One in Five Muslim Women in the UK Experienced Hate Crimes in the Past Year
According to a recent statement from the head of the Muslim Women’s Network U.K., one in five Muslim women reported experiencing hate crimes over the past year, Daily Sabah reported.
Baroness Shaista Gohir, a member of the House of Lords, emphasized the need for the law to treat racial and faith-based hate crimes equally, as both types aim to harm individuals and foster hostility.
Gohir attributed the rise in “gendered Islamophobia” to negative political rhetoric, particularly from certain politicians during the last government, as well as harmful discourse on social media. She called for a redefinition of these incidents as gender-based violence, noting that the majority of perpetrators are often white males.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Muslim women and girls, Gohir pointed out that those who wear headscarves or traditional attire are more frequently targeted. She expressed concern over the increasing incidents of hate crimes, which affect British Muslim women not only in public spaces but also online.
The survey findings and Gohir’s remarks were presented during a session of the Women and Equalities Committee, which aims to address the specific challenges faced by Muslim women in the U.K. The report underscores the need for greater awareness and protective measures against hate crimes.
