Wednesday 25 November 2015

Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls- Bosnia Delegation

There is a war going on, and it has been waging for centuries. A war which is happening on our streets, in our workplaces and in people's homes. A war that many want to ignore. It is the violence, abuse, exploitation, rape, violation and torture of women and girls. Austerity, economic decline and deprivation, can all exasperate what is a global pandemic. However, for me what is worse is when it is used as a weapon during conflict. We have over time heard stories of some of the most brutal and horrifying acts one human could inflict upon another but sexual violence is for me the cruelest.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to do some extensive work raising awareness about the genocide that took place in Srebrenica in Bosnia. The use of rape as a tool of war was, I feel the most difficult to stomach. Learning that up to 50,000 majority Bosniak (Muslim) women and girls were systematically raped by Bosnian Serbs during the conflict was a grim reality check. If this wasn't horrifying enough, to hear how "rape camps" were set up for women and girls and how women they were then subjected to sexual slavery and raped repeatedly by groups of men daily, still makes me nauseously dizzy.
Despite working as a volunteer counsellor supporting survivors of sexual abuse and rape, hearing about such cases is really difficult to comprehend. The amount a women goes through emotionally, physically, psychologically and mentally from the sheer violation of rape, or any experience of sexual violence even once is too much to put here. So imagining women having to suffer the utter humiliation of having to experience it repeatedly for a long duration of time is painful to even try and consider.
Therefore, with the support of Amelia Handy from Remembering Srebrenica, myself, with a group from the Women of Faith and Katie Rose Elizabeth Parker with a group from Luna Women's Foundation will be taking an all female delegation out to Bosnia in January 2016. This diverse group of community workers, film-makers, activist, writers, mothers, daughters and sisters, hope to learn lessons not only on the grave genocide that took place, but also focus specifically on the violence that took place against women, with the hope to hear first hand stories from survivors.
Today, on the UN International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women ‪#‎IDEVAW2015‬ we must pledge not to remain numb, deaf or blind to what happened only 20 years ago on European soil. This trip is going to have its own challenges and there is still much work to do before we embark, but we hope to share the lessons we learn, and if permitted to bring you the untold stories. God Willing.
Aisha Mirza


Thursday 19 November 2015

InterFaith Week 2015

Amidst all the negativity following the terrible attacks over the weekend and the subsequent bombing campaign where more innocent people have been killed, or will get caught in "collateral damage", this week has proven how the media has a lot to answer for. It has highlighted how detrimental and destructive, misinformation, poor journalism, and sensationalism to “sell stories” can be on communities, as we have witnessed a rise in racists and Islamophobic attacks. I believe they are hugely responsible in shaping people’s attitudes, and opinions. Only this morning I have read a couple of stories from friends and colleagues who have received abuse, as Muslims living in the UK.
Last night my 10 year old daughter was up crying in the middle of the night scared, and when asked about what she was worried about her answer was “what if people try to harm me because I am Muslim, because the news says Muslims are terrorists.” As a parent of children all born after 9/11 this is something that has never been far from conversation. Often worries about what they can or cannot say, for fear of being branded extreme. I feel they have been robbed of their freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. I feel dismayed that they are being told that they are not worthy individuals or their faith is one of murder and warfare.
Hence, why I feel dialogue is so important. I am a firm believer of celebrating similarities of all different faiths, as I feel it creates a greater understanding and forms solidarity as opposed to divisions, which I feel the media and the Government wants to create. Therefore as part of ‪#‎InterfaithWeek‬ there has been lots of events held all over Manchester.
Faith Network 4 Manchester hosted a conference examining Faith in Education. A topic crucial at this time; looking at how schools and those in education can be more inclusive, sharing good practice and what challenges can occur. I however, had two hats on yesterday representing Faith Network 4 Manchester at our MultiFaith day at CMFT where I volunteer in the Chaplaincy, supporting the spiritual care needs of Muslim patients. A day, where we were speaking with staff, nurses, doctors, and other medical and non-medical staff about the different faiths, and was a chance for them to ask any questions.
Despite all the horrifying stories I have heard around racist or Islamophobic attacks, what I also experienced yesterday was a huge sense of solidarity. I had a couple of people ask me how I was coping and managing with everything going on. I had colleagues who had been concerned for my safety while I was travelling in and out of Brussels the day before. I had others who told me that they didn’t believe that Muslims were "bad" when they believed in a Merciful and Benevolent Lord whose Prophet taught love and compassion. Another elderly lady from a Christian background shared “the attackers were human beings who were born from a mother like you and me, and I feel sorry for them. They must have been brainwashed into doing what they did.” She went onto say “war only breeds more war, so we need to stand together and break that cycle.”
In Solidarity
The work continues.
Aisha Mirza



Wednesday 18 November 2015

Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls Conference -Brussels


Being a subject close to my heart this conference was set to be a fully charged, roller coaster of a ride. I did manage to spend some down time the day we arrived in Brussels with a few members of the UK delegation. We managed to visit an amazing halal restaurant right in the heart of the city who serve the best Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine, followed by a tour, taking in some of the sights.



