A GROUP which has dedicated a decade to empowering women celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special event.

The Bradford-based Muslim Women's Council (MWC) marked the milestone at the Mercure Bradford Bankfield Hotel, joined by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee, and other dignitaries.

The night paid tribute to those who have been part of the organisation's journey and also welcomed on board new members, including broadcaster, writer and academic Dr Myriam Francois; vocalist and tutor Shabnam Khan and solicitor Kehkshan Ahmed.

The event heard from international speaker Dr Hany El-Banna OBE, the co-founder of Islamic Relief - the largest Western-based international Muslim relief and development non-governmental organisation.

He touched on the positive ways MWC had impacted the lives of communities and worked to empower Muslim women, while the Lord Mayor highlighted MWC's wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

The evening profiled MWC’s work over the last 10 years, highlighting its annual conference ‘Daughters of Eve’, a variety of seminars and fundraising events, plus an evening with Jon Snow, who sent the MWC a personal congratulatory message. It also recognised the efforts of volunteers who have given their time for the Curry Circle, feeding the vulnerable and homeless in Bradford as well as providing hot food, support and solidarity.

PC Fiz Ahmed, a trailblazer for Asian women in policing and an equality champion, was honoured with an award for her services to the community, while Bradford-based MyLahore was also honoured for its support to the Curry Circle.

Bana Gora, chief executive of MWC, said: “We are delighted to have hosted this tenth anniversary event celebrating Bradford’s female Muslim powerhouse. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and look forward to establishing new and sustaining partnerships to carry our work forward into the future”.

Incoming chair, Shuruq Naguib added: "We were honoured to share our achievements with so many of our friends, supporters, funders and well wishers. I look forward to holding the MWC torch and leading the organisation forward into the next decade."

MWC aims to provide a local and regional platform for Muslim women, promote greater understanding and confidence between Muslims and wider society, promote meaningful engagement between Muslims and the media, policy makers and leaders and engage with senior decision makers and leaders to hold them to account and influence policy.