The Muslim Women's Network

In 2003, Patricia invited the WNC to take over support for Network, and to extend the group to make it more representative of a wider range of Muslim women and to mainstream its advisory role across other Government Departments. Whilst Minister for Women, Patricia met with the group regularly, The WNC's remit was to facilitate the MWN's engagement with government, the aim being to build their links to government and make key contributions to inclusive community dialogues across the various faith communities that embrace Islam, and to reach the more secular groups within the community. The MWN is particularly focussed on reaching excluded women who have no other voice. Muslim women's organisations are among the most poorly resourced in the voluntary and community sector.

In February 2007, the WNC Chair and Professor Haleh Afshar, Chair of the MWN, as well as MWN members, met Patricia Hewitt to discuss how to take the health issues identified in the She who disputes report forward. WNC officials agreed to meet Health officials to discuss further research in pilot PCTs to develop solutions to the problems identified. However, Department of Health funding is now unlikely to be provided.

Formalising the Muslim Women's Network

Over the past five years, the MWN has functioned well in its existing structure: generating interest in the MWN both within the community and within Government. But the MWN feels it cannot meet the demands of this interest and expand to their full potential without a formal and fully independent organisational base.

We are delighted that the MWN have been successful and secured £30,000 over a period of 18 months from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to fund their independence. This will enable them to formalise their legal status and governance structure, strengthen and expand its diverse membership, and build sustainable leadership. With some WNC support, this money will enable them to provide their own co-ordinator/secretariat, travel costs etc.

Outreach

WNC provided speech and briefing for Anita's speech at the Four Nations Event in Cardiff on 14 June. Events in Wales are planned for September and October.

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