EVERYONE has to take ownership of concerns around sexual exploitation of girls and young women, according to a Bradford community leader who is chairing a one-day Muslim Women’s consultation on the issue today.

Adeeba Malik (right), who is QED deputy chief executive, was invited to lead the meeting at the organisation’s Bradford headquarters in Quest House – just one of a series of similar consultations being held throughout the country.

QED delivers services in health, education and employment, while advocating the wider issues affecting Muslims in society.

Speakers at the consultation will also include Shaista Gohir, who is chairman of the Muslim Women’s Network UK and JUST West Yorkshire director Ratna Lachman.

Mrs Malik said: “It is a consultation, an opportunity for women to come and talk openly on a personal and professional level about the sexual exploitation of girls and young women.

“We know it’s been happening in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Rotherham and Oxford, and my understanding is there have been arrests in this area as well.

“We need to open up the debate on this, everyone has to take ownership – the community, agencies, schools, health workers, the police – everyone. It has to be an open forum where people talk about what’s happeningso solutions can be found.

“It is a sensitive subject but it cannot be kept quiet and should not be kept quiet so I am delighted to be leading the meeting today.”

Findings from the consultation will go towards a report being compiled with information gathered from other consultations being held around the country as part of a Muslim Women’s Network UK initiative.

Meetings have already been held in London and Birmingham.