Bristol invites Muslim women to join the debate

Muslim women from across Bristol are being invited to help shape the agenda of a community event being held later this year.

The Bristol Big Sisters event, which will take place this October, is aimed at bringing  Muslim women and their friends and allies together to discuss issues and topics important to them, to network, to inspire and be inspired. 

The discussions will then be used to draw up an action plan to address any issues arising from the event, which is the first of its kind to be held in Bristol.

The event is being coordinated by the Women’s Partnership Advisory Group (PAG), which is led by Muslim women from the community and is supported by Bristol City Council’s Equality and Community Cohesion team. Established last year, the Women’s PAG is a sub group of Building the Bridge.

Kalsoom Bashir is the community co-chair of Building the Bridge – a partnership approach to increasing community cohesion and resilience, and reducing the risk of radicalisation.  She said: “It’s really important that Muslim women of all ages and backgrounds from right across the city have a space to meet and talk about the issues that are most important to them – and to do this on their own terms.

“That’s exactly why we want people to get involved right from the very start, to help shape October’s event so that it’s both relevant and inclusive.”

Councillor Margaret Hickman, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We want Bristol to be a city that champions equality; a city that can flourish with integrity because it is somewhere everyone can participate in success.  Listening to communities and enabling grassroots leadership is a priority and events such as Bristol Big Sisters are a key part of this.

“We want as many Muslim women of different ages and backgrounds to share their views and help shape this important event by completing the online consultation survey (http://bit.ly/brisbigsissurvey).”

The Bristol Big Sisters event takes place on Sunday 16 October, from 10am to 4pm at The Park Community Centre, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 1DQ.

There will be a community bus service, a crèche, access for disabled women, interpreters and a prayer space.  Refreshments and lunch will be provided.  The 91 Ways Peace Café will also be at the event. 

Up to 200 women will be able to attend, with further details included in invitations due to be sent out in September.