Akeela Ahmed

Akeela Ahmed
MBE
Born
London, England
EducationKing's College London (MSc)
OccupationActivist
Known forFounder of She Speaks We Hear
Websiteakeelaahmed.com

Akeela Ahmed MBE is a British activist who supports Muslim women and combats Islamophobia. She is the founder of the online platform She Speaks We Hear, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2018.

Early life and education

Ahmed was born and raised in London. While working in a law firm as a teenager, Ahmed recalls encountering stereotypes and was criticized for dressing unprofessionally.[1]

Ahmed graduated from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London with a Master of Science in Mental Health Studies.[2]

Career

Ahmed joined the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group in 2012.[3] She has worked to get anti-Muslim crime recognized as a hate crime within the United Kingdom,[4] earning recognition from Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth who said she "is a great role model doing excellent work".[5] Ahmed has worked to challenge the social prejudice linking Muslim culture to terrorism,[6] especially after notable shooting events such as the Charlie Hebdo shooting.[7]

In 2014, Ahmed founded the online platform She Speaks We Hear,[8] which aims to both boost women of all faith and provide a counter-narrative to negative stereotypes of Muslim women.[9] As a step to further counter Islamophobia, Ahmed added the ability for women to record and anonymously share any experiences of mistreatment or bigotry on She Speaks We Hear.[1] Ahmed also works with the nonprofit Seaside CIC, which offers aid and assistance to homeless people in Brighton.[9]

In 2025, Ahmed co-founded the British Muslim Network, along with Syima Aslam, Julie Siddiqi, and Imam Asim Hafiz.[10] Ahmed has stated that the new organization aims to improve both British policymaking and help Muslim communities progress throughout the country.[11] Ahmed has also stated that the new group will work alongside existing organizations like the Muslim Council of Britain.[10]

Awards and honors

  • In 2017, Ahmed was included on Stylist’s Women of the Year list[12]
  • In 2017, Ahmed was listed as an ‘Activist Making a Difference’ in Nylon for Muslim Women's Day 2017[8]
  • In 2018, Ahmed was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to Muslim women[13]
  • In 2019, Ahmed received an Ethnicity Award for her contribution to communities[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Falconer, Alex (25 February 2019). "Gender inclusivity across cultures: Equality campaigner Akeela Ahmed MBE on tackling the barriers to progress for minority women". London Business School. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  2. ^ Jeraj; Esmat, eds. (2017). The Missing Muslims: Unlocking British Muslim Potental for the Benefit of All (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  3. ^ Patel, Maatin (1 October 2018). "The Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group". Hope not Hate. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  4. ^ Harris, Liz (15 March 2024). "Tackling religious hatred through dialogue not definitions". ReligionMediaCentre.org.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  5. ^ Bourne, Nick (20 December 2018). "Islamophobia: Debate between Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth and Lord Sheikh". ParallelParliament.co.uk. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  6. ^ Senior, Sunetra (3 April 2019). "Akeela Ahmed (MBE) of the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group". Asian Voice. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  7. ^ Kadri, Anisa (26 January 2015). "Paris attacks prompt fresh concerns about online Islamophobia". BBC. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  8. ^ a b Bryant, Taylor (27 March 2017). "7 Muslim Activists That Are Making A Difference: Memorize These Names". Nylon. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Muslim woman hopes MBE honour will 'silence Islamophobes'". itv.com. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  10. ^ a b Javed, Saman (24 January 2025). "New national body for British Muslims 'won't compete with Muslim Council of Britain'". HyphenOnline.com. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  11. ^ "Government-backed British Muslim Network launches". 5PillarsUK.com. 26 February 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Women of the Year 2017". Stylist. 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  13. ^ Burgess, Kaya (23 January 2025). "Mishal Husain and Baroness Warsi back the British Muslim Network". The Times. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  14. ^ "Top 10s 2019". EthnicityAwards.com. 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
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