The walls speak for themselves: Muslim women's belonging and safety in London universities

While universities often present themselves as inclusive spaces, students and staff of colour describe feeling isolated and struggling to fit in. The intersection of race, ethnicity and other identities e.g. religion, further compound these experiences with detrimental consequences for success, retention and progression. Yet, much research fails to unpack these nuances which are important for understanding the complexity of these experiences.

With universities claiming to place equality, diversity and inclusion high on their agendas, it becomes an opportune moment for the intersecting experiences of marginalised groups at universities to be heard and recognised, resulting in steps being taken to address some of the challenges they face.

This talk will draw on insights from an ongoing research project highlighting some of the experiences of Muslim women, both students and staff, in universities across London, bringing to the fore the intricate interplay of ethnicity, religion and gender which shapes their experience – particularly in relation to belonging and safety – and how, as a result, they navigate these spaces in their attempts to survive and thrive.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers, teachers, policy makers, and students.

Related links

• Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU)
• TCRU seminar series
• Social Research Institute

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James Tye for UCL.