Women find solutions to the UK’s problems

Laura Marks (centre) at the Women's Faith Forum summit in Birmingham (Photo: Women's Faith Forum)[Missing Credit]

"If government wants to create real change in communities under pressure, it must work in genuine partnership with faith groups and ensure women’s voices are heard.”

Nearly 100 attendees – comprised of faith leaders, academics and government officials – participated in a day of panels and keynote speeches.

The event is the latest effort by the Women’s Faith Forum, formed by six women from each major faith, in its three-year existence, to reduce division in the UK.

The summit took place shortly after an attack on a Jewish man in Golders Green and a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, the victims of which were commemorated by Joy Madeiros, Global CEO of Oasis Educational Trust and a founding member of the Women’s Faith Forum.

Delegates also heard an address from Dame Sarah Healey, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, whose team has engaged directly in the government’s efforts to rebuild trust and resilience in local communities.

Also speaking was the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn, who described the challenges facing rural communities and discussed women of faith’s vital importance to community life.

Ruth Jacobs, chair of the Jewish Represent Council of Birmingham and the West Midlands, emphasised the necessity of social cohesion, while Sajna Ali from Darlington reflected on identity in modern Britain, saying: “There are many ways to be British. For me it’s snooker, football, a halal pie and a pint of orange juice.”

Delegates at the Women's Faith Forum summit (Photo: Women's Faith Forum)[Missing Credit]

The event’s organiser and co-founder of the Women’s Faith Forum, Professor Jagbir Jutti-Johal OBE, said: “In every region of the country, faith organisations provide trusted spaces – leadership, volunteering networks, social action, wellbeing support, food provision, youth engagement, social prescribing, interfaith dialogue and community care.

"And they have demonstrated repeatedly that they can mobilise quickly and effectively in times of challenge. Today showcases some great examples of that work.”