Jewish and Muslim female students come together in parliament
Twenty women of different faiths from campuses across the country unite at a parliamentary event hosted by MPs Ruth Smeeth and Wes Streeting
Twenty Jewish and Muslim female students from top universities around the UK, and one from Germany, came together at a special Parliamentary event hosted by MPs Ruth Smeeth and Wes Streeting.
Labour MP Smeeth, who is Jewish, spoke to the students about her experiences as a woman of faith in a leadership position and the challenges and opportunities that brings.
Prominent Muslim businesswoman Ahmereen Reza then led a discussion on the critical role women can play in changing the narrative on both antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Streeting talked about the crucial role of Jewish and Muslim women in leading societal change.
The Parliamentary event was organised in partnership with Nisa-Nashim, which brings together Jewish and Muslim women, around the country, to inspire and drive social change.
Ruth Smeeth MP said: “it was such a positive event – young women who will go on, together, to lead and make a real difference. It was a real pleasure to meet them”
Bristol SU Equalities, Liberation and Access sabbatical officer, Sally Patterson. said: “Through Nisa-Nashim, and this Gender+Faith initiative, genuine friendships are starting to form between Jewish and Muslim students, both at their own universities and now across the UK, and even Europe. We can all support each other, including in fighting gendered antisemitism and Islamophobia
Nisa-Nashim’s event coordinator Saha Habib, who recently graduated from UCL, added: “To hear about the leadership journeys of both Ruth Smeeth MP and Ahmereen Reza, was inspirational. I know that the students here today will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
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