She Speaks We Hear

Talking politics with MP Naz Shah

Sun, 11 May 2025 20:59:36 GMT

It's been a while, but editor-in-chief of She Speaks We Hear Sharmeen Ziauddin is back with a special episode with MP Naz Shah, who is celebrating 10 years of being a member of parliament. Yes, that's right. Labour MP Naz Shah has been elected four times for Bradford West but resigned from her shadow ministerial position in November 2023 over her views on Gaza.

In this episode, recorded 7th May 2025, Naz begins by reflecting on her 10-year political career - shares her incredible origin story, which is full of tragedy and resilience. Sharmeen and Naz discuss all the issues of the day, including racism, Islamophobia, and the threat of the far-right. Should British Muslims start packing their bags? Is politics a safe place for women of colour, and what is the British government doing to stop Israel from bombing Gaza?

Listen to all this and more!

If you want to know more about Naz Shah look out for her book, which will be coming out in 2026.

You can find SSWH on Instagram: @shespeakswehear

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Racist riots and misinformation

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:26:13 GMT

Sharmeen Ziauddin, Akeela Ahmed and Aliya Zaidi share what they think about what has passed since the Southport stabbings.

Riots and violent protests have taken England and other parts of the United Kingdom by storm. Triggered by the tragic murder of Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport on 29 July, white supremacists took the streets the following day when a vigil was being held for the deceased.

Driven by misinformation about the identity of the killer, who was later confirmed NOT to be an immigrant, an asylum seeker or a Muslim, nevertheless, unhinged racists decided they would use this tragedy for the case against immigration, asylum seekers and Islam.

Spurred on by influential people online, such as anti-Muslim activist and ex-con Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson), Muslim bro favourite and alleged human trafficker Andrew Tate, longtime immigrant hater and now MP Nigel Farage and others, the country seems to have taken a step back into the 70s where violent racism was commonplace. The She Speaks We Hear team discusses the issues surrounding the riots and misinformation. They also touch upon the Paris Olympics 2024 and some of the controversy surrounding the games, and the common thread between them and the riots! Listen to find out more.

The book Akeela mentions is Intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw.

Muslims are spoken about all the time - but what are they really thinking? Find out on this important episode.

You can find SSWH on Instagram: @shespeakswehear

Website:https://shespeakswehear.com/

X: @shespeakswehear

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Palestine, democracy and the government

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:05:24 GMT

The She Speaks We Hear Podcast is back for a brand new season!

Season 2 starts with Sharmeen Ziauddin interviewing Dr Myriam Francois, a Franco-Irish journalist, writer and filmmaker.

At the time of recording 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza, by Israel since 7 Oct, many of them women and children. Off the back of the helplessness and trauma many people are feeling globally, it was important for She Speaks We Hear to capture this sentiment. Hearing those voices that often go unheard. To kick off this season we will largely focus on the tragedy taking place in Gaza and all the consequences of it across the world, with a focus on the UK.

In this explosive episode (there are a few swearies) Myriam says it how it is - she does not hold back and articulates what a lot of people are feeling.

Sharmeen and Myriam discuss the state of democracy following the British Prime Minister's recent remarks about the Palestinian solidarity marches that call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, how to beat the misinformation that is out there on social media and what you can do to support the Palestinian people.

Myriam also talks about her latest documentary Finding Alaa which you can watch on BBC iPlayer.

She can be found on @MyriamFrancoisC on X or myzfrancois on Instagram. You can visit her website at www.myriamfrancois.com.

You can find Sharmeen on @sharm33n or Instagram @sharm33nz.

Please follow She Speaks We Hear on Instagram and X to keep up to date with events and podcast episodes. Visit the website https://shespeakswehear.com/ and to get in touch email podcast@shespeakswehear.com.

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Episode 20: Talking Tate and social media influence with Akeela, Aliya & Sharmeen

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of 2023, you can listen to a candid conversation with the She Speaks We team. Akeela, Aliya and Sharmeen talk about the pressing issues affecting Muslim women and society in general. There is discussion of Andrew Tate, how social media has shaped modern society and the polarisation of politics. Aliya shares some absolute gems about a range of topics including the significance of 2008! They also share their personal reflections on 2022 as well as some chat about Netflix and representation. All three share their 2022 book/TV recommendations. You don't want to miss this one.

