Shummi Shah

My journey into community work began with organising grassroots charity events in support of Palestine. Partnering with global movements like Kites In Solidarity and Bubbles Not Bombs, I hosted several events across South Tyneside, including one that drew over 150 attendees in just two days, with guests travelling from as far as Yorkshire. Seeing such a diverse group unite for a shared cause was deeply fulfilling. It sparked the realisation that I wanted to pursue a role in the third sector, where I could channel my people skills, creativity, and leadership into meaningful, lasting change.
This desire led me to establish Muslim Women North East (MWNE) in August 2024—a community group run by Muslim women, for Muslim women. In today’s climate of rising Islamophobia, I recognised the urgent need for safe, empowering spaces where Muslim women could connect, grow, and be heard.
One of our earliest events, in collaboration with Luna Blu (a CIC focused on children’s mental health) and local charity WHiST, was a response to the racial unrest of summer 2024. We held an art therapy session for mothers and children, offering a safe environment for creative expression. Families said it helped them process their experiences and feel less isolated. It was a powerful lesson in how art and community can support healing.
Building on this, I launched the Sunrise Club in October 2024—an initiative tailored for Muslim women. Held at the beach at dawn, the sessions combined natural beauty with quiet reflection. Attendance grew from a handful to over 20 women, some travelling from Birmingham. Participants described how the calm atmosphere improved their clarity and wellbeing. It reminded me that simple practices—time, space, and shared silence—can have profound impact.
When women in our network voiced a need for accessible Islamic education, I organised Qur’an Journaling sessions blending creativity with faith. The first event sold out within 24 hours, attracting women aged 18 to 49. Its success led to three more sessions with growing numbers, including attendees from Stockton-on-Tees. These sessions highlighted how women-led, faith-based learning can meet deep spiritual and communal needs often overlooked in mainstream services.
In December 2023, I also founded a Muslim women’s book club. What began as a small group of 10, many of them busy mothers who hadn’t read in years, has transformed into a thriving network of avid readers. A year on, members are setting personal reading goals and exploring literature they never thought possible. Beyond books, the club has become a space for companionship and intellectual growth. We’ve hosted three virtual “Meet the Author” events, connecting with writers across the UK, and I’ve been approached by women across the North East seeking guidance to start their own clubs.
The ripple effect of these initiatives hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local businesses and charities have supported MWNE with free event spaces, mentoring, and discounted services, making our gatherings more accessible. This organic backing has strengthened community ties and reassured me of a shared commitment to uplifting Muslim women in the region.
Looking ahead, I plan to launch a walking group for mums and babies—a wellbeing initiative to combat loneliness while promoting physical and mental health.
One challenge I’ve faced is reaching a wider audience while juggling personal responsibilities as a mother. Initially, I used my social media to connect with people, but limited time made this difficult. To overcome it, I recruited a university student volunteer studying business and marketing. Their support has strengthened our online presence while giving them valuable experience to enhance their CV.
Although MWNE is not yet registered as a CIC and currently receives no external funding, I’m working toward official registration. This step will allow us to expand, apply for funding, and provide targeted support for Muslim women across the North East.
Being nominated for this award is both an honour and a source of pride. Professionally, it validates the hard work and growing impact of MWNE. Personally, it reassures me that my dedication is respected and valued. Recognition at this level will inspire me to keep building MWNE and encourage our community to continue supporting our mission. Most importantly, it will help us reach more women who could benefit from our work.