Women's Iftar in Leeds

Wellsprings Together hosted the first women only Iftar celebration in conjunction with International Women's Day. Women of all faiths and none were coming together in the Hamara Centre in Leeds. The event was at capacity, with inspirational leaders from across Yorkshire. This truly was an evening to be remembered, with motivating speeches from honoured guests, including the Mayor of Leeds Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and Alison Lowe and Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Sofia Buncy MBE.

We are grateful to Near Neighbours, whose generous support has made this event possible, alongside contributions from the Local Councillors’ Fund and the continuous in-kind support from Hamara. Special thanks to Rev Canon Anne Russell, a Trustee of Wellsprings Together, for her speech that called a moment of silence as we together acknowledged our sisters who are no longer with us and remembered that it is 5 years this month since Covid changed all our lives.

Our own Kaneez Khan MBE was celebrated - a champion for women’s rights, and an unwavering advocate for ensuring that the women of West Yorkshire remain at the forefront of policy and decision-making and who put this groundbreaking event together. Siaa Mathurin, Chief officer at Wellsprings Together, said “This gathering is a testament to the power of faith, solidarity and collective action. It is an embodiment of the values we hold dear—compassion, inclusivity, and empowerment. In a world that often seeks to divide, today, we affirm our commitment to coming together, supporting one another, and ensuring that the voices of women in our communities are not only heard but are at the heart of meaningful change.“