Mariam Ahmed

Amina Muslim Women's Resource Centre

Amina is an award-winning organisation, recognised by Muslim communities and key partners within Scotland for its pioneering and responsive approach to addressing key issues and needs of Muslim women. Having invested in this specialist area where there was previously a gap in services in Scotland, Amina is recognised as the national hub for gaining access to, and consulting with Muslim women across Scotland. The organisation has been instrumental in initiating and tailoring services to meet the particular needs of Muslim women to ensure that they are able to fully participate in society without fear of discrimination or inequality. Amina offers a range of tailored support services on a one to one basis eg national ‘listening ear' helpline which also offers Islamic advice through a scholar, employability guidance, befriending, as well as through peer group support eg violence against women ‘self-healing' workshops, refugee work to support the integration of people new to Scotland. Through the cumulative and vast experience of staff and volunteers, Amina also creatively raises awareness of key issues through our engaging campaigns such as ‘You Can Change This' (raising awareness of violence against women), ‘I Speak for Myself' (challenging negative stereotypes/misconceptions of Muslim women as well as our successful school's work which engages directly with over 2000 young people to tackle prejudice and hate crime. Founded on the principles of community development, our work is underpinned by community empowerment, participation and partnership working. Vital to creating a fairer Scotland for all, is our engagement work with Muslim women to ensure their voices are able and empowered to contribute to national policies and that mainstream agencies, government bodies and policy makers have an informed understanding of barriers preventing Muslim women from accessing services and participating in society.