Samra Kanwal and HRH King Charles in discussion about the obstacles facing women of faith
Samra Kanwal, Near Neighbours co-ordinator for Nottingham, spoke to HRH King Charles