MWN HUB

MWNUK have launched The Muslim Women’s Manifesto! Download your copy here

'Muslim Women in Britain 1850-1950: 100 Years of Hidden History'

Shameem Hussain (MWNUK Operations Director) sat with Sariya Cheruvalil-Contractor and Jamie Gilham to discuss their newly released book, 'Muslim Women in Britain, 1850–1950: 100 Years of Hidden History' for this years International Women's Day (IWD).

Sariya and Jamie discuss the journey from conceptualisation to the reception received following publication. They also address the barriers and difficulties faced when taking on the challenge of compiling a book about the 'forgotten' Muslim women of Britain.

The theme for this year's #IWD2024 is #InspireInclusion - when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. The history of British Muslims is a growing area of interest among historians and the general public. But, whilst Muslim women have featured in some research, their lives and experiences prior to the present day have remained obscure, if not 'hidden', in both academic and popular discussion. Sariya and Jamie's book brilliantly restores those lost voices; enriching our picture of British society. Thus, inspiring and empowering the next generation of British Muslim women.

Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor is a Professor in the Sociology of Islam at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University. Funded by the British Academy, she has written about Muslim women’s lives in Britain’s earliest mosques.

Jamie Gilham is an independent historian and biographer based in the UK and Taiwan. His books include Loyal Enemies: British Converts to Islam, 1850–1950 (2014), Victorian Muslim: Abdullah Quilliam and Islam in the West (co-editor, 2017) and The British Muslim Convert Lord Headley, 1855–1935 (2020).

You can purchase your very own copy of the book here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/muslim-women-in-britain-1850-1950/