Muslim students grateful for chance to say 'thanks' at vigil


Two Muslim women studying at DMU have volunteered to speak publicly at this week’s 24-hour #LoveInternational vigil as a gesture of thanks to being embraced by British multi-culturalism.

Nafisa Abdalla

Nafisa Abdalla and Fatma Thakur are both in the final year of their Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science course and asked for the chance to speak during the vigil, which starts at midday on Wednesday in Hawthorn Square.

Nafisa, 23, is a Sudanese national who now has British citizenship. She was born and grew up in Saudi Arabia until she was about 12, before settling in the UK in 2005.

She said: “My friend and I want to give a heartfelt speech about what it means to us to be Muslim women living in the UK, and about how safe and loved we feel here, not just at DMU but in a national aspect.

“People have been standing up for us when they have never met us before. I could have faced racism, hatred and bigotry but thankfully I have not.

“I would like to say thank you on behalf of those who do not have a voice.

“In some ways the vigil is a very small gesture but it speaks so much. It really means a lot to be part of a university which takes the time out to say all our lives matter.”

Posted on Wednesday 8 February 2017

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