This project has been developed as a unique and innovative opportunity for the self development and empowerment of Muslim women. Aimed at encouraging Muslim women to actively participate in and lead community projects, this project developed their leadership and communication skills, increased their overall confidence and gave them the tools needed to succeed as active participants in civic society.

"Creating Change" is being delivered with the assistance of the Muslimah organisation and the University of Bedfordshire.

The project is divided into two parts:

1. Muslim Women's Conference

This conference was held on Saturday 21st November 2009 for 50 muslim women. The dayl consisted of talks by inspirational speakers and workshops. The workshops were run by Muslimah and focussed around issues such as parenting and women as leaders. The speakers included national and local Muslim women role models who were shining examples of Muslim women taking a lead in community projects...

What they said about the conference:

"This conference has opened my mind and given me an inspiration to utilise my skills and qualifications to the best of my ability."

"Each speaker was very interesting and I thought brought real credibility to each aspect."

"Fantastic opportunity to meet inspirational Muslim women - I think there should be another conference on a large scale."

"Women need to put themselves out there especially when there is a problem with the Muslim community and women can really help and relate to certain topics better than men."

"Today's conference has already raised my confidence"

2. Six week Self Development Course

This took place in March/April 2010 and was attended by 16 women from Luton.

The course was divided into 3 parts, spread across six sessions. Working with Muslimah from High Wycombe, independent consultants and Voluntary organisations we devised a course to take the attendees through a journey of self-discovery and preparation to become involved in and lead local projects. The course involved practical skills workshops and coaching to increase self-confidence and motivation.

• The first part of the course concentrated on the Islamic context of a Muslim women's self development. This was run by the Muslimah project and set out the historical Islamic perspective on the role of Muslim women and dealt with many misconceptions as well as showcasing strong Muslim women in the past and present who have taken an active role in the community.

• The second part of the course was run by independent consultants recommended by the University of Bedfordshire. It concentrated on developing skills such as leadership training,
communication skills, assertiveness skills and presentation skills.

• The final part of the course then concentrated on project managing a community activity and turning ideas into viable projects.