AN event was held in Bradford to highlight the issue of gender-based violence.

The afternoon tea at Carlisle Business Centre, Carlisle Road, was organised by Islamic Relief and Bradford's Muslim Women's Council.

It was part of the UN's 16 days of action for Elimination of Violence against Women, a global campaign which runs annually between November 25 and December 10. The event included a number of high-profile Bradford speakers.

Maria Zafar, campaigns and community coordinator for Islamic Relief and a speaker at the event, said: "Women and girls in Bradford who have been affected by gender-based violence are not alone.

"The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, all because of their gender.

"As a Muslim woman, it pains me to see our sisters in faith and humanity subjected to violence. Islam teaches society to honour women and to respect a woman’s safety, dignity and independence."

Bana Gora, CEO of the Muslim Women's Council, also at the event, added: “Gender-based violence is an issue that affects millions of women wherever they live in the world, including here in Bradford.

"Our aim is to address the barriers encountered by Muslim women and their families in playing a full and active role in society.

"Working collaboratively with Islamic Relief's ‘Honour Her’ campaign, we hope this will be the start of a wider discussion to bring about positive change in the lives of women and girls everywhere.”