Islamophobia Awareness Month: Let’s plant a seed

A message from Nottingham CityCare's Deputy Chair of the Ethnic Equality Staff Network

Peace and blessings to you all. 

As the Deputy Chair of the Ethnic Equality Staff Network and a Muslim woman, I want to take this opportunity during Islamophobia Awareness Month to raise awareness of Islamophobia and its growing impact. On 15 March 2024, United Nations experts warned that Islamophobia is at “alarming levels,” with rising incidents of harassment, intimidation, and violence against people because of their faith. 

A report from the Muslim Doctors Association (MDA) found that nearly half of Muslim healthcare professionals have experienced bias, discrimination, and the stress of being in a minority. This is not just an issue for one sector—it affects Muslims in many areas of life, including the workplace. 

To those who are Muslim and have faced discrimination, now is the time to speak out. Don’t stay silent—talk to someone you trust, make a complaint, and keep pushing for what is right. You are not alone. It’s important to prioritise your mental health during this process and make sure you feel supported. Your experiences are real and deserve to be heard. 

It is upsetting that bias and discrimination still exist, but we cannot let this hold us back. As part of CityCare, we all have a role to play in tackling this issue. Islamophobia isn’t just an individual problem—it is something we need to address at every level, including leadership and management. We must work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of their faith, feels respected and has the same opportunities. 

Let’s plant a seed of change. This month, and every month, let’s commit to standing up for equality, supporting Muslims, and working to eliminate discrimination in our workplace. Together, we can make sure that everyone feels safe, valued, and able to succeed—no matter their background. 

Let’s support each other, and let’s create a culture where we all thrive together.

Uzma Hussain, Deputy Chair - Ethnic Equality Staff Network Team