Women of Faith Summit Calls for Action on Hate Crime, Deprivation and Growing Social Divisions: Nearly 100 women representing six major faith communities gathered at the University of Birmingham this week for a landmark summit focused on tackling hate crime, social division and growing deprivation across the United Kingdom.
Hosted by Professor Jagbir Jutti-Johal and organised by the Women’s Faith Forum, the summit brought together Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and Bahá’í women leaders, academics, grassroots organisers and government representatives to explore practical solutions for strengthening social cohesion.
The event highlighted the increasing challenges facing communities across Britain, including rising hate crime, loneliness, economic hardship and mistrust, while also showcasing local initiatives led by women of faith that are helping bridge divides and support vulnerable populations.
Delegates heard from Sarah Healey, Permanent Secretary at the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who discussed the government’s Pride in Place programme and efforts to rebuild trust and resilience within communities.
A keynote address was delivered by Jane Steen, who spoke about the severe pressures facing rural Britain, including deprivation, isolation and farmer suicide. She described women of faith as “the bedrock” of community life and praised their role in supporting families and neighbourhoods during difficult times.
Throughout the summit, panel discussions explored the complexities of interfaith relationships in an increasingly polarised society. Speakers shared examples of successful grassroots initiatives addressing poverty, division, loneliness and distrust through dialogue, volunteering and community engagement.
One of the most emotional moments of the summit came during a commemoration for recent victims of hate crime. Joy Madeiros reflected on the recent antisemitic attack on a young Jewish man in Golders Green and the fatal shooting of Muslim worshippers at a mosque in San Diego, both of which occurred within 48 hours of the gathering.
Delegates repeatedly stressed the importance of human connection in overcoming division. One participant remarked, “These problems are not solved with an email,” emphasising the need for direct engagement and relationship-building within communities.
Among the speakers was Sajna Ali from Darlington, who reflected on identity and belonging in modern Britain. “There are many ways to be British — for me it’s snooker, football, a halal pie and a pint of orange juice,” she said, drawing applause from attendees.
Laura Marks, co-founder of the Women’s Faith Forum, called for stronger collaboration between government and faith communities.
“At a time when hate crime and social division are rising, women of faith are doing the quiet, difficult work of holding communities together,” she said. “They are trusted voices, bridge-builders and problem-solvers — yet too often excluded from decision-making. If government wants to create real change in communities under pressure, it must work in genuine partnership with faith groups and ensure women’s voices are heard.”
Professor Jagbir Jutti-Johal added that faith organisations continue to provide essential services and trusted spaces across the country.
“In every region of the country, faith organisations provide leadership, volunteering networks, social action, wellbeing support, food provision, youth engagement, interfaith dialogue and community care,” she said. “They have repeatedly demonstrated that they can mobilise quickly and effectively in times of challenge. Today showcased some great examples of that work.”
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships between policymakers, local authorities and faith-led organisations to address the growing social pressures facing communities across the UK.
The Women’s Faith Forum continues to bring together women from diverse faith backgrounds to strengthen social cohesion, tackle prejudice and support communities experiencing increasing division and hardship.
