Empowering Women, One Conversation — and One Brushstroke — at a Time
On 29th September, we had the privilege of delivering a leadership training and mental wellbeing session designed specifically for Muslim women in Nottingham — a powerful space where lived experience, shared wisdom, and collective strength came together.
The workshop, supported through a grant from AHPN, explored how women can step into leadership at home, at work, and in their communities, even in the face of systemic barriers and cultural expectations. Together, we unpacked the “authority gap,” openly discussed the biases and challenges participants have encountered, and co-created practical solutions to navigate them — boldly but tactfully.
The session was highly interactive, with participants sharing their stories and reflecting on new ways to build confidence, influence decisions, and support one another. Many described the experience as eye-opening and contextually relevant, expressing how much it resonated with their realities and aspirations.
To complement the leadership training, we transitioned into an art-for-wellbeing session — a creative space for self-expression and mental relaxation. Armed with brushes and canvases, the women produced beautiful, deeply personal pieces reflecting themes of family, nature, sunshine, happiness, and faith. Many of them, who had never painted before created work full of joy and meaning.
The impact was immediate and visible. One participant, who admitted feeling anxious before the session, shared that “as soon as I started painting, I just felt relaxed and at ease.” The activity sparked conversations, laughter, and new connections — showing how creativity can unlock confidence and support mental wellbeing.
By the end of the day, participants were already asking when the next session would be. Their enthusiasm reminded us that leadership is not just about skills or titles — it’s about creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow in every dimension of their lives.
A huge thank you to AHPN for supporting this initiative, and to the incredible women who showed up ready to learn, lead, and create. The journey continues — and this is only the beginning.
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