Empower Muslim women, challenge limited views

.

The Female Factor 

Friday 5 Apr 2013 18:45-20:30 

Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LP
An event organised by City Circle

Event details

Muslim women are often disempowered by the widespread acceptance of patriarchal interpretations of scripture. There is a lack of female leadership among British Muslim organisations and mosques, and community leaders often compound the victimisation and marginalisation of women. Yet empowering women has proven to be one the most effective means of improving the condition of a community. Join us to discuss what steps can be taken to tackle socio-economic and cultural discrimination, and challenge Muslim preachers who promote limited views about the role of women in Islam. 

The speakers

Sara Khan has worked and campaigned for women’s rights within Muslim communities for over 20 years. She co-founded Inspire in 2009 to empower women and to help raise awareness of the inequalities that face women which have prevented them from contributing fully to life. Advising and delivering projects on a national level, it is the work and training Inspire deliver to Muslim women at a local level which Sara is passionate about.  Sara has just completed a chapter for a book looking at Islam and gender which will be published later this year.  In March 2009, she was listed in the Equality and Human Rights Commission Muslim Women’s Power List. A born human rights activist she completed an MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights. Sara is also a qualified hospital pharmacist and has a Masters in Pharmacy

Laura McDonald is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s School of Social Policy. After studying Social Anthropology with Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of St Andrews, Laura completed her PhD at the Centre for Women’s Studies at the University of York using fieldwork with Muslim converts to explore women’s ideas and activism in relation to Islamic feminisms and the intersection of gender, ethnicity, faith and nation. Her research interests include Islam, gender and activism, and the politics of diversity and identity. She is keen to develop the links between academic research, grassroots activism and public policy. 

Free entrance. All welcome. No reservation needed. Prayer space available. Street parking free from 18:30. If you have any questions, please contact us events@thecitycircle.com.