In November 2012, the Muslim Council of Britain and other UK organisations co-founded a yearly Islamophobia month to challenge stereotypes about Islam and Muslim people, highlighting increases in anti-Muslim sentiment.
This year’s theme, “Seeds of Change” encourages everyone to take small steps to help raise awareness about and deepen their understanding of Islamophobia.
Islamophobia can occur when someone or something is targeted, discriminated against or excluded in any way due to their actual or perceived Muslim identity. It can also include prejudice that promotes or instigates fear against Muslim people and Islam. During the riots of July and August of this year, many Muslim communities and ethnically diverse groups were targeted and made to feel as though they were not safe or did not belong, with acts of verbal and physical violence taking place in some instances, against people, buildings and possessions.
The NHS is the fifth largest employer in the world and it is estimated that just under 10% of the doctors in the NHS are Muslim. Yet, behind the scenes, there lies an urgent matter that requires attention: Islamophobia within healthcare environments.
Within the NHS, a Muslim Doctors Association report found that:
- Almost 4 in 10 Muslim Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) received verbal abuse from colleagues about their faith.
- Nearly 8 in 10 Muslim HCPs experienced negative assumptions related to their religion.
- Approximately half of Muslim HCPs are impacted by organisational bias, discrimination and minority stress.
- Almost 9 in 10 Muslim HCPs do not know of any Muslims in leadership and management positions.
- 1 in 5 Muslim HCPs felt that they had been passed over for promotion due to their religion.
Simple Steps Towards Change
Everyone can all play a part in fighting Islamophobia:
- Learn More: Take the time to learn about Islam through books, documentaries, and conversations.
- Speak Out: If you hear an Islamophobic comment, challenge it. Staying silent can be seen as agreement.
- Make Connections: Get to know Muslims in your community and workplace and listen to their stories.
- Self-Reflection: Be honest about your own biases and work on changing them.
Useful Resources:
British Islamic Medical Association – Islamophobia Awareness: Quotes