Perhaps, a much needed diversion prior to the day of the conference which was fuelled by passion and determination, to bring about much needed change. I've been working with survivors of many forms of abuse including rape, sexual violence and domestic abuse at a grassroots level offering therapeutic support, and often usually have grievances about funding cuts and the closures of crucial frontline services which are a huge detriment and for some fatal. These services are a lifeline and the current climate has made matters worse as we have seen an increase in statistics of violence against women. It is reported that in the UK over 3 million women encounter some form of violence or abuse per year. 1 in 5 women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Coercion, abuse and exploitation via social media, revenge porn, are now a common occurrence and on the rise and marital rape has seen its figures rise as women become aware that consent is still needed, and it is not okay to be forced into doing anything against their will.

I am extremely pleased to hear that next year is the year to Eradicate Violence Against Women and is set to be high on the agenda at the European parliament. Although this is great news, I feel a little disheartened at the thought of how many women will die before that time comes. How many more women will be raped, abused and live in fear before this kind of violence is stamped out. However the women who I met on this trip, and all the speakers give me hope.

Hope that change can come, and through working together, by talking about it, by keeping it at the forefront of everyone’s minds, means it’s an issue we are no longer willing to brush under the carpet, or hide from, or shy away from. I want to thank my friend and inspiration Julie Ward for inviting me to be part of this trip and thank her for her commitment as always.

I pledge to continue my work with survivors and develop ways not only to support but to look at awareness, education, prevention and as a collective eradication.

Aisha Mirza




Thursday 12 November 2015

Mental Health and FGM

Through my work in mental health a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend CPD with mental health practitioners, doctors, consultants and nurses examining the attitudes of BME communities to mental health, the concept of jinn and black magic and its impact on intervention and treatment.
Last night for CPD I attended this; Sharing Knowledge on FGM. (Female Genital Mutilation)
After seeing the play by the brilliant Yusra Warsama called Rites, which importantly highlighted that FGM or female cutting is not as straightforward as the media and other officials have led us to believe. There are so many influences and ideas as to what the reasons are for people who carry out such a practice, and quiet rightly focussed on how there must be more dialogue, and more understanding.
Yesterday, I was therefore a little apprehensive, feeling that it would be very academic, drawing upon new laws, and focussed more on prosecution. Though I feel there is so much more dialogue which needs to be had, and more training for professionals in understanding cultural diversity, it was great to see this group of academics at least, not only focussing on prevention but also education (not just the people but the professionals) and more importantly examined the cultural context in which this act of female genital cutting takes place.
Still I have alot to learn. There is so much work that stills need to be done. There is a huge need for practitioners to support women emotionally and psychologically, who have experienced this ordeal which will be culturally sensitive.
The work continues.

Sunday 8 November 2015

My Journey back to the Arts

Today while having a clear out at home I came across and folder filled with work from the past. It is bizarre how our journeys begin and where they take us. This folder took me back to my university days when I was studying my bachelors in Sociology. In my spare time while involved with one of the societies, we would organise huge charity events which included fashion, performance, and art. The idea of our events was to give people at grass roots an opportunity to have a platform. I don't know where some of those wonderful people are now, and where their journeys took them, but hope they are doing well.

However little did I know that this would lead me to then be recruited by an organisation called Arts About Manchester, where I became involved in marketing and promoting BME arts events taking place at theatres all over Greater Manchester. I wasn't looking for a job in this work, it seemed to have found me.

The few years which followed were a whirlwind of insight, experience and opened my mind to the world even more. It allowed me to understand a different dialect of Art. Though I had studied fine art at college, what I painted on paper was different to what was portrayed when the visual, auditory and kinesthetic form came together. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best, and gain a new understanding and for that I am so grateful. Back then I stood in the shadows promoting all these wonderful people and their groundbreaking work. I feel now I have gone full circle, returning to the arts, forging my own identity as a Muslim female artist. Never did I think I would be doing what I am doing now, and I hope and pray that my work, my word, and what I create can move, and touch hearts as those I have known did for me.

