At the tail end of 2025, MWNUK trained 8 women to become MWN Helpline Volunteers. They were provided with 4-weeks of training to understand the operational aspects and issues that come through on the helpline. Now with their training complete, each volunteer has shared why they wanted to become a volunteer, their passions, and skills they hope to gain. For most the decision to volunteer was purposively driven by their desire to empower and advocate for women.

Aisha says:

I’ve long admired MWNUK’s work in empowering Muslim women and wanted to contribute to that mission. I’m passionate about helping women recognise their worth, challenge harmful norms, and believe they can achieve anything. With my background in education, cross-cultural understanding, and communication, I hope to inspire and support women to make positive changes.

Abeer says:

I am eager to contribute my experience of working with elderly people, raising children and lived experience within the Arab community to empower women and push for social justice.

I wanted to volunteer with MWNUK, because I wish to achieve a new sense of fulfilment, as I continue a new chapter and something to take me out of my comfort zone and expand on my skills.

Hiba says:

I’m passionate about giving women a voice—especially those who may feel unheard or unseen. Every woman deserves to live free from fear and to access the right help when she needs it.

I was drawn to MWNUK because of its commitment to empowering Muslim women through compassion, understanding, and practical support. I’ve seen how language and cultural barriers can leave women feeling isolated, and I want to be part of an organisation that breaks those barriers.

Habeebah says:

I am passionate about enabling women to voice their fears and concerns, rather than hiding away and feeling that their suffering is normal, even if it means just talking about it has eased their stresses.

I wanted to volunteer for MWNUK to have the opportunity to help fellow humans (which I have unwittingly been doing with family and friends). I am an attentive listener and try to always look at scenarios in as fair a manner as possible.

I hope to build on my skills with the guidance of MWNUK in this role, so that I can support those that need help more efficiently.

Iqra says:

I wanted to volunteer at MWNUK, because I want to empower women to know that they have a choice and a voice to lead a fulfilling, happy life. I want to make a difference, gain new skills and confidence.

Khadija says:

I am particularly passionate about supporting victims of honour-based abuse, physical abuse and coercive control. Having read the recent case of Somaiya Begum, a young girl who lost her life in an honour-based attack, it was appalling to read that the Judge could not conclude why the attacker killed his victim, despite glaring signs of honour-based abuse. Having joined campaigns calling for 'Honour' to be recognised as an aggravating feature in criminal sentencing, I hope to extend this support to service users - noticing signs of honour-based abuse and supporting victims in accessing safe routes or alternative options.

I wanted to volunteer for MWNUK, because Muslim women are often targeted by both gender-based violence and Islamophobia, an issue I feel many women's charities have overlooked. MWNUK’s culturally and religiously informed approach to addressing violence against women and girls tackles both issues thoughtfully, in a way I haven’t seen elsewhere.

Maryam says:

I am passionate about women's rights - women need to be given a voice, so they can be heard and are able to speak up without fear or judgement. No woman should feel trapped or silenced.

I wanted to volunteer with MWNUK, because I admire their work and the positive contribution they make to society. I believe volunteering will allow me to give back to the community and make a positive impact, especially for women who are vulnerable and may not have access to support.

Zoyah says:

I am passionate about being able to give a voice to the women who need support and have suffered injustice.

I wanted to volunteer with MWNUK, because I feel it calls out to me. I feel it morally and ethically sits well and feels good to be helping vulnerable individuals. It's a rewarding position to be in. I also believe that the role within MWNUK will help sharpen my skills, both professionally and personally in the best ways possible.

Here are a couple of images which capture what our volunteers learnt about MWNUK and what they learnt about themselves following their time so far at our organisation.