Janine GriffithsA women’s Iftar in the heart of East Leeds brought together Muslim women, community leaders and allies for an evening of unity and shared faith as part of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Organised by councillor Salma Arif alongside Najeen Rasool from Hamara, the gathering celebrated the achievements of Muslim women and created a rare space for women from different backgrounds to connect, reflect and support one another.
Local women and community champions spoke about community strength, solidarity and the importance of standing together during challenging times.
Councillor Arif captured the spirit of the night, describing the event as uplifting. She added: “There were people from different walks of life, and I think that’s really precious, it’s something that we need to do more of.
“I’m really, really pleased as one of the organisers as to how the event went, and hopefully we’re gonna repeat it again next year.
“These are really divisive times, and it’s exactly why we need to be doing this. Women need to be coming together, sitting next to each other, talking to each other, learning from each other.”
Among the speakers was the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, who highlighted the power of women coming together. She explained that promoting women’s safety in Leeds was a key priority, adding: “I think by being here in solidarity with women from all over the region, right here in the heart of Leeds sends a signal that together, we are strong.
“As the first ever female mayor in the country, I made violence against women and girls and support for women my number one priority. There’s a lot of work going on, and I think a lot of that is about leadership, connections and collaboration, like today.”
Other speakers included Fatimah Khan Shah, Inclusivity Champion at the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, Deputy Mayor of Policing Alison Lowe and Lord Lieutenant, professor Adeeba Malik who said she was delighted to see women from so many backgrounds come together. She praised the work women do across Leeds to support their communities and said the Iftar was a beautiful way to celebrate both Ramadan and International Women’s Day.
“I’m delighted to be here with women’s Iftar in Leeds to see so many women of different backgrounds come together to mark the breaking of the fast,” she said adding: “It’s good to see the kind of work that women from different communities are doing to help each other, their families and their communities. The work that they’re doing across the district is very, very important.”
Deputy mayor, Alison Lowe added; “As women, we have the same struggles. We are mothers, we are sisters, we are wives. While there are things that separate us in terms of our culture, language and experiences, there are also things that bring us together, and bringing women together is the best feeling in the world.”
Alongside senior leaders, local women including poet Amria Khatoon and DJ Khalda shared performances, reflections and prayers. Foster4Leeds partnership development manager Sadiya Salim also spoke about the benefits of adoption.
After the speeches, attendees enjoyed dinner and a chance to network, rounding off an evening built on connection, warmth and shared purpose.
This Iftar was one of several that took place across the city. In Chapeltown, women gathered at the Unity Media Centre for a lunchtime event exploring the theme Women Wear Their Stories,. The event was led by Beverley Brown founder of Ebony Milestone and delivered in partnership with Dr Khadijah Ibrahim MBE. Later in the week, more than 90 women attended another gathering at Moortown Social Club, where panellists explored identity, leadership and community empowerment.
Across the city, each gathering offered a chance for people to pause, share food and reflect on the experiences that shape their everyday lives.