Picture: just some of the different art events I was involved in while working at Arts About Manchester and while I worked at the Contact Theatre Manchester. Good memories :)

Monday 20 July 2015

Postcards





"Picture postcards, or perfectly captured moments of mans truth. 
Imperfect is he, as is his abstract reality." 
© Aisha Mirza 2015

Friday 19 June 2015

Ramadhan and Fasting






"Fasting, is much more than just pangs of hunger, or the parching of lips. It is about mastering our egos, and mastering our own self. It is far more, than just controlling our tongues, and opening our hands in giving. It is about opening our hearts to humanity, and cleansing our souls. It is in essence, discipline, and developing a greater awareness of our spiritual self. It is freeing ourselves from dependency on others, and connecting with the One, on who we truly can depend."

© Aisha Mirza 2015

Thursday 14 May 2015

The Siege- The Freedom Theatre UK tour 2015



"Captivating and compelling" Aisha Mirza

On Wednesday 13th of May, I was treated to an evening out to watch The Siege. Playing at the Lowry Theatre, Manchester, and produced by The Freedom Theatre it was captivating and compelling.
Based on real stories, of real people, and real events experienced by those that live under occupation in Palestine, this play focused on the siege that took place at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem in 2002.
A time when an Israeli offensive was sweeping through Palestinian cities and refugee camps, the largest they had seen since the beginning of occupied territory in 1967. When it reached the walls of Bethlehem a group of armed resistance fighters found themselves surrounded by the Israeli Army, and having nowhere to go, sought sanctuary in the Church.
What do you do? Fight? Flee? Stay? Surrender?
This is where the play begins. The story weaves through the highs and lows, the emotional turmoil, the struggle internally, physically, mentally that these men became faced with. Not only did they share their experiences of life under occupation, but their dreams and hopes of freedom for themselves and their beloved land.
This was cultural and artistic resistance at its best, as it gave voice to those stories unheard. Gave a platform to the voiceless.
Giving a human voice to an inhumane occupation.
The Freedom Theatre has grown from the seeds of resistance, and resides in the gut of Jenin Refugee camp in the northern part of occupied Palestine. It's heart is it's youth and the opportunity it provide for artistic expression of justice equality, peace and ultimately freedom.
This is a must see! They will be touring all over the UK through the month of May, so please follow their page to find out about your nearest city.
© Aisha Mirza 2015

picture credit - Henna Begum

The Siege - co-produced by Zoe Lafferty with Nabil Al-Raee, The Freedom Theatre, Jenin.

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Author Visit To Mubeen School, Lahore, Pakistan





Today, has been a day of awe, and inspiration. Being invited to a school set up especially for children that would otherwise not be able to afford an education, this visit by far has been a most humbling experience.



I have learnt that education in most cases in Pakistan is not free, and any free education currently available by the government is of very little standard with extremely limited resources. Aspirations are low, and in these cases further education is literally unheard of with only a tiny percentage continuing on to further study. This school does something unique.








 

As a nonprofit organisation, it provides high quality education for children from impoverished families, by taking only a minimal contribution from parents to help cover teacher salaries and some maintenance. The idea behind this is to allow parents to take ownership of their childrens' education to ensure that they regularly attend and keep up with homework and study. This also helps curb problems with attendance, and children dropping out to work with parents to earn money.

It was amazing to witness the zeal of the teachers to give these children the best education that they can provide. It was apparent in the positive attitude of the leadership team at the school,and most of all in the high aspirations the children aim for. 

While speaking with many of the children I asked them what they wanted to be when they grow up. I met children who wished to be doctors, pilots, teachers, engineers, office workers, bankers and much more. 




























The school has over 700 children on roll, ages ranging from kindergarten to class 10. It offers all core subjects aswell as ICT, social studies. Islamic studies, Qur'an is also taught alongside the main subjects and children here are being offered a solid foundation in education so that they can go on the achieve great things.


I made lots of lovely little friends today that asked me to return. I hope and pray that I can return soon, and catch up with the wonderful, hospitable children and staff of Mubeen School whose kindness has been enormous. 


A school with a big heart. I pray this school much success and hope that I can do more in the near future to aid and support this school to help improve its facilities. 



