Daughters of Eve
The Daughters of Eve conference series has been a pioneering platform for Muslim women, providing space for dialogue, reflection, and empowerment across the UK.
The inaugural conference was held in partnership with the Islamic Society of Britain from 6–8 May 2011, under the theme “Muslim Women: Critically Thinking the Past, Present, Future”. Speakers included Dr Riffat Hassan (Professor Emerita, University of Louisville, USA), Sarah Joseph (CEO, EMEL Magazine), Ustaad Ahtsham Ali (National Muslim Advisor to HM Prison Service), Shahien Taj (Executive Director, Henna Foundation), Julie Siddiqi (Executive Director, Islamic Society of Britain), Henna Szovati (Founder, Barefoot Institute), and Farkhanda Chaudhry (Scotland’s first Muslim woman Justice of the Peace).
The second conference in May 2015, titled “Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Muslim Women Creating a New Narrative”, featured workshops on topics such as Sharia, family law, and political Islam in the UK. Attendees from across the country also enjoyed a bazaar, beauty rooms, and an evening of entertainment, including performances by the female hip-hop duo Poetic Pilgrimage and a karaoke/quiz night.
In 2016, the conference partnered with the Rawiya Foundation (USA) and integrated the Shaykha Fest, bringing female scholars from around the world. The programme included panel discussions and intensive workshops on themes such as Status of Women in Islam, Muslim Women and Religious Authority, Purpose of the Human Being, and Challenges Facing Muslim Women in the 21st Century. Speakers included Shaykha Reima Yosif (President, Rawiya Foundation), Shaykha Safia Shahid, Sarah Joseph, Sherin Khankan, Henrietta Szovati, and Yasmin Amin. Musical performances were provided by singer Shabnam Khan.
The 2017 conference took place in Bradford at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel, welcoming over 250 women from across the UK and a delegation from Germany. Held over three days (6–8 October), the event remained women-only, except for the first day, which opened to men for broader discussion.
The programme included talks by Salma Yaqoob (Campaigner and Media Spokesperson), Dr Riffat Hassan, Dr Shuruq Naguib (Lecturer, University of Lancaster), Yasmin Amin, Carla Power (Author and Journalist), Gillian Holding (Artist and Writer), and Revd Jenny Ramsden (Priest and Interfaith Worker). The conference combined panel discussions, intensive teach-ins, and cultural activities, covering themes such as Muslim Responses to Extremism, Legitimisation of Islamophobia, Connecting Divided Worlds, Shared Heritage, and Muslim Women: Sacred Texts & Religious Authority. Evenings featured shopping and live musical entertainment by Shabnam Khan.
The 2024 Daughters of Eve Conference opened with a moving keynote from Dr. Naema Al-Modallal, who shared her experiences from Gaza in “Our Faith Will Not Be Shaken.” Her address highlighted the resilience, faith, and dignity of women living under conflict, setting a tone of solidarity, moral clarity, and spiritual strength for the weekend. The conference brought together speakers, panels, and workshops that explored faith, justice, and empowerment, centring on the voices and experiences of Muslim women.
Discussions focused on anti-Muslim sentiment, its impact on communities, and practical strategies for resilience, leadership, and social change. Key speakers included Zara Mohammed (Secretary-General, Muslim Council of Britain), Imam Adam Kelwick (Imam & Khatib, Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, Liverpool), Naz Shah MP, Sheikh Osman (Imam & Chaplain) and Christa Ackroyd (Journalist & Broadcaster), who examined issues ranging from Islamophobia in media and policy to grassroots community engagement. Through these sessions, the conference emphasised the transformative power of dialogue, faith-led action, and collective empowerment, inspiring participants to confront challenges with courage, compassion, and moral clarity.
The Daughters of Eve Conference 2025 took place at Heaton Mount in Bradford. The annual event brought together Muslim women leaders, scholars, professionals, and community members for a day of reflection, learning, and inspiration under the theme “Mental Health & Well-being: An Islamic Perspective.”
The conference aimed to explore how Islamic teachings and values can support emotional resilience, mental well-being, and personal growth, particularly for women balancing multiple responsibilities across family, work, and community life.
With growing awareness of mental health issues across society, this event provided a much-needed faith-based space to discuss challenges, share lived experiences and celebrate the strength and contributions of Muslim women. Speakers included, Selina Ullah (Trust Chair, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), Mariam Ahmed (Muslim Women’s Resource Centre, Scotland), Zara Mohamed (Former Secretary-General, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Shahin Ashraf (Head of Global Advocacy, Islamic Relief Worldwide OBE), Fatima Rasool (Life Coach – Quranic Science of the Nafs), Dr Hany El Banna OBE (Co-Founder, Islamic Relief Worldwide)
Across its iterations, Daughters of Eve has remained an influential and dynamic forum, fostering critical dialogue, creative engagement, and leadership opportunities for Muslim women across the UK and beyond.
