How to be a Muslim Woman

Episode 7: I don’t need empowering, I don’t need liberating

Sayeeda Warsi speaks to activist Sajda Mughal, caught up in the 7/7 bombs in London, about the effect it had on her life. The course of Sajda's life changed that day, and she discusses how the realisation that the bombs had been set off by men from her faith affected her. She also explains why she is so frustrated at the representation of Muslim women in public life - as meek and oppressed. "I don't need empowering, I don't need liberating," she tells Sayeeda

Episode 6: The pointless obsession with how Muslim women dress

Sayeeda Warsi speaks to Welsh trade unionist Shavanah Taj about being a British Muslim woman. Shavanah explains her frustration that the conversation about Muslim women is so often focused on what women wear, obscuring other important issues that leaders within Muslim communities, and observers outside it, should prioritise instead. She discusses the importance of her faith in her daily life, and how it has affected her wish to get involved in improving society.

Episode 5: Why I feel like a failed perfect daughter

Sayeeda Warsi speaks to anti-FGM activist Nimco Ali about being a British Muslim woman. They discuss sex and relationships, misogyny, speaking truth to power, the difference between culture and religion, and why guilt keeps Nimco going.

Episode 4: Muslim women face the same challenges as other women of faith

Sayeeda Warsi speaks to Julie Siddiqi about being a British Muslim woman, and why endless discussions about the burka stop more important conversations from taking place. Julie is co-chair of the Nisa-Nashim network of Muslim and Jewish women, and points out the similarities between the issues many Muslim women face within their communities and those of women in other faith communities.

Episode 3: My father empowered all his daughters

Sayeeda Warsi speaks to Maz Saleem about her father, who was murdered by a far-right extremist. They discuss stereotypes of Muslim women and Muslim men, and talk about the daily challenges and pleasures of being a Muslim woman in 21st century Britain.