ABIDA ZAFAR IQBAL

Abida Zafar Iqbal didn’t let opposition to her ideas stop her from developing the Southwark Muslim Women’s Association into an organisation that not only celebrates Muslim culture but promotes its integration into the wider community.

For the past 25 years, Zafar Iqbal has been involved in the registered charity, which is based in south London. Today, under her guidance, the association offers a programme of activities that meets the real needs of women, children and elders from the many and varied Muslim communities living around Southwark. In addition to helping these women, Zafar Iqbal has also worked to increase understanding of the Muslim community.

Her citation says: “SMWA, under the leadership of Abida, has gone from strength to strength. The association provides women with a safe space to meet, discuss and address the issues they face in their daily lives.”

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