Standing together for equality: Dawoodi Bohra community marks International Women’s Day in Milton Keynes

ExCo

Members of the Dawoodi Bohra Milton Keynes Community were honoured to attend an impactful International Women’s Day event hosted by Ms Emily DarlingtonMP in Milton Keynes—a powerful gathering dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and reaffirming the importance of equality, respect, and safety for all.

The session provided a meaningful platform to reflect on why International Women’s Day matters and how societies can continue to champion women’s rights across every sphere of life. Through open discussion and lived experiences, attendees explored the vital role women play in shaping families, communities, and professional environments, as well as the ongoing need to protect their rights and promote genuine equality.

A key focus of the discussion was the White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and encouraging individuals particularly men to speak out against abuse and discrimination. The campaign’s message resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the idea that preventing violence and inequality is a shared responsibility.

The event featured a diverse group of guest speakers, including police officers, detectives, and business managers, each bringing a unique perspective from their professional journeys. In an engaging and interactive format, the speakers moved between tables, sharing personal experiences from their careers. They spoke candidly about moments where they had experienced or witnessed abuse, bias, or discrimination in the workplace, and how they navigated those challenges with resilience and determination.

Participants were given the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about career paths, handling difficult situations, and creating safer, more inclusive environments. These conversations offered valuable insight into the real‑world challenges women can face across different professions, while also highlighting progress and the importance of allyship.

Beyond discussion, the session encouraged creativity and reflection. Attendees took part in a task to design posters focused on women, women’s rights, and raising awareness of issues affecting females. This activity allowed participants to translate conversation into action thinking creatively about how messages of equality, respect, and empowerment can be shared more widely within society.

For the Dawoodi Bohra Community, the event strongly aligned with core values of respect, service, and social responsibility. Islam places great emphasis on the dignity and rights of women, and participation in International Women’s Day served as a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift women and promote justice.

The session concluded with a renewed sense of purpose: a reminder that progress is achieved not only through policy, but through dialogue, education, and collective action. By listening, learning, and standing together, communities can play a meaningful role in building a future where women are valued, protected, and empowered in all areas of life.

The Dawoodi Bohra Milton Keynes Community remains grateful for the opportunity to participate in this inspiring event and extends its appreciation to Ms Emily Darlington MP and all speakers for creating a space for honest conversation, learning, and positive change.