RESEARCH
Cost of Living Crisis (Muslim Women's Experiences)
An analysis on data and experience of the Muslim Women’s Network Helpline service users was conducted to find out the impact of the cost of living crisis upon them. This included looking out how many had children and how many were pregnant. Through Muslim women's lived experiences we show the impact of the cost of living on their.
Women from Racially minoritised communities in local politics
In addressing the pressing need for greater equity, this report reveals a significant underrepresentation of racially minoritised women in local politics. Although racially minoritised communities constitute 18% of the population, only 3% of local council seats are held by women from these backgrounds - falling far short of the 9% needed for proportional representation. The report also highlights the diverse challenges that minoritised women encounter, both within their communities and within political party systems.
Anti-Muslim Hate - Concerns and Experiences
This research seeks to understand concerns and experiences related to Islamophobia/ anti-Muslim hate, both prior to and following the widespread riots that followed the Southport stabbings on 29 July, 2024. Given the adverse impact on Muslims, the voices and experiences of Muslims must be central in the efforts to combat hate crime and inform new hate crime plans and policies.
How will Muslim women vote in the 2024 General Election?
Recent polling indicates a significant decline in support for the Labour Party among Muslim voters in the UK. This study aims to specifically investigate the voting intentions of Muslim women for the 2024 General Election compared to the previous election in 2019 and to understand the factors influencing their choices. Additionally, the research examines Muslim women's perceptions of major political parties, focusing on levels of trust and confidence in these parties' ability to address Islamophobia, a critical concern within the Muslim community.
INVISIBLE - Maternity Experiences of Muslim Women
Funder: Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
Report published in July 2022
At its inaugural event the APPG on Muslim Women announced that it would conduct an inquiry into the maternity experiences of Muslim women. The research was conducted in 2021 by the Secretariat, Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) and the report is being launched at the House of Commons on the 13th July 2022. Over 1000 women completed a survey, 37 women took part in interviews and one focus group was held. There are two report, which can be downloaded on the 12th July 2022 at 23.15 hours - a 40 page summary report, which can be downloaded here and a full report which can be downloaded above.
Muslim Womens Experience of the Criminal Justice System
Funder: Barrow Cadbury Trust
Report published in June 2019
Cases mostly from the Muslim Women's Network UK were analysed to examine how the criminal justice system responds to Muslim women who have been victims of violence and abuse and whether they are 'getting justice' and what factors are contributing to any 'justice gap.'
Female Genital Research (Birmingham Only)
Funder: Rosa
Report published in June 2016
The aim of this research was to better understand the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) locally. We wanted to find out about attitudes but also more about who are the most influential on determining whether FGM is carried out, where it is carried out, and if women and girls are wanting support and what kind of support. We also want to find out what they think should be done to tackle issue e.g. What MWNUK and statutory bodies should be doing etc? Through the engagement, we also wanted to try and identify community champions on this issue.
Read full report here.
Information and Guidance on Muslim Marriage and Divorce in Britain
(Unfunded - Research carried out by Chair & Trustee in her Voluntary Time)
Report Published January 2016
This publication is aimed at Muslim women in Britain so they are better informed about their rights and practices relating to marriage and divorce. The contents of this report will also be useful to family law professionals, politicians, government officials, academics, students, religious authorities (mosques, Shariah Councils and scholars) and women's rights organisations. This resource includes real case studies received by MWNUK, and covers common questions posed to us, for example, whether the permission of parents is required for marriage (guardianship), to polygamy and marrying outside of their faith. It also covers legally valid and invalid marriages as well as the barriers that Muslim women face when they are trying to get divorced.
The chapters include: Muslim Marriages; The Model Muslim Marriage Contract; Legally Valid and Invalid Marriage; Shariah Councils; Grounds for Divorce; Divorce in Islam; Procedure for Islamic Divorce; Procedure for Civil Divorce; Recognition of Foreign Divorce; Annulment of a Marriage; Cost of Divorce; Preventing Discrimination Against Women in Marriage and Divorce
Read full report here.
Read full report here.
Unheard Voices: Sexual Exploitation of Asian Girl and Young Women
(Unfunded - Research carried out by Chair & Trustee in her Voluntary Time)
Report published Sept 2013
The aim of the research was to provide a better understanding of the
sexual exploitation of Asian / Muslim children and young women whose experiences have been largely hidden and hence unknown so that tailored interventions and prevention measures can be developed and implemented. The report of launched at the House on Commons on 10th September 2013 and was supported by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Sadiq Khan MP and Deputy Children's Commissioner Sue Berelowitz. The report resulted in a local awareness raising campaign in Birmingham and a national campaign with events held in Rotherham, Bradford, Blackburn, Newscastle, Nottingham and London. A booklet with key information and a case study video was also produced.
Read full report here
Musawah's Global Life Stories Project
In partnership with Musawah
Report Published in 2016
Musawah's Global Life Stories Project, part of the Knowledge Building Initiatve on Qiwamah and Wilayah, is a participatory research project to document and analyse women's and men's life stories in relation to qiwamah (guardianship) and wilayah (male authority). The project documented the lifes stories of Muslim women in ten countries (Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines and the United Kingdom) over a period of three years (January 2011 through December 2013). Muslim Women's Network UK carried out this research in the UK and it was conducted by Trustee Mussurut Zia.
The report can be found here.
Muslim Women: Political and Civic Engagement in the UK
(In partnership with University of Warwick & ESRC)
Report published in July 2011
The aim of the research was to find out how Muslim women can be
encouraged and supported to increase their civic engagement and influence policies and decisions affecting their lives and their communities. The report was formally submitted to the government's consultation on 'Strengthening Women's Voices in Govenment.'
Read full report here
She Who Disputes - Muslim Women Shape the Debate
(In Partnership with the Women's National Commission)
Report Published in 2006
One of our first activities MWNUK carried out (with the collaboration of the Women's National Commission) to carry out a 'National Listening Exercise' to ask Muslim women about their needs. We visited five cities in 2005, which included: Leicester, Birmingham, London, Manchester and Bradford. More than 200 Muslim women participated in workshops. This analysis remains the main inspiration for our ongoing work.
Read our full report here.
Our Supporters
Caroline Nokes MP
Conservative Party
Muslim Women's Network UK ensures that the voices of Muslim women are heard. They are not just a support network but a movement for change. I am proud to work with them.
Jess Phillips MP
Labour Party
MWNUK is courageous because of the uncompromising and fearless positions it sometimes takes when calling out injustice and inequality
Sadiq khan
London Mayor
I am proud to support and champion this fantastic organisation, which is informing policy and transforming lives.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
Conservative Party
MWNUK’s authenticity comes from knowledge of lived experiences of Muslim women and girls acquired through their helpline, research and members.
Naz Shah MP
Labour Party
They work tirelessly with passion and commitment to make a difference and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable women and girls in society.
