“Our charity, run by lawyers, provides free legal support and representation to victims of Islamophobic hate crimes and discrimination.
The charity’s work is broad, covering education sectors like schools and universities, as well as workplaces through employment dispute representation in tribunals. Additionally, IRU engages in policy work, training, data analysis, and reporting.
Despite our unique offering of specialised legal counsel, I find that elevating the organisation’s profile is a significant hurdle. I highlight the difficulty of competing for visibility against established, government-funded organisations that possess larger marketing budgets.
Justice means making these voices heard
For twenty-five years, my comfort zone was the quiet rigour of litigation, where the strength of a case relied on the precision of paperwork rather than the volume of a voice. Transitioning into the CEO role at the Islamophobia Response Unit has fundamentally shifted that paradigm, pulling me out from behind the safety of a desk and into the vital, often turbulent arena of public advocacy.
It is a profound responsibility, and one I don’t take lightly, to carry the stories of those who have been marginalised, silenced, or harmed by discrimination. Every case we take on represents not just a legal challenge, but a human life impacted by prejudice, and I have come to realise that my silence is no longer an option.
Learning to communicate this work with conviction is not merely a professional goal but a moral imperative to ensure that those in need know they are not alone and that there is a dedicated, steadfast voice ready to stand alongside them in their pursuit of justice.
Too many people don’t know we’re here
As a team of legal experts, we offer a distinctive service by providing specialised counsel and representation to those affected by Islamophobic hate crime and discrimination, a crucial gap in the current legal landscape. Yet, even with this unique offering, visibility remains our most pressing obstacle.
It is disheartening to find that when I connect with partner organisations, they frequently praise our impact while confessing they had never heard of our work. This recurring reality highlights an urgent imperative: we must amplify our voice and elevate our profile to ensure that victims who desperately need our advocacy can readily find the support they deserve.
I want to become a stronger public advocate
My decision to join the Sounddelivery Media Leadership Programme stems from my desire to improve my public speaking and better represent my charity in the media.
Although I’m an experienced lawyer comfortable with behind the scenes work, I admit to a strong dislike for public speaking and feel I lack the confidence needed for effective media engagement. I specifically want structured training to help me navigate the nature of journalism.
Also, while I am comfortable in small groups or training settings, I want to improve how I represent IRU on larger platforms and better navigate media and press enquiries that I currently find time-consuming.
“Meeting other people and going on a journey with them… and seeing ourselves improve and sharing our stories with each other.”
I’m eager to share skills and connect with fellow spokespeople
I look forward to the programme’s practical sessions, such as potential studio mock interviews, to build my confidence and learn how to present myself professionally. I also look forward to meeting the others in this year’s programme to connect, learn about their lived experiences, skills, and collectives.”
About the Author
Majid is the CEO of The Islamophobia Response Unit. The IRU is the only Muslim charity run by lawyers in England and Wales dedicated exclusively to supporting victims of Islamophobia by way of free legal guidance/support and advocacy.