The Inspiring Finalists of the Muslim Women Awards

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Nafisa and Selina Bakkar are sisters and co-founders of Amaliah, a UK-based platform amplifying the voices of Muslim women. What began in 2015 as an Instagram page celebrating modest fashion has grown into a media company with thousands of contributors, podcast series, and brand collaborations. Nafisa’s entrepreneurial drive and Selina’s creativity have shaped Amaliah into a community-driven platf

 Mina Ibrahim is a dynamic sports presenter and commentator passionate about football. She has worked with Sky Sports and BBC News, covering both men’s and women’s football. As a hijab-wearing presenter, Mina advocates for diversity and inclusion, inspiring greater representation in sports media. She also hosts a podcast on women’s football, offering analysis and behind-the-scenes insights. Mina i

Husna Wahid is a media professional and storyteller with a background in broadcast journalism and research. As a British South Asian Muslim woman, she amplifies underrepresented voices. Beginning in local radio, Husna moved into national TV, excelling as a reporter, producer, and presenter. She is committed to breaking stereotypes and advocating for Muslim women in hijab. Husna’s work focuses on a

 Nesrine “Nez” Dally is a London-based fitness coach, Muay Thai athlete, and mother, championing strength, faith, and representation in sport. In 2018, she made history as Britain’s first hijabi Muay Thai fighter in Thailand. With a master’s in Sports Biomechanics, Nez blends academic expertise with coaching to create inclusive fitness experiences. She co-founded Thai Fit London to offer empowerin

 Asma Elbadawi is a Sudanese-British spoken word poet, basketball player, coach, and activist. She gained international recognition for petitioning FIBA to overturn its hijab ban in professional basketball. Raised in Bradford, Asma holds a Master’s in Visual Arts and is an active member of the Bradford Cobras. A celebrated poet, she won BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Words First in 2015. Asma also uses photogr

 Ramla Ali is a Somali-born British boxer, model, author, and humanitarian. She made history as the first Somali boxer in the Olympics (Tokyo 2020) and the first to win an international gold medal. A multiple-time UK national champion, Ramla signed with Matchroom Boxing and won the first-ever professional women’s boxing match in Saudi Arabia. Founder of The Sisters Club, she empowers women through

 Side eYe Productions is a UK-based theatre and media collective creating bold stories that centre Somali and Muslim women’s voices. Through theatre, film, and performance, they explore identity and community, challenging stereotypes and reclaiming overlooked narratives. Founded by creatives, they’ve earned awards like the BBC Writersroom Popcorn Award. Side eYe supports emerging talent, fostering

 Aliyah Umm Raiyaan is a British author, speaker, and social entrepreneur known for her authentic storytelling and spiritual insight. A revert to Islam, she has spent over two decades supporting women, particularly converts. Aliyah is the bestselling author of Ramadan Reflections and The Power of Du’a and founded Solace UK, a charity for revert women. Co-host of Honest Tea Talk, she inspires other

 Farrah Azam is a London-based artist and entrepreneur known for her “East meets West” style, hand-painting intricate designs on various surfaces. She began her artistic journey as a form of therapy and has since used her work to raise funds for humanitarian causes. With international recognition, her clients include luxury brands and heritage perfume houses. Farrah was invited to project her art 

 Iman Razak is a sociology graduate and rising community leader, named in the “Top 100 Inspiring Muslims” and “2024 Young British Muslim Leaders.” She works as a Community Engagement Apprentice and Youth Bereavement Ambassador, using her grief experience to support young people. As a content creator, Iman amplifies overlooked voices, creating inclusive spaces for Muslims to discuss mental health a

 Rashida Francis is a social-justice advocate and founder of Forgotten Sisters, a UK initiative supporting Muslim women in prison. The programme provides halal meals, educational resources, and emotional support to incarcerated women. Rashida has built Forgotten Sisters into a beacon of hope for those often overlooked in the criminal-justice system, working with prisons, charities, and volunteers 

 Aysha is the founder of Rosebuds Sisters, a charity empowering Muslim women through mental health workshops, youth programs, revert support circles, and martial arts classes. Founded in 2011, Rosebuds grew from a small sister-circle in Bedford into a thriving community hub. Aysha has been recognized with multiple awards, including Young Person of the Year in 2014 and a finalist for Young Achiever

