Stroud District Council – UN Day to Combat Islamophobia event

15th March has been designated the UN Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Stroud District Council marked the day to show their commitment to combating islamophobia, and follows their adoption of the APPG definition of Islamophobia last year.

The event was led by Councillor Robin Drury-Layfield. He invited MEND to have a stall and put on the Islamophobia exhibition. But the highlight of the event was an engaging and emotive screening entitled “Unreflected Reflections” by Ismail Kholwadia, which also included a photographic display of Muslim elders and locations.

The screening was an incredibly moving film on how the Muslim community was established in Gloucester in the 1950’s – all inspired by an English Glory match box!

The attendees, made up of councillors, council staff and members of the public – were all impressed and moved by the story and the struggles and sacrifices made to establish the community which has now grown around the Friendship Café in Gloucester. An engaging Q&A session followed, and the evening ended with a lovely networking session and a chance to see the exhibition and learn about the work of MEND.

We would like to thank Cllr Robin and Stroud District council and look forward to working with them in future events.