Muslim women panel addresses delegation

BARONESS Uddin, (seated middle front row), along with invited guests

MUSLIM women in Oldham were the first to speak to an important parliamentary commission.

Baroness Manzila Uddin and her adviser Mumtaz Bashir-Hanid visited the town as part of a delegation from the Westminster Commission on Muslim Women.

This aims to chronicle the contribution of Muslim women to Britain, as well as influencing public policy and debate.

The commission's findings will be publicised via an exhibition.

Baroness Uddin, who chairs the commission, was the first Asian, Muslim woman appointed to the House of Lords.

She said: "It was an immense pleasure to hear from women who have achieved so much. It's not often these narratives have been in the public arena."

Mrs Bashir-Hanid is MD of Women International Collaborate, a member of the National Policy Forum for Women's Enterprise and a founder member of the Asian Business Network.

She said: "The discussion with women in Oldham has been extraordinary in hearing their personal stories and career paths.

"The commission is about creating a voice for Muslim women who are proud citizens of British society and it's helping to raise the profile of what they do in the heart of their own communities."

Ten women took part in an informal but confidential discussion with the Baroness about the problems facing Muslim women.

Some admitted that wearing a hijab was viewed in a negative way. Some said they have had their headscarves ripped off.

But all the women agreed that, despite external barriers, the biggest obstacles for Muslim women were from their own communities who often prevent them from progressing.

Monira Hussain, of Maya Solicitors in Oldham, said there was little point addressing external factors if Muslim women can't tackle the problems in their own communities.

She said: "We ourselves have to change. We have got to get out there, be that voice, overcome those hurdles and fight the discrimination coming towards us.

"We have the wider society and the media image of our women being oppressed. Why can't we go out there and show who we are? We are ­confident, articulate women."

Sonia Ayaz, of Hathershaw, is a fashion-conscious brand specialist who is a founder of Vegan Handbags.

She said: "It was interesting because it's important highlighting that it's not just the barriers that exist outside our Asian communities ­- it's within.

"Until we change people's perspectives in our own communities we will have to work extra hard to change wider societies."

Another panellist was Dr Rufzan Bibi, formerly of Oldham but now based in Manchester. She was a post-doctoral scientist on cancer research, and is now a solicitor specialising in family law and immigration.

She does not believe wearing the hijab has hindered her success. Her view in life is to approach things in a positive way, rather than in a negative one.