November is Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM). Co-founded by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) with other British organisations, IAM aims to deconstruct and challenge stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.
What is Islamophobia?
Islamophobia is defined as a prejudice, aversion, hostility, or hatred towards Muslims. Islamophobia encompasses anything that has the purpose to affect or impair the human rights, equality and fundamental freedoms in politics, economics, education, society and any other aspect of public life for the Muslim community.
What is Islamophobia Awareness Month?
November is Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM). Co-founded by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) with other British organisations, IAM aims to deconstruct and challenge stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.
MEND work with Police and Crime Commissioners, local councils, journalists, local media, MPs, universities, schools, community organisations and more, to raise awareness of the threat that Islamophobia has and what individuals can do to help reduce this.
What can you do?
Educate yourself
Learn about Islam, Islamophobia and the ways to counter Islamophobia. MEND has some great resources and information on how to report Islamophobia. SARI is a local charity that works to stand against racism and inequality.
Report it if you see it
Being an ally is incredibly important and if you see something that isn’t right you should report it and if you feel it is safe to do so, you should try and support the individual.
Build relationships with the local Muslim community
Whether that’s on-campus or within the Bristol community, reach out and establish those links. At UWE Bristol there is UWE Islamic Society (ISoc), which serves as the focal point for Muslim students, staff and those interested in Islam. They are dedicated to increasing awareness of the Monotheistic Islamic faith. Click here to find out more.
Proactively advocate against anti-Islamic policies
It is important to speak out against policies that are either anti-Islamic or impair the Muslim community from opportunities in any aspect of society.