‘Muslim feminist’ Shaista Gohir, CEO of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, has been appointed to the House of Lords as a non-party-political peer.
Gohir was selected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission and approved by the Prime Minster and the Queen.
The Muslim Women’s Network UK says it is “an Islamic feminist movement that uses the Quran’s spirit of equality and justice to challenge human interpretations (based on culture and tradition) that discriminate against women and girls, to achieve equal rights and opportunities for all.”
Since its inception it has been funded by the government, police and the National Lottery, among others.
Gohir also founded the Nisa Global Foundation last year, which says it helps women and girls in developing countries.
Shaista Gohir OBE said: “It is a huge honour to have been invited to join such a prestigious institution and be at the heart of law making. I did not think someone like me would ever be given such an opportunity. I see this role as an extension of my activism and will use my voice to fly the flag for women’s rights, inequalities experienced by the most vulnerable in society, the charity sector, women’s health, the NHS and of course for the West Midlands region. I look forward to working independently with peers across the House, sharing my expertise and providing scrutiny of government policy and legislation.”
Commenting on the appointment, MWNUK Chair, Dr Iram Sattar MBE, said: “This is a huge achievement given the highly competitive process; the appointment is very well deserved, and we are proud of her. Shaista will make an excellent addition to the House of Lords. Her dedication and passion for public service is demonstrated in all the roles she has been involved in, particularly how she has led the development of MWNUK with her ideas and vision.”
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