 Houda Haidar is a PhD candidate in Astrophysics at Newcastle University, where she holds an STFC studentship and Overseas Research Scholarship. Her research, focused on dust in AGN feedback, is part of the GATOS collaboration and uses James Webb Space Telescope data to explore galaxy evolution. With a First-Class MSc from the Observatoire de Paris, Haidar is also passionate about STEM outreach, h

 Arfah Farooq is a London-based community builder, angel investor, and diversity advocate in tech. She co-founded Muslamic Makers and helped launch Muslim Tech Fest, celebrating Muslim-led innovation. Arfah has worked in both the public and private sectors, leading projects at the UK Government and NHSX. A recognized changemaker, she’s been named one of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in 

Yasmine El-Mehairy is an Egyptian entrepreneur who founded SuperMama, a leading Arabic parenting platform, and Coushies, a startup supporting female artisans. She has worked in innovation and fintech at Deloitte Digital and Citi Ventures and teaches at Oxford Saïd Business School. Featured by global media, she holds degrees from Ain Shams, Westminster, and London Business School, plus certificatio

 Anisa Khan is a London-based British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur and finalist from The Apprentice (UK), known for her creativity and business acumen. She founded Bombay Pizza, a brand fusing Indian and Italian flavors, like Chicken Tikka Masala pizza. Anisa aims to expand her brand through delivery hubs and dark kitchens. A former England Kabaddi player, she is a role model for young women and aspir

 Hasina Momtaz is a British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur and founder of Soul Gems London, a faith-inspired jewellery brand. After the loss of her son, Sami, in 2014, Hasina created jewellery inscribed with messages of faith, compassion, and remembrance. Launched in 2020, Soul Gems also bridges communities and supports charitable causes. Under Hasina’s leadership, the brand connects people, offering co

 Riz Kayaalp is the co-founder of Eid Party, launched in 2017 to provide vibrant, affordable décor for Muslim families. Recognising the lack of Eid supplies in mainstream stores, she created party kits that blend faith and fun. Aysha Patel, the other co-founder, helped grow the brand across the UK and Europe, refining customer experience and expanding product ranges. Together, they’ve built Eid Pa

 Zaynah Din is an award-winning digital marketer, content creator, and passionate home cook. She combines her love for cooking and photography to create South Asian-inspired recipes, building a loyal community. With over five years of experience in digital marketing, Zaynah has worked with top brands like PepsiCo, Universal Music, and TikTok. She blends creativity, culture, and storytelling, empow

 Entry Level Mums, founded by Somali mums Nasra and Sawiya, is a podcast offering unfiltered conversations about motherhood. Sharing highs, lows, and everything in between, they create a supportive community where mothers feel seen, heard, and empowered. Each episode blends personal stories with advice on topics like career, self-care, mental health, and family. Celebrated for its authenticity, En

 Salma Masrour is a UK-based content creator, fashion blogger, and lifestyle influencer known for her modest style. A former pharmacy student, she shares her journey in fashion, beauty, and life, resonating with young Muslim women. Salma blends heritage, contemporary style, and authenticity, speaking on identity and empowerment. Her approachable voice has built a loyal following, allowing her to c

 Mayor Safiya Saeed is the trailblazing 128th Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the first Black woman to hold the role while wearing a hijab—a groundbreaking milestone she embraced with pride, declaring, “This city has truly become my home. 

Since arriving in Sheffield from Somaliland in 1985, Safiya’s roots in the community have only grown stronger. First elected as a councillor for Burngreave in 2021, 

Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South since 2019, is known for her bold progressive politics. Suspended from Labour in 2024 and later co-founding a new left-wing party, she champions free education, climate justice, racial equality and refugee rights. Born in Birmingham to Pakistani Muslim parents, she rose from student activism to Parliament. Despite abuse and threats, she remains a resilient, pri

 Shaheda Yasmeen-Khan is an NHS-qualified midwife and private breastfeeding specialist, known as a compassionate “Milkfluencer.” Through Mother Shaheda and The Positive Birth Company, she provides evidence-based guidance for early motherhood. As a Muslim woman, she blends modern maternal care with Islamic traditions, offering support on health, spirituality, and birth, while raising awareness for