Our CEO attends the First Ever Muslim Charities Convention!

Today saw the first ever Muslim Charities Convention come to life, a gathering of visionaries, advocates, and changemakers organised by the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF). Our CEO, Ridwana Wallace-Laher was amongst attendees of this inaugural event, who convened in London’s ILEC Conference Centrto discuss all things charity and to focus on the theme of the day ‘the blessing of the collective.’ 

MCF’s motto to Support, Connect, and Represent aligns brilliantly with our motives here at Penny Appeal and so it was great to see MCF share their work around fostering opportunities for collaboration between charities both within the Muslim sector and beyond. Ridwana benefitted from listening to sominvigorating speeches and panel discussions about opportunities, the balance between professionalism and passions, recognising gender inequality within the sector, and sharing how committed MCF are in supporting women within this industry. 

MP and Minister for Local Government, Faith and Communities, Sarah Owen, shared her insights and expertise on Muslim Charitieand the role of UK faith-based charities. This is something that really resonates with us at Penny Appeal, as our commitment as a faith-based charity to consider the principles of our faith and remain transparent with our donors on every level is something we take very seriously. 

After lunch, the first panel of the day began with a discussion around challenges, opportunities, and governance, featuring some incredible panellists such as Director of Policy and Learning, Teresa Dumasy, and Islamic Relief Director, Tufail Hussain. Other powerful speeches and discussions throughout the afternoon touched on the impact of climate change, new cyber and safeguarding developments, and alternative fundraising strategies.  

Support for women within the charity sector was a passion shared by all those present, and so it was great to see such value placed on celebrating the achievements of women within the sector.  

As many will know, the Muslim charity sector in particular has been somewhat behind in electing women in senior roles. However, the turnout of women today is testament to just how far we’ve come but also a reminder of just how much work there still is for us to do, which is why conventions like this are necessary. We’re forever proud of our CEO, Ridwana, who is the first woman to become CEO of a major Muslim charity in Britain and we’re so excited to see more women in senior positions across the sector. 

In his speech, Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of MCF, said ‘bridges are built from both sides’ when addressing the topic of support between Muslim charities and the wider charity sector, this was a very powerful statement and a reminder to us all that team work really does make the dream work. We are stronger together, and this was a feeling shared by all those in attendance.  

When asked about the event so far, Ridwana said: “The unity and joint passion for humanitarianism that I felt, especially in such testing times, was a standout moment for me at this convention. It’s beebrilliant sharing this space with so many people working towards positive change through collaboration and teamwork.” 

Penny Appeal are thrilled to have Ridwana represent us in true orange style at the first ever Muslim Charities Conference, and we hope everyone reading this can take some inspiration from the notion that through collaborative ideas, support, connections and representation we can create a brighter and hopeful future for all.