Women and Equalities Committee launches new inquiry into gendered Islamophobia

• Inquiry
• Submit evidence
• Women and Equalities Committee

WEC’s new inquiry aims to understand the specific challenges facing Muslim women in the UK today. It will focus on the barriers women and girls encounter reporting Islamophobia and the ways gendered Islamophobia can be challenged. 

During a recent evidence session, MPs on the cross-party Committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, heard how gendered Islamophobia impacts women and girls in their everyday lives, including in the areas of education, employment and sport. 

It also follows the launch in December of WEC’s new inquiry into community cohesion.

Chair comment

Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) Chair Sarah Owen MP said:

“It’s concerning but sadly unsurprising to hear about women and girls’ experiences of Islamophobia and through this new inquiry, the Committee will explore why they are more likely to be victims of Islamophobia, and what impact this has on them, their communities and wider society.    

“WEC’s new work will examine in what ways gendered Islamophobia has an intersectional dimension and ask why some women are more likely than others to be subject to this abuse and prejudice. The inquiry will also explore if there is evidence of Muslim women being harassed from within their communities, for example, for not conforming to expected community norms or due to generational differences.”   

“Alongside WEC’s programme of work into the state of community cohesion nationwide, this inquiry will ask if there are any steps, including legislative, that the Government should take to help address Islamophobia. It will also explore what schools, workplaces, trade unions, community groups, places of worship and sports clubs can do to help tackle Islamophobia and to support Muslim women and girls.” 

Terms of Reference

The Committee invites written submissions through the inquiry website addressing any or all of the issues raised in the following terms of reference by Friday 21 March 2025. 

• Why are women more likely to be the victims of Islamophobia and what common forms does it take?  
• In what ways does gendered Islamophobia have an intersectional dimension? Are some women more likely than others to be subject to this abuse and prejudice and if so, why?   
• What impact does Islamophobia have on women and girls, their communities and wider society?    
• Is there evidence of Muslim women being harassed from within their communities? For example, for not conforming to expected community norms or due to generational differences?  
• Are there any steps, including legislative, that the Government should take to help address Islamophobia?   
• What can schools, sports clubs and other community groups, trade unions, places of worship and workplaces do to help tackle Islamophobia and to support Muslim women and girls? 

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: House of Commons