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The Voices of Diversity: Allyship event series launched on Thursday 1 February. To align with World Hijab Day, the theme of our first event was How to be an ally… for people who wear the hijab. 

World Hijab Day is a celebration of the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. Their mission is to dismantle bigotry, discrimination and prejudice against Muslim women through awareness, education and empowerment.  

Rafia Arshad, a Doctoral Researcher in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, and Sebtiah Abubaker, Graduate Management Trainee were joined on the panel by ally Jospeh Bou Nassif, also a Graduate Management Trainee. Maillem Al-Rawi, volunteer Muslim chaplain and Receptionist and Student Support Assistant in the School of Science.

The panel shared their personal experiences of being Muslim women and wearing a hijab at ÌìÌÃÊÓƵ, in the wider community, and in their home countries. They discussed how they show allyship to each other, and what the university can do to promote understanding and inclusion. The event was well supported, with a range of female, male, Muslim and non-Muslim staff attending, engaging with the discussion and sharing their own stories.

The second instalment of the Voices of Diversity: Allyship series took place on Friday 15 March. The date was chosen to align with Women’s History Month, the theme of the second event was How to be an ally… for people experiencing menopause.

Menopause refers to hormonal changes that occur in over half of the population. Despite the commonality of this experience, it is one that is often overlooked in medicine, education, and society at large. Due to this, a group of brilliant panellists were gathered to facilitate a discussion and bring attention to the topic. Specifically, on how can be allies to these individuals.

The panel comprised of Emma O’Donnel, a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology with a specialist focus on menopause and Denise Coles, our EDI manager. They were joined by 2^nd year Graduate Management Trainee, Aakif Imthiyaz who acted as one of the key ally voices. The event was hosted Oliver Hooper, a Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Coaching, who is also Allyship Voice for the Maia committee.

The group shared their personal experiences of dealing with menopause and of supporting those close to them, giving examples of how individuals can show allyship to friends, family and colleagues who are experiencing menopause. The panel also discussed what ÌìÌÃÊÓƵ can do to be more inclusive, for example engaging male allies, providing training to managers and developing policies.