MADE in Europe intern Tamanna Ali shares her thoughts on MADE in Europe's recently launched Campaign Toolkit

On the 1st of November, I was privileged to attend the Islam in Action: Ultimate Campaign Toolkit launch, in the House of Lords. This was an exciting opportunity for me not only to come to the House of Lords for the first time but to be inspired by a room full of buzzing people and listen to three of MADE in Europe’s campaigners speak about their experiences.

Amazing views from the River Room, an array of delicious treats and a room full of eager representatives set the backdrop for the event which saw MADE in Europe and Oxfam join forces to launch the first ever Muslim Campaign Toolkit.

18-year-old Hanna Abdi from South London, who has been campaigning to raise awareness about maternal health, was up speaking first.  Hanna’s aim was to raise awareness among UK Somali women about the number of women who die in Somalia during childbirth. Her campaigning work involved her giving a talk of maternal mortality to a group of Somali women.

Combined with her determination to raise awareness and the toolkit’s clear guidelines, Hanna was able to successfully achieve her aims.  I spoke to her before her speech and she told me about her campaigning work and why she wanted to get involved. I was impressed with her genuine personality and enthusiasm in raising awareness. When she made her speech, I found it engaging and up-lifting.

In a part of her speech, she said: “It is crucial to campaign and raise awareness on these issues and I want to help every mother who is at risk as though they were my own. The toolkit has made it so easy for me with clear guidelines and support, to go forward in an effective and confident way as a campaigner. I strongly believe that when enough people get involved and become a voice then change is possible to help those who are in need.”

Next up were another two campaigners - Zarreen Hadadi and Anisa Ather, both 20 from High Wcyombe  - who shared with the crowd with their thought-provoking insights and ideas on food production and waste. They talked about the campaign Re: balance, showed us a video highlighting food facts and injustices, and shared valuable insights into the world of campaigning. I was impressed particularly with their creativity and dynamic approach. Zareen Hadadi said: “I found the toolkit very empowering. My favourite part was the case studies about other young Muslims who have been involved in campaigning as this showed me that I am part of network of young people who are taking action for global development. I am sure that the toolkit will continue to benefit young Muslims in the future.”

Overall the event was a huge success. It was refreshing to meet so many interesting people and be inspired by their thoughts and aims. Once the event was finished and much of the food was left over (sandwiches and fruit), CEO of MADE, Saif Ahmad insisted that we pack them up so we could have them later and not let them go to waste! The MADE staff were then to carry the food back to the office so that it could be appreciated by us and other people. I believe that it is simple things like not wasting food that make MADE in Europe unique and genuine.

The Ultimate Campaign Toolkit is now available to download online, and is definitely a great catalyst and boost in encouraging young people to make a difference. From thought-provoking ideas and tips to real life case-studies, it is definitely a toolkit I will be using in the near future to guide me through the world of campaigning and try and be the voice of the voiceless. The campaign toolkit encourages us that our actions, no matter how small, can and will make a difference. The event was one that inspired us to ask ourselves the fundamental question: Have we MADE a difference?