fundraising was for Bedford-based charity Creating Memories, and the founder, Pritti Saggi spoke about her personal journey and how she set up the award-winning organisation.
Speakers recognised that while women face numerous forms of discrimination and barriers, these challenges are compounded for those with intersecting identities. Muslim women who also belong to underrepresented and marginalised groups, whether based on race, disability, or other factors, experience multiplied obstacles due to this intersectionality.
Additionally, the rising tide of Islamophobia and widespread misconceptions about Muslim women have created further layers of prejudice and barriers to overcome.
Laura Church, Chief Executive for Bedford Borough Council, said: “International Women’s Day is an important date in the calendar. It gives a chance to celebrate, share and reflect.
“It was great to attend the event on Saturday which gave a chance to do all three and be inspired. It was great to hear the speakers’ journeys and messages, and the key message I took away was don’t let there be any barriers to what you want to do.”
Lucy Bardner, Community Programmes Director at the Harpur Trust said: “We were keen to sponsor the Hawaa celebration as it was such a positive event last year, but this year it was even better.
“The speakers were inspirational; what a coup to get Zara Mohammed of the Muslim Council of Great Britain being so honest and full of
advice for Bedford young women, and the first hijabi firefighter in the UK talking about being a new Mum going back to a physically demanding role really helped to explain resilience in the face of challenge.
“Plus, local role model Dame Helen Atkinson, reminding girls to aim high in STEM careers.
“The team organising the event were first class; so efficient and hospitable. I learned so much from all the women there; amazing work Hawaa, thank you.”
Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE, FREng, DL said: “I was very pleased to represent the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire at this event. It was inspirational to hear from Muslim women who hold positions of major responsibility and fulfill their career ambitions.
“I would like to thank all those who put so much volunteer effort into making this event happen for the Bedford and Bedfordshire community.”
Director and foundef of Hawaa Empower, Shapna Khanam said that hosting the event was a statement of purpose and a call to action.
“At Hawaa Empower, our focus is on creating spaces for the community to be heard and valued,” she said.
“Often layers of inequality hold individuals back, whether it is gender bias, racial discrimination, or barriers tied to faith, identity, or social economic background.
“Thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to our movement”.
The event was sponsored by The Gale Family Trust, Jagtar Singh Associates, Harpur Trust, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Dadaji’s, Bedfordshire Police, Al Ansari Foundation, Hawaa Community, The Marquee Bedford, Love in Décor and Cauldwell Cllrs Community Ward Fund.
Auction items were donated by FWBeauty, Sunna Musk, Sev’s Natural Skin Care and Sahar Scents, Dhikr Collections, and Chiara Photography to raise money for Creating Memories.
You can find out more about Hawaa Empower at their website here.
