A Glasgow charity that’s been providing vital support to women from marginalised communities has moved into its new head office in Pollokshields.
Amina - The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) - are a women’s rights organisation, created over two decades ago, to serve Muslim and Black, minority ethnic women across Scotland.
Created to help women in these communities fulfil their aspirations - the group has grown and it now also has a base in Dundee.
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More than a hundred women attended their Festive Brunch, on December 7, to mark the opening of their new headquarters at the John McCormick Business Centre, Darnley Street - they were previously based in Shawlands.
Amina’s helpline service has been running for 20 years and it’s a space for women to talk about any issues they are experiencing. Sometimes, the MWRC provides a listening ear and other times they offer practical support.
This year alone, the charity received 2,583 calls for their helpline service.
The most common issues affecting women in Muslim and BME communities include mental health, domestic violence, marital issues, social isolation and housing.
Amina - which is funded by the Scottish Government and several other funds - carries out a triage service to work out what support each woman needs.
Helpline programme manager, Furrah Riaz said: “You’ve always got a home at Amina. To anybody that’s suffering, please understand there’s no need to suffer in silence.
“We keep the needs of the woman at the heart of what we do. It’s about empowering women and for them to tell us what help they need.
“In our community, we hear it all the time: don’t ask for help, whatever is going on inside the house, keep it in the house. These are the things that make our mental health worse.
“There’s no shame in asking for help. It takes a great deal of strength to say this is what’s going on and how can you help me?
“We understand that sometimes things might stop people but what I would say is remember that organisations like Amina do exist. Nobody needs to know you’re contacting us, it’s confidential and this is a judgement-free zone.”
Amina’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme works to prevent issues from occurring and the team offer a number of educational workshops on themes including healthy relationships and intergenerational trauma.
The programme focuses on challenging gender inequalities and the attitudes, values and structures that cause violence against women.
Safa Yousaf, the project coordinator for the Ending Violence Against Women programme, said: “It’s important for women to know that there are people who are there to support them.
“We are here for you. We can hold your hand or offer emotional support.
“A lot of women feel threatened at the prospect of leaving but we are here to say to them that we will help you. We are your family so don’t be afraid and seek support if you need it.”
The charity's other programmes include Creative Wellbeing and Employability, Adult Learning and Financial Inclusion.
Amina’s CEO, Mariam Ahmed told Glasgow Live: “The work that we do is absolutely non-stop. I’m excited to have a new space that’s more functional.
“We are here to serve all the women in the BME community who are still the most disadvantaged and marginalised community in Scotland.
“For me, it’s an absolute privilege but also a great responsibility to make sure that we are making an impact and difference.
“Women need a space to be safe and Amina is that space to be safe and connected.”
Amina's confidential helpline service can be accessed by calling 0808 801 0301 or you can email helpline@mwrc.org.uk for advice and support.
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