Six exceptional women were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to society at the Bradford Interfaith Dinner, hosted by Muslim Aid on 8 March International Women’s Day. The event brought together leaders from faith groups, grassroots organisations, and local government to honour the impact of women in social justice, law, humanitarian work, and politics.
The evening also marked the launch of ‘Step In’, a new initiative tackling youth violence and knife crime in Bradford, an issue affecting communities across the city.
Women Who Lead: Honouring Changemakers
🏅 Dignity in Action – Naz Shah MP
Recognised for her tireless advocacy on social justice, tackling poverty, and community rights, the Bradford MP has been a strong voice in Parliament for marginalised communities.
🏅 Compassion in Action – Dr Sofia Buncy MBE
A leading campaigner for prisoner rehabilitation and racial equality, Dr Buncy has dedicated her career to advocating for Muslim women in the criminal justice system, ensuring support and second chances for those affected.
🏅 Excellence in Action – Asma Iqbal
A highly respected lawyer, Iqbal has broken barriers in legal advocacy, championing the rights of minority communities and mentoring young women in law.
🏅 Justice in Action – Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
A pioneer in British politics, Baroness Warsi has been a fierce advocate for social cohesion, faith representation, and women’s rights, challenging inequality at the highest levels.
🏅 Service in Action – Humma Nizami
Honoured for her contributions to community development, Nizami has worked extensively on education, interfaith initiatives, and leadership programmes.
🏅 Special Recognition Award – Abigayle Andre
A rising force in youth empowerment, Andre has played a key role in mentoring young people, using education and creative industries to inspire the next generation.
Speaking about the awards, Muslim Aid CEO Khalid Javid said:
“These women are changemakers, role models, and forces for good. Their work embodies the resilience, strength, and compassion that drive real change in society. We are proud to recognise their achievements on International Women’s Day.”
A Bold Step to Tackle Knife Crime
Alongside the celebration of women in leadership, Muslim Aid used the event to launch ‘Step In’, a new intervention programme tackling youth crime in Bradford.
The initiative is aimed at young people caught up in the justice system, offering boxing training, career guidance, counselling, and mentorship—a holistic approach designed to steer youth away from gang culture and violence.
Javid emphasised that the community must come together to address youth violence, stating:
“This is not just about crime—it’s about giving young people hope, self-worth, and real opportunities. Knife crime isn’t just a statistic, it’s a lived reality, and ‘Step In’ is about changing that reality.”
Muslim Aid’s 40-Year Commitment to Change
Founded in 1985 by Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), Muslim Aid has been a leading force in humanitarian aid, working across over 70 countries. In 2023 alone, the charity delivered 134 projects in 19 countries, helping 4.1 million people worldwide.
As part of its 40th-anniversary initiatives, Muslim Aid is expanding its UK-based projects, focusing on issues affecting communities at home—from youth crime to poverty and social justice.
Looking Ahead
The Bradford Interfaith Dinner was a powerful showcase of leadership, action, and community strength. With trailblazing women shaping the future and new initiatives tackling key social challenges, the event highlighted the power of unity in making lasting change.
For more information on Muslim Aid’s 40th-anniversary projects and upcoming initiatives, visit www.muslimaid.org.
