#SRtRCSpotlight: SRtRC Wales host Islamophobia Awareness Month Closing Ceremony at the Senedd 

Show Racism the Red Card was proud to host an Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) Closing Ceremony at the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in partnership with MEND and event sponsor, Sioned Williams MS. 

This year’s theme, “Flip the Script,” encouraged attendees to challenge harmful narratives that misrepresent Muslim communities, question inherited assumptions, and amplify authentic Muslim voices. Gathering in the heart of Welsh democracy, alongside individuals and organisations committed to driving positive change across Wales, created a powerful and unifying atmosphere. 

With the exponential rise and politicisation of islamophobia over the last few years, it has become even more pertinent to amplify our efforts to devise more meaningful strategies to tackle it. – Tasnim Zaki

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and contributors:  

Sioned Williams – Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, and importantly the sponsor for the event.  
Sioned, has demonstrated a commitment to equality, justice, and for standing firmly against all forms of racism. 

Mariyah Zaman has transformed the landscape of Welsh culture and media as CEO and Co-founder of Now in A Minute Media, Communications Co-ordinator at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner, and a TEDx speaker whose creative work has brought Welsh Muslim voices to the centre of national cultural spaces. 

Abeer Ameer – a poet of Iraqi heritage living in Cardiff, author of the acclaimed collection Inhale/Exile, and the winner of the 2025 Forward Prize for Best Single Poem.  
Abeer’s writing touched readers across Wales and beyond. 

Dr Amina Shareef, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge whose work explores anti-Muslim racism, gender, and education. Dr Shareef is the co-author of the forthcoming Rethinking Critical Race Theory: Education Against Elimination in a Time of Genocide and a writer whose voice is shaping national and international conversations. 

Dr Mohammed Al-Hadj Ali, Chair of the Welsh Refugee Council and Chairman of the Syrian Welsh Society  roles through which he continues to uplift voices and advocate for dignity and justice and the “Mobilising Against Islamophobia” panel led by Tasnim Zaki, Elbashir Idris, Dr Amina Shareef, Hussein Said, Khadra Hersi, Marzooq Subhani, and Bismha Afzal. 

Their work continues to challenge injustice, transform perceptions, and strengthen communities across Wales. Their insights and knowledge greatly enriched the event and provided the attendees with the opportunity to hear the real life lived and living experiences of Muslim people. 

Tasnim Zaki, MEND Regional Coordinator for Wales and the Midlands commented;  

“Empowering the community is the crux of our work at MEND. So bringing people from all walks of life together in Wales to mobilise signals a time to move beyond words and renew our sense of collective responsibility for a better future. At a grassroots and institutional level we want to see a society that can clearly identify behaviours that need accountability, dismantle harmful myths and narratives that divide and fear monger communities and implement policy changes that have a tangible impact.  

This includes raising awareness and taking part during Islamophobia Awareness Month, which has been an invaluable platform over the last decade for us to create these maps for social action. This also includes giving legitimacy to grassroots Muslim organisations for collaborative expertise.” 

Dean Pymble, Show Racism the Red Card Wales said; 

“At Show Racism the Red Card, we educate thousands of young people, teachers, and public-sector workers every year. And we see two things clearly: Prejudice is not inevitable. It is learned and therefore, it can be unlearned and education works. 

When young people meet Muslim role models, when they hear authentic experiences, when they learn about the diversity within Islam rather than the caricatures pushed by the media, attitudes change. Hearts change. Behaviour changes. Yet education must be continuous, not occasional. Anti-racism is not just a workshop it is a commitment.  
A commitment to interrogating our assumptions, improving our institutions, and amplifying the voices who are too often ignored. This month provides a moment of focus, but our work must continue every day of the year.” 

As part of the event there were exhibitions and stalls on display highlighted the creative, cultural and community-led initiatives taking place across the country. We were pleased to see so many attendees engaging with the IAM photo frame to show their public support for combating Islamophobia a reminder that visibility matters in the fight against prejudice.  

Islamophobia Awareness Month serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, meaningful work remains. To truly flip the script, we must continue to: 

• Challenge stereotypes 

• Call out harmful narratives 

• Amplify grassroots voices 

• Commit to long-term anti-racism education across all sectors 

Show Racism the Red Card extends thanks to everyone involved in making the Closing Ceremony a success, and to all who continue this essential work beyond November. Together, we can build a Wales where every community feels safe, valued, and represented. 

As part of our continued commitment to education, solidarity, and community cohesion, Show Racism the Red Card is pleased to announce plans for the SRtRC Interfaith Iftar celebrations will return in 2026. 

This gathering will bring together communities, partners, young people, and supporters to share in the spirit of reflection, unity, and understanding that Iftar represents. 

The event will provide a meaningful opportunity to: 

• Celebrate the contributions of Muslim people across Wales 

• Strengthen partnerships across sectors 

• Promote dialogue and deepen understanding 

• Highlight the role of anti-racism education in building inclusive communities  

Further details will be shared in early 2026, and we look forward to welcoming participants from across Wales to join us in this important and unifying occasion. 

 
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