© Aisha Mirza April 2015

pictures ©Aisha Mirza April 2015

Saturday 28 March 2015

Rule 35

‪‎Rule 35
“Detention should be reconsidered if a detainee is experiencing physical or mental issues or has previously experienced torture”

With the recent exposure of the appalling and degrading conditions at the infamous Yarls Wood Immigration and Removal Centre, this play brought the darkness and inhumanity of detention by thrusting you into it. This play was wholly interactive and from the onset gave me the opportunity to feel some of what is experienced by the hundreds of people held in detention who are “treated like animals” by the UK asylum system.
On entering I received a “pat down” by the guards using the scanner devices, the whole time being shouted at and told to “get in line.” Paper’s being shoved in my hand I was told to walk in single file, told off for speaking, told to bag my belongings, and then handed a number, which was unnerving when knowing that I had done no wrong.
As I walked I could not ignore the loud humming noise like the engine of a plane that reverberated around me making me feel a little disoriented. I passed a sign reading “from this point you will be blindfolded.” For a person with vertigo being blindfolded is a distressing experience as balance becomes difficult, but I wanted to take part so I could really walk in their shoes. Watching bright lights flash by through black blindfold while being guided into the theatre space, though raising my anxiety also made me inquisitive about what the rest of the play had in store. I heard the slamming of doors, and the heavy clink of keys repeated over and over. A sharp tug, and my blindfold was removed to a room floodlit so bright that I had to shade my eyes.
The story unfolded with sound, performance and visuals as women who had experienced detention retold their own stories aswell as other women who had been interviewed about their experiences. I couldn't help but notice how guards circulated the room, heavy footsteps, stern looks. Knowing that our every move was being watched made me sit fixed in my seat unwilling to look around in case I caught the eye of a guard. Others in the audience had already been dragged out to participate while they enacted some of the humiliating, degrading and abusive treatment of those who find themselves in detention.
I learnt that there was no proper medical assistance, doctors were not qualified and there was only one mental health practitioner to 400 people detained. I discovered how guards abused their power physically, mentally and in many cases sexually. These women lived in constant fear and even those that had been released who awaited asylum felt they could not live in peace as there was continuous worry that they could be taken, sent to a detention centre or even worse be deported. Many of these women had already suffered trauma and torture, and though they had thought they were coming to a place of refuge and safety they found imprisonment instead.
I think for me working with women who have suffered this kind of trauma it really put me in their shoes this evening. I remember working with a client that due to her detention suffered a phobia of banging doors and keys. I can see and understand how that can be. Knowing that with each banging door and each time those keys clatter in locks means another person being locked up. Learning that in the UK there is no cap on how long a person can be detained for, means that many counted up their days rather than counting down. Release is always unknown and the impact psychologically is extremely worrying.
I salute the brave women that felt empowered to share their stories in the hope to highlight the issues of the inhumane asylum system in the UK. With the parliamentary enquiry that has been released a number of recommendations have been made. You can read them here.
Things need to change and each one of us has the ability to try and make a difference.
© Aisha Mirza 2015

Monday 2 February 2015

Unsung Hero's


My son has undergone surgery and our recent stay in hospital was an inspiring one. Our first visitor was my nephew. It was strange to see him all in blue with stethoscope hanging around his neck, as this was not the image we were use to. I felt immensely proud and blessed that he was around to give us moral support and company in between his own shifts. I witnessed his compassion and mercy towards all he met. It is wonderful to see him thriving in his work as a doctor, may Allah grant him success always. Ameen.

We had the privilege to spend time with the nurse who looked after my son for the whole duration we were there. Apart from finding my son hilariously funny she was so patient with him and gave him so much motivation which as they say is half of the healing. 

What was inspiring was watching how both of them worked tirelessly. Shifts of over 12 hours to ensure patient care and needs were met. I know so many that would say how the National Health Service is abominable but I could not imagine life without one. It is stretched beyond belief, staff is in shortage and they are simply not paid enough for the work they do. They really are phenomenal and deserve much more credit than what they are given. 

Being on a specialist ward we shared the space with children that have extreme needs but we also met the unsung hero's; parents and carers that spent day and night looking after them. These people who have given up their own lives to be full time carers for their children or in some cases grandchildren. Over the years I have had the honour to be around individuals that are, and have been taking full time care of their parents, children, spouses and siblings. I have witnessed how their faith has been unshakable, irrespective of how arduous it may have become. Though they tire and their smiles grow thin they continue, as giving up is not an option.

On reflection when we seem to be living in a world where many have become self obsessed it was amazing to be around so many selfless individuals and a reminder that the true hero's are those that give to others. Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah)

May we remain selfless in helping others always, and selfish in attaining good for our akhirah (afterlife). Ameen.