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Islamophobia Awareness Month at NTU

Islamophobia Awareness Month highlights the threat of Islamophobic hate crimes and showcases the positive contributions of British Muslims to society.

Join NTU and the NTSU for Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM).

We’ll challenge stereotypes and help you understand the discrimination faced by Muslims. We'll celebrate Islam and the contribution of our Muslim community.

IAM was co-founded in 2012 by Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) and other British organisations. It takes place every November in the UK. It aims to:

  • deconstruct and challenge the stereotypes about Islam and Muslims
  • highlight and celebrate the positive contributions that British Muslims make to our society.

'IAM is important as it encourages us to develop a dialogue with those from different backgrounds which helps to foster understanding, compassion, and empathy.

It’s a step in the right direction for creating more inclusive and safe spaces for Muslim students and colleagues, giving them the confidence to express themselves and feel represented by NTU. It also provides non-Muslims with the space and opportunity to learn about Muslim experiences and discuss misconceptions about Muslim communities and Islamic practices. This is something I’m very passionate about.'

Ramisha Rafique, PhD student and convenor of IAM at NTU.

Events and activities

There is a varied programme of events for students and colleagues to mark Islamophobia Month 2023.

The theme for this year is #MuslimStories. The goal of the campaign is to facilitate connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims and non-Muslims, using the transformative power of storytelling.

WRAP Café

Tuesday 14 November, 6-8 pm, Blend Cafe, Nottingham Contemporary

Join us at Blend at Nottingham Contemporary for WRAP Café, this month hosted by Ramisha Rafique, convenor of Islamophobia Awareness Month at NTU.

Enjoy a performance from featured artist Naush Sabah, editor of Poetry Birmingham, whose stunning book, Litanies, features poems that take no prisoners.

Email wrap@ntu.ac.uk to book one of our five-minute open mic slots in advance, and get your voice heard like never before in this café for creatives.


Using the transformative power of storytelling to tackle Islamophobia

Thursday 16 November, 2 pm – 4 pm, Chaucer level 3, Lecture Theatre 1, CHR3001, City Campus

Why are Muslim women more likely to experience hate crime? Why do some people turn to a different religious faith or spiritual tradition, and how best can these people be supported? Join Dr Irene Zempi and Dr Glenn Williams as they answer these questions and explore the transformative power of storytelling to challenge Islamophobia.

Islamophobia Awareness Month Exhibition

Monday 27–Wednesday 29 November, Newton building first floor, City Campus

MEND’s (Muslim Engagement and Development) exhibition is coming to our City Campus to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims to the UK and the challenges faced by Muslims in tackling Islamophobia.

NTU libraries exhibition – Clifton Campus

NTU Libraries will be showcasing the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK and the issue of Islamophobia in aspects of society. The exhibition will run throughout November in the entrance of Clifton Campus Library.

Use the hashtag #IAM2023 to join the national conversation during Islamophobia Awareness Month. You can visit the Islamophobia Awareness Month website for more information about this initiative and access the resource pack for universities.