Positive Muslim contributions in the UK showcased at local exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the many positive contributions of Muslims in the UK will open in Rickmansworth as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2022.

The exhibition is being hosted by Three Rivers District Council and will be open to the public in the Visitor Centre at its headquarters at Three Rivers House.

The theme for IAM 2022 is #tacklingdenial of Islamophobia. IAM is a campaign founded in 2012 by a group of Muslim organisations to raise awareness of Islamophobia. It aims to raise awareness of the scourge of Islamophobia in society, as well as showcasing the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “The important theme of this year’s campaign is tackling denial. By denying islamophobia’s existence, the experiences of many people are dismissed and we lose the opportunity to bridge gaps in our society. I hope many people will come and take a look at this great exhibition which I am proud that we are hosting at Three Rivers House.”

In 2020 the council adopted the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) supported definition of Islamophobia as follows: "Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness".

The council also agreed to prioritise tackling hate crime and Islamophobia in partnership with all stakeholders, to listen to their concerns and develop policies that will continue to ensure we live in an inclusive district.

The exhibition runs in the Visitor Centre at Three Rivers House from 21 to 22 November.