For too long, Muslim women have not actively challenged the stereotypes that portray them as submissive, passive and conservative.

That is the view of Bana Gora, chairman of the Bradford Muslim Women’s Council, formed a year ago to provide an independent structure for Muslim women in the city to voice their concerns, share experiences and influence decision-making.

The council recently hosted its first residential conference, attended by more than 300 Muslim women from across the country, which included workshops, panel discussions and speeches.

As a result of its success, the organisation hopes to become a leading regional and national voice on issues affecting the Muslim community.

“We want to create safe spaces in which women are at the forefront of determining and articulating issues which impact on Muslim communities,” says Bana.

“The weekend residential conference proved that many of the issues that affect British society also affect women and we wish to contribute to those debates.

“Thus far, our voices have been absent around key decision-making tables and we wish to reverse this trend because we have a contribution to make to British society.”

Another of the organisers was Wahida Shaffi, a conflict resolution trainer from Heaton and a Bradford University peace studies graduate.

She says: “We recognise the importance of women coming together to think critically about the issues that are relevant to them and crucial for the future prosperity of the UK, and the conference was a testimony to this process.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The majority walked away with an extremely positive perception of our city.”

A highlight of the conference was a keynote speech delivered by theologian Dr Riffat Hassan, Professor Emerita at the University of Louisville.

Dr Hassan, founder of the International Network for the Rights of Female Victims of Violence in Pakistan, has spent decades researching gender equality in the Koran and examining theological issues from a non-patriarchal perspective.

The council invited Dr Hassan back to Bradford to take part in an intensive study course later in the year.

The organisation is also set to establish the Bradford City Circle, inspired by a similar body in London, which provides opportunities for Muslim and non-Muslim communities to discuss issues concerning them.

“The City Circle offers no doctrinal solutions, but instead a space to explore new ideas and a place to ask questions; to challenge and be challenged,” says Bana.

The council, which hopes to gain charitable status, has developed a packed agenda of events and has plans to launch a website and produce newsletters on policy issues.

Members are to meet with Baroness Janet Royall, leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, and Kamlesh Kumar Patel, Baron Patel of Bradford, to discuss the council’s role in Bradford.

Fatima Ayub, one of the organisation’s officers, says: “We want to empower women and equip them to participate politically and locally on issues that are pertinent in our community, for example the environment, poverty, parenting, counselling, scholarship and domestic violence. We want women to become positive role models and great contributors.”

A post-conference report will provide a template for the council’s annual work programme.

Nuzhat Ali, its executive officer, says: “BMWC is a progressive organisation which aims to respond to a vital need within the community where there is a lack of a holistic female scholarship. We hope to provide a space and opportunity to encourage deeper understanding of what it means to be a Muslim woman in the 21st century.”

According to Bana, the conference marked the culmination of a long journey for those who have worked to establish the council in Bradford.

“The next phase of our journey is going to present even greater challenges,” she says. “We have put Bradford’s Muslim women on the national map. Now we need to demonstrate that we can make a difference in their lives by ensuring that their voices shape and influence change.

“However, we cannot achieve this on our own. We look forward to the support of Bradford communities and the public, private and voluntary sector.”