You can follow the women on their personal Twitter accounts:

Akeela Ahmed

Aliya Zaidi

Sharmeen Ziauddin

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Episode 19: The forgotten women of Afghanistan with Peymana Assad & Sveto Ishoq

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 07:00:22 GMT

Most of the narrative around Afghanistan is politically charged, especially regarding women's rights. But how often do we get to hear from Afghan women themselves?

In this special episode, Sharmeen interviews Councillor Peymana Assad and Afghan women’s rights activist Sveto Muhammad Ishoq who explain what is really going on in Afghanistan.

What is everyday life like for Afghan girls and women?

Sveto, who was brought up in Afghanistan and left in 2021 when US troops left, talks about her experiences and why she is campaigning for women's rights and freedom. Peymana, also a former refugee explains the limitations of the Afghanistan Resettlement Scheme.

They also talk bout the realities of what life is like for Afghan refugees in the UK and the support they are seeking from the British government. They also talk about practical solutions and ways in which people can help.

The Taliban has recently outlawed higher education for women in most of the country — this is one episode you cannot miss.

To find out more about the march discussed in the episode go to https://marchforafghanwomenandgirls.com/

Contact Peymana Assad: @peymasad

Contact Sveto Muhammad Ishoq: @sveto_ishoq

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 18: Becoming Muslim with Aysha & Ameenah

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:33 GMT

Have you ever wondered why so many women convert to Islam? This episode is an honest, spiritual conversation with Aysha Mercedes and Ameenah Shaw about their very personal journeys to Islam. Both women became Muslim in adulthood and share their experiences which led to that moment, and what has happened since. Aysha (a counsellor) and Ameenah (a natural hair product business owner) present the Sister2Sister podcast together and both also work as TV presenters at Islam Channel.

Here are the meanings of some of the Arabic words used in the podcast:

Revert = Someone who has converted to Islam – the word revert is used because Muslims believe everyone is born Muslim so if you are brought up in a different faith when you become Muslim, you revert back

Noor = Light

Wudu = Ablution/cleansing ritual

Al-Fatiha = The first chapter in the Quran

Tawhid = Oneness of God

Shahada = Testifying that Allah is one and Muhammad (pbuh) is his messenger – it is what people say when they officially become Muslim

Dawah = The act of inviting or calling people to embrace Islam

Alhamdulillah= Praise be to God

Subhanallah = Glory be to God

Iman = Faith

Abaya = Long dress/cloak worn by some Muslim women

Duniya = World

Salah = Ritual prayer

Ummah = Community

Asalaamu-alaikum - Peace be unto you (equivalent to hello)

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace (response to the greeting)

Link to Khalid Yaseen’s documentary

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Episode 17: Pregnancy to motherhood with Anisah Abdullah

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:29 GMT

In this episode, Sharmeen speaks to doula and perinatal wellness professional Anisah Abdullah. Anisah specialises in mindset mastery and birth trauma support for expectant and postpartum mothers. She explains what this is and how she is passionate about offering holistic personalised support, putting the power and autonomy back in the mother’s hands. As a black, Muslim veiled woman she experienced first-hand how some spaces can be unwelcoming for women like her.

This episode is by no means just for expectant mothers - we all know women around us who have given birth or are about to and this episode is a real education in what they go through from pregnancy to the ‘fourth trimester'. Expectant fathers, new dads, husbands and brothers are welcome too.

For further info and resources check out Anisah on Instagram: @inherentbirth

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 16: Trading the corporate life for pink tea with Tabassum Awan

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:47:07 GMT

Sharmeen speaks to Tabassum Awan about how she swapped her successful career in investment banking for her dream of sharing Kashmiri tea with the world. She explains how lack of fulfilment led her to start her own business - the Pink Tea Café. Holder of two masters' degrees, Tabassum talks about her experience on the trading floor and how her banking career helped start her business. She also talks about her local community work since the Grenfell Fire. There is a lot of tea talk and how drinking tea can bring people together! This episode is a must for budding entrepreneurs and tea lovers alike. You may hear the following Arabic words used in the podcast so here is a little translation:

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

You can check out the Pink Tea Cafe on Instagram.

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 15: How to transform your passion into a business with Halal Girl About Town

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:00:27 GMT

In this episode, Sharmeen and Layla Hassanali aka Halal Girl About Town, a pioneer in the halal food blogging scene, talk about the ups and downs of being a blogger and influencer, being an entrepreneur, parenting and of course the conversation is dominated by food and restaurants which is Sharmeen’s favourite subject anyway. What does BW stand for and what is Layla’s favourite restaurant? Find out in this foodie special…

You can find Layla’s websites here:

https://www.halalgirlabouttown.com/

https://www.mymodestmama.com/

Or reach her on Instagram.

