Celebrating the Muslim Network at Action for Children

The Muslim Network is one of our newest staff networks at Action for Children. To celebrate it's achievements so far, we spoke to the Madeeha Dani from the network.

The Muslim Network is a fairly new staff network at Action for Children. Its aims include creating awareness by supporting the organisation in engaging Muslim staff and supporters, and promoting the diversity of faith.

The Muslim Network also aims to represent Muslim staff at Action for Children by providing a safe space for prayer, reflection, and open discussion. The Network is also open to non-Muslim staff who're interested in understanding more about Islam and Muslims.

It started back in 2022. However, after the original founders left the organisation, it was taken forward by some of the members at the time. The Muslim Network was therefore re-launched officially in January 2024, where we outlined our aims and detailed our plans for the year.

Currently, the co-chairs of the network are:

• Madeeha Dani - Senior Lawyer.
• Mohammed Nadimul Islam - Strategic Development Assistant.
• Shabeena Arshad - Senior Health and Safety Advisor.

It’s been a great year so far for the network. In March 2024, we hosted ‘A Day of Fasting’ event in collaboration with the Breakthrough Network (our race equality network). The event allowed members of staff to join their Muslim colleagues to fast with during the special month of Ramadan.  We received excellent feedback from the event, which had over 30 members of staff participate and join our drop-in sessions throughout the day.

In June 2024, we published our first internal blog, titled ‘The Importance of Charity in Islam’. The blog detailed the different types of charity in Islam and the significance of charity in the faith, which acts as a purification of one’s wealth.

In July 2024, we had our first in person event, which was attended by around 30 members of staff to celebrate Eid. We had a presentation on the Hajj pilgrimage and the background of Eid which is celebrated by two billion people across the world. It was an exciting day for all our members to meet face-to-face.

Members can expect a supportive and safe environment. We’re a member-led network, which means we’re always listening and looking to deliver what our members need and want.

It’s somewhere to seek faith-led support, guidance, advice, and encouragement. And a place for collective worship and reflection.

We're looking to host an inter-faith event later in the year, and planning to share several new blogs with staff.

In its first 6 months, the Muslim Network has already played a huge role in promoting inclusivity and equality at Action for Children, and fostered an open expression of faith. Thanks to their work, colleagues across the organisation can access invaluable support, advice, and advocacy, and we look forward to seeing what the network achieves in the future.