UK Muslims Campaign for Equality in Elections

The presence and voice of women in the political process is nothing new

LONDON – With just one week to the UK General Election taking place on May 7th, political parties are taking efforts to draw in the electorate with slogans, campaigns and more.

Perhaps one of the more iconic symbols reflecting changing times is a photo from the debate on the BBC where Ed Miliband (Labour) was left out of a group hug between Nicola Stugeon (Scottish National Party), Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru) and Natalie Bennet (Green Party).

The presence and voice of women in the political process is nothing new. The UK for example had a female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, for many years. But polls have indicated a disillusionment by the young in general with regards to the political process.

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Even worse, gender identities are often sidelined with women (and men) engaging only if they reflect established cultural and institutional norms; many of which neither appeal to women in general, nor to many men either.

So begins The Equality Movement founded by Anita Nayyar who writes, “The Equality Movement is something I have always wanted to set up. The marketing and advertising industry create some of the most beautiful and compelling arguments to consumers about even the most obscure of products. Along with Anna and Juliet who conceived the movement with me, we thought, 'why don't we use our skills of persuasion to create awareness about issues that matter to people but that perhaps don't get enough air time?’”

“Gender Equality seemed like a no-brainer to start with, in the run up to the elections. Both the female vote and the family vote have been dropping for years. 1 in 5 women in the UK has suffered some form of sexist discrimination in her work life.  50,000 women are estimated to have been asked to leave their jobs when they have become pregnant. And now men are feeling what female new parents have experienced for decades, they have a new right to take up to 6 months leave to parent a new born.

“But 1in 5 men say that their boss would be actively opposed to them taking this leave. Women only hold 22% of parliamentary seats and only 6% of exec positions on FTSE100 companies. For a nation who believes so strongly in gender equality, that's pretty poor.”

“We spoke to both men and women and one thing was very clear; in working people's lives the employer holds a lot of influence over whether Britain will treat men and women with equal regard.”

“One woman's story was horrific, she had a miscarriage. When her boss discovered this he did not console her but instead fired her 'in case she get pregnant again'. She was a top performing exec. The loss was on him as she went on to set up her own business.”

Success

A group hug between Nicola Stugeon (Scottish National Party), Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru) and Natalie Bennet (Green Party).

The project offered a unique example of how Muslims and non-Muslims can work together for the benefit of their country.

“I'm one of only 2 Muslims involved in this project. We have been 20 in total, a mixture of Muslims, Christians atheists and probably other religions I am unaware of!”  Nayyar told OnIslam.net.

“The most important thing we have looked for and valued in the people we have involved are the shared values of wanting to do something to make the world a better place. To create a campaign for the wellbeing of people. Everyone involved fulfill and exceeds that criteria. Having shared values is how we work together.”

Moreover, the Equality Movement was regarding as delivering a model that can be used elsewhere in the Muslim world.

“Absolutely. We know as Muslims that the principles we abide by can be very beneficial to society. We should not be arrogant about this but instead consider that many non-Muslims share these principles too,” she said.

“Where we have an idea that would contribute to social good, we should involve non-Muslims. Working together is the best way to defeat stereotypes and build bonds. Leading projects like these is a great way to leave lasting impressions that defeat media stereotypes.

“This project has allowed me to get close enough to my non-Muslim colleagues that they have been able to openly and trustingly ask me about some of the stereotypes that are spun about Muslims. I in turn have been able to enlighten those people about the facts behind the stereotypes. And our relationships have been all the better for it.”

Juliet Pascall, co-founder of Incling, and also a part of the Equality Movement team praised Nayyar’s group efforts.

“Personally, I hope the Equality Movement gives a voice to everyday people from all backgrounds and encourages them to engage with and challenge some of the accepted gender norms that they live with,” Pascall told OnIslam.net.

“Sadly gender inequality is so embedded into society that it is often considered normal and acceptable or at its worst tolerated. There is also a stigma attached to speaking out against gender inequality so not only is it tolerated but it’s often tolerated in silence!”

source :onislam