(Halal means permissible in Islam. In the context of food, halal means food that Muslims are allowed to eat. As there are a lot of misconceptions about halal meat – this website is a good source of information about halal food.)

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Episode 14: Why diversity, equity & inclusion matters with Rukasana Bhaijee

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:00:00 GMT

We hear a lot about diversity and inclusion but why is it so important and what does it really mean for employers and employees? Rukasana, a DEI practitioner, speaks to Sharmeen and breaks it down, explaining its evolution and importance in the corporate world. Rukasana currently works at Warner Bros but has done this work for large organisations such as Ernst Young and Google. You can find her on LinkedIn.

You may hear the following Arabic words used in the podcast so here is a little translation:

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

Iftar – the meal you eat when opening a fast

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 13: Building a community with Muslim Mamas co-founder Nafisa Rahimi

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:00:00 GMT

TW: There is some talk about domestic violence, abuse and suicide.

Sharmeen speaks exclusively to the inspiring co-founder and strategic leader of global online community Muslim Mamas aka the ‘Muslim Mumsnet’ – Nafisa Rahimi. Nafisa explains how the group started and what she went through to win the Facebook Accelerator Programme 2021 securing the funding and support of tech giant Meta to help grow the brand Muslim Mamas.

Do check out her podcast Not Another Mum Pod and the Muslim Mamas Facebook page too – if you want to get in touch with Muslim Mamas you can go to their website.

You may hear the following Arabic words used in the podcast so here is a little translation:

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 12: Finding your Voice with Khalila Lister

Mon, 23 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT

In this empowering episode, Sharmeen speaks to entrepreneur Khalila Lister about her journey into Islam and how she found her voice again. They talk about her business, her niqab (face veil) and how her family reacted when she became Muslim at 19-years-old. It’s not a long episode but it packs a punch. Listen to her incredible story now.

You can watch Khalilah’s TED talk that she talks about here and follow her on her socials @powerofvoiceacademy

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Episode 11: Uprooting Islamophobia with Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT

This episode is a bit controversial! Sharmeen speaks to poet, writer, and educator Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan about her work. They talk about her experience at Cambridge University as a woman of colour and the impact of Islamophobia and how she thinks it motivates policy-making and new laws. They also discuss how she became a spoken word poet and about her recently published book “Tangled in Terror – Uprooting Islamophobia” which is available now on Pluto Press.

You can read more about Suhaiymah and her work on her website suhaiymah.com and you can find her on Instagram and Twitter as @thebrownhijabi. Here is a link to Suhaiymah’s performance in the poetry slam she mentions in the episode.

You may hear the following Arabic words used in the podcast so here is a little translation:

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

You can also follow us on:

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Episode 10: Ukraine, Islamophobia, Ramadan and The Oscars

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:20:22 GMT

This episode is slightly different because it's a candid discussion between Sharmeen Ziauddin – Editor-in-chief and Aliya Zaidi – Head of Content Strategy of SSWH. They give their views about some of the major issues of the day – the war on Ukraine and refugees, Islamophobia in India, Muslim Women's Day, The Oscars and of course the upcoming month of Ramadan — so definitely a mixed bag!

As promised here are the links to the women they shouted out:

Areej Abu Ali - Founder of Women in Tech SEO

Humaira Ahmed – SSWH’s new social media co-ordinator and book blogger - Bookish Connections

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter by subscribing.

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Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

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Episode 9: Life as a BBC reporter with Sabbiyah Pervez

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT

No expletives in this episode but there is some discussion about sex workers and suicide bombers.

In this episode Sabbiyah talks to Sharmeen about life as a BBC reporter. They talk about what makes a good journalist, representing Bradford and the North as a communities reporter and what it's really like working for the BBC. You can find Sabbiyah on Twitter @sabbiyahpervez

Please subscribe and follow this podcast to be updated with the newest episodes. You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter by subscribing.

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Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

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Episode 8: Grief, gratitude and finding meaning with Tazeen Dhunna

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:00:00 GMT

TW: There is a detailed discussion about the loss of a child, infertility, and trauma.

No swearing but the word p*ki is used when talking about racism and immigration.

