The NMWAG comprises a group of 19 women who are in positions of leadership or are working with the communities. They will act as role models and represent the views and concerns of grass roots Muslim women.

The group includes Siddika Ahmed, a Director of PeaceMaker in Oldham, a group that initially created small volunteer-led community initiatives, and Fareena Alam, an award winning journalist and the Editor of Q-News Magazine.

Mr Brown, who was joined by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears, said:

"Muslim women have a huge role to play in helping us build a stronger, better society. That is why I am delighted today to mark the official launch of the National Muslim Women's Advisory Group. From a range of different communities and traditions, and with careers including business, journalism, academia and public service, the group represents an extraordinary richness of experience and understanding.

"They will be role models, showing the breadth of Muslim women's achievements, and ambassadors for the grass roots, speaking direct to the heart of Government on vital issues such as education and employment. I wish them every success in this important work."

Other key activities of the group will include empowering Muslim women to engage more with the media on a wide range of issues and mapping out the work that is currently taking place across the country and then drawing up specific action plans for each region to make sure all areas of the country are represented.
Source: By 10 Downing Street