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Virtual Ramadan with Atkins BAME Network

Virtual Ramadan with Atkins BAME Network

Categories: Past Event Articles

Tuesday May 05 2020

Even during lockdown Atkins BAME network managed to put together an educational event for all of their members on the holy month of Ramadan.

Atkins BAME network reached out to MEND after a successful collaborative event held at their Victoria office last November as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month. Well over 50 people attended to learn about Muslim talent in the workplace and the types of discrimination they face. This time around we added an additional collaborative partner CUBE.

CUBE Network is an Umbrella Network connecting professional employee faith networks covering the interests of Muslim employees to deliver a cohesive, united impact to corporate Diversity and Inclusion strategy. They regularly hold events in workplaces when Ramadan is approaching to help workplaces understand how the needs of their Muslim employees and colleagues will change during the month of fasting.

The event ran smoothly over Skype with over 35 Atkins staff watching Hamza flick through the slides explaining what Ramadan is all about. He broke down what a typical day of fasting and and prayer looks like and compared that to the current lockdown situation. He gave great tips on how staff can support their Muslim colleagues during this time. Straight after he had finished another Humza took stage.

Humza Khan, Atkins graduate consultant, shared his experience of working in Atkins during Ramadan which was very positive. He explained how supportive his line manager was when it came to flexible working hours and took extra care when organising lunchtime meetings.

The floor was then opened to questions and comments. Interesting questions were put forth to Hamza Saghir such as ‘how do Muslims calculate the days and months of the lunar calendar?’ and ‘what types of greetings do Muslims share with each other to commemorate the entering of the holy month?’. Two Muslim members of staff at Atkins added in their comments and experiences of Ramadan, showing that the experience of Ramadan can vary depending on culture, ethnicity, age and a gender.

This event was a great way to raise awareness about the Islamic faith which goes a long way to helping Muslims feel less alienated as a minority in the workplace. MEND looks forward to returning to Atkins soon for more great events.

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