Conservative Women's Organisation :: Conservative Women's Muslim Group

Conservative Women's Muslim Group

Background

There are over 1.6 million Muslims in the UK today and 48% of them are women. Muslims represent 3% of the total population in Britain and form the largest religious group after Christians. Muslims are a heterogeneous group; there are about 750,000 of Pakistani origin, over 250,000 of Bangladeshi extraction, about 160,000 Indians, about 250,000 Arabs and Africans, 160, 000 Indians and about 200,000 from other ethnic backgrounds.

Although there are a number of very successful Muslims in British society, there are many more who are left behind. Muslim women have one of the highest rates of economic inactivity, poor educational attainment and health and disability problems.

Why this Group was Formed

Baroness Sayeeda WarsiLady Fiona Hodgson, Chairman of the CWO, said "Our fact finding trip to Washington in March 2006 highlighted many issues of international women's Human Rights, and we were struck by the level of cultural tension between the Muslim countries and the West. We decided that we should get to know more about life for Muslim women in Britain and open up new opportunities for dialogue with them. The views and ideas can then help inform our policy development".

In order to promote greater understanding of and dialogue with Muslims living in the United Kingdom the Conservative Women's Muslim Group was set up in June 2006 under the Conservative Women's Forum, the part of the Conservative Women's Organisation which is taking forward David Cameron's agenda of 'reaching out'.

At the first meeting of the group Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion, said "I was very pleased that the Conservative Women's Forum convened this meeting. I've long thought that the Conservative Party is the natural Party for British Muslims".

Chairman

Dr Shazia OvaisiAt the second meeting of the group in September 2006 it was agreed by all that Dr. Shazia Ovaisi should take over the Chairmanship of the Group. Dr. Ovaisi said "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be chairperson. I think it is imperative that we promote dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims and work on strategies and policies to try to gain a better understanding and be able to move forward in a productive and positive way allowing a healthy cross-fertilisation of ideas".

The Chairman of the CWO, Lady Fiona Hodgson said "I am absolutely delighted that Dr. Shazia Ovaisi has agreed to become the Chairman. We both agree that it is so important to get dialogue and understanding moving forward with the Muslim community in this country. I know that she will do an excellent job as Chairman and I am much looking forward to working with her".

Many of the issues raised in the meetings held thus far are common to all women and we feel that open discussions bring about a much better overall awareness of the similarities, as well as some differences between the two communities. The Group has already held two events; a panel discussion on forced marriages and a summit on honour killings and violence against women. The Group holds regular meetings and plans other future events open to others.