This deep and heartfelt episode with Tazeena Dhunna, an transformational life coach and media trainer, discusses grief, spirituality, gratitude and trauma. Tazeen shares her journey from being a successful trader and financial journalist to deliberately changing her career path to doing something that feeds her soul.

There is also a discussion about the impact of immigration on those who emigrated to the UK in the 60s and 70s as well as the charity Tazeen started called Humanity’s Heart. She also talks about Sufism – the mystical and spiritual side of Islam that led her to where she is now.

You can find out more about her from her website Tazeen.tv and also by joining her Facebook group.

You may hear some guests use the following Arabic words so here is a little translation:

Duniya: World

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

You can find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter by subscribing.

You can also follow SSWH on Twitter and Instagram

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: How to write a book with Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sharmeen speaks to writer and podcaster Tasneem Abdur-Rashid. They talk about her debut rom-com book, Finding Mr Perfectly Fine, and about the podcast she co-hosts. There is talk about marriage and how difficult it can be to find a partner which forms the inspiration for her novel. Tasneem gives her tips on how to get published if you are an aspiring writer and we talk about some controversial guests she has interviewed on her podcast.

You can find Tasneem on Instagram: @tasneemarashid and @notanothermumpod where you can keep up to date with her book which will be published by Zaffre/Bonnier in summer 2022.

You may hear some guests use the following Arabic words so here is a little translation:

Alhamdolillah - Praise be to God

Inshallah - God willing

Mashallah - What God has willed

Asalaam-alaikum - Peace be unto you

Walaikum-asalaam - And unto you peace

You can Find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/ and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter by subscribing.

You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: Ola Labib - Life as a comedian

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Warning: There is a tiny bit of swearing in this episode.

In this episode, Sharmeen interviews the first hijab-wearing Sudanese female comedian on TV, Ola Labib, about her double life as a pharmacist by day and comedian by night. Ola tells us why she became a comedian and what her journey into stand-up was like. She talks about her Sudanese family, what they think of her new job and what it is like being a visible Muslim on the comedy circuit. Ola has toured with well-known comedians and has had many TV appearances. You can find out more about her here:

https://www.utcartistmanagement.co.uk/artist/ola-labib/ or follow her on Instagram: @theolalabib

Find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: Julie Siddiqi - Activism, interfaith and feminism

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 06:30:00 GMT

In the first episode of 2022, we speak to Julie Siddiqi MBE about activism and what drives her to keep going, the importance of interfaith work, problems with traditional feminism and the difficulties Muslim women face when calling out issues in their communities. So nothing too heavy then!

You can reach Julie on Instagram - @Julie.Siddiqi

You can Find out more about She Speaks We Hear on the website:

https://shespeakswehear.com/

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Aamna Khokhar - What is a life coach and why do we need one?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we speak to life and relationship coach Aamna Khokhar of leafcoaching.com. Aamna is also the resident life coach for She Speaks We Hear and has done several workshops with us in the past.

She explains the difference between coaching and therapy, how to find a good coach and how relationship coaching can help couples achieve better understanding.

You can find out more from the website leafcoaching.com or on Instagram @leaf_coaching .

For more information about SSWH go to the website: https://shespeakswehear.com/

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

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Episode 3: Dana Abdulkarim and racism in sport

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sharmeen speaks to inspiring PE teacher and ex-professional sportswoman Dana Abdulkarim. Not only was Dana the first Muslim hijabi to play for England (rounders) but also the first hijabi to become a PE teacher!

Dana, who is from Yorkshire, goes deep into her experiences of racism whilst growing up and playing sport, being the only Muslim in the village and shares her thoughts about racism in cricket.

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Episode 2: Dr Kiran Rahim aka The Munching Medic

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:49:13 GMT

We speak to the incredibly honest influencer and paediatrician, Dr Kiran Rahim, about going through burnout and working in the NHS through the pandemic. We also talk about mental health, tips for working mothers to avoid burnout and self-worth.

You can find Kiran on Instagram @themunchingmedic

Find out more on our website: https://shespeakswehear.com/

Produced by Sharmeen Ziauddin

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Episode 1: Meet The Team

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:42:52 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of the podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear from the core team – Sharmeen, Akeela and Aliya and also find out what SSWH is all about.

There is some chat about social media, feminism, the police, and how some children’s programmes are not what they seem..

You can find out more on our website: https://shespeakswehear.com/

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