Islamophobia Awareness Month kicks off in Cardiff with an event on Nov 5

Members of the Muslim community in Cardiff share their thoughts on Islamophobia in the city:

Aamir Mohammed, 24, reporter

“I was born and bred in Cardiff and lived in a multicultural area and rarely experienced any form of racism growing up. Cardiff has always been this amazing diverse city where everyone gets along but in recent years I feel like that has slightly changed. Personally, I haven’t had any issues but I know of people that have which is sad.

“I think Brexit has definitely made a difference because people think they now have a platform for their xenophobic views. Brexit has really divided the country and it has meant many people are now voicing their opinions and bringing out racist and hurtful views.”

Mariyah Zaman, 21, Islamophobia Awareness Month coordinator at MEND

“If you ask a Muslim person, even if they haven’t experienced Islamophobia first hand, they’ll know someone who has. I’m worried because hate crimes have doubled in the past five years and in the current political climate, things seem to be getting worse. I’m not greatly hopeful.”

Kinza Ahkter, 22, student

“I haven’t experienced any sort of Islamophobia growing up in Cardiff. Personally, I’ve always been surrounded by kind, open-minded people, be it at school, university or work. One of the things I love most about Cardiff is how diverse and welcoming it is. From my experience growing up here, I think Cardiff will remain the welcoming and loving place it is after Brexit. Well, I hope so anyway!”

Victims of anti-Muslim abuse share their stories on the MEND website.

Muslim Engagement & Development is bringing people together to stand against Islamophobia with a series of events across the UK this November

Photo courtesy of MEND
Islamophobia Awareness Month was co-founded by MEND in 2012 to deconstruct stereotypes about Muslims

Not-for-profit organisation Muslim Engagement & Development (MEND) is holding an event at the Senedd on 5 November to mark the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month.

The event, titled ‘Post-Brexit Wales: Standing Together Against Islamophobia’, will see politicians, interfaith community leaders and other decision makers come together to discuss the impact of Brexit on Muslims in Wales. Members of the public are also welcome to attend.

According to a new Home Office report, hate crimes have risen by 10% in England and Wales in 2018-19. The majority of incidents, 76%, were racially motivated. 47% of all religious hate crimes were perpetrated against Muslims.

The report revealed significant spikes in racial and religious hate crimes following the EU referendum, the 2017 terrorist attacks and the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand in March this year.

Plaid Cymru assembly member Leanne Wood is sponsoring the event. She said, “The rise of the far right and the increase in hate crimes – particularly towards Muslims – is a concerning development. The event is a good way of promoting awareness of a growing problem.”

“It also offers an opportunity for like-minded people to share strategies and solutions as to how we create a more open and tolerant society in Wales.” she added.

The hashtag for this year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month campaign is #IAMCHANGE. With a focus on collective responsibility, organisers are encouraging people to play an active role in challenging anti-Muslim prejudice.

Mariyah Zaman, Islamophobia Awareness Month coordinator at MEND, explained the aim is to get people to recognise Islamophobia as an issue for British society as a whole, not just something that British Muslim communities must deal with.

MEND is hosting a range of events in Cardiff throughout November to raise awareness of Islamophobia and shine a light on the positive contributions of British Muslims to society.

Find out more about MEND and its upcoming events.