About NHS Muslim Women's Network

Our Story

Founded in 2020 during the first COVID wave, the NHS Muslim Women's Network emerged from a critical need to support Muslim women facing unprecedented challenges in healthcare. What started as a small group has grown into a powerful network spanning all four UK nations, representing hundreds of dedicated healthcare professionals working across the NHS and wider health and care services, including social care.

Our Mission

We exist to raise awareness of workplace challenges whilst celebrating our members' achievements. Through creating safe spaces, providing professional development, reducing inequalities, and influencing policy, we're building a more inclusive healthcare system for everyone.

Allyship & Values

Whilst we centre Muslim women's experiences, we welcome allies and advocates. Our values include collaboration, intersectionality, professional excellence, and creating positive change. We believe in empowering not just our members, but transforming healthcare culture.

Our Impact

Since 2020, we've supported career progressions, trained organisations, influenced national policy, and created lasting change in healthcare and social care workplaces. Our members are leaders, innovators, and changemakers across the NHS and wider health and care services.

Information about the network

Article

First blog about the network

The founders of the NHS Muslim Women's Network discuss what compelled them to develop the new network at the height of COVID-19.

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Interview

Q&A with Muslim Women's Network

NHS Muslim Women's Network began with two women, Sajidah Ahmad and Sabina Hafesji, talking about the challenges and micro-aggressions they have faced at work.

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Social

Our LinkedIn page

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest news, events, and opportunities.

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Our previous work

Conference

No One Left Behind: Anti-racist Healthcare Conference 2025

Read highlights from our anti-racism conference, which include ten key actions for leaders to help tackle racism within NHS organisations.

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Consultation

National Healthcare Uniform Proposal Workforce Consultation

Results report from the National Uniform Consultation, September 2021.

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Coverage of the network

Press

Muslim NHS workers report rise in racist abuse since far-right riots began

BIMA, which represents about 7,000 staff, says some have been left in 'unprecedented' fear by intimidatory behaviour. – The Guardian

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News

Health and Care Women Leaders network announces new leadership

NHS Confederation coverage of the new leadership announcement for the Health and Care Women Leaders network.

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News

South Asian Heritage Month

NHS Confederation coverage of how organisations can support South Asian Heritage Month.

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Publication

APNA NHS – South Asian Pioneers

Recognition of South Asian pioneers in the House of Commons, featuring members of our network.

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Events featuring the network

Event

International Women's Day 2023

NHS Confederation event celebrating International Women's Day 2023, featuring the NHS Muslim Women's Network.

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Webinar

Muslimahs in Healthcare: Overcoming Challenges within the Workplace

A thought-provoking BIMA women's webinar with our panellists discussing challenges faced by Muslim women in healthcare.

Watch Recording
Article

AACE Anti-racism Spotlight: Experiences of Muslim women

Presentation and article with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives exploring intersectional experiences and perspectives of Muslim women.

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Leadership Team

Our diverse leadership team brings together expertise from across healthcare disciplines, representing the breadth and depth of Muslim women's contributions to the NHS and wider health and care services.

Contact Us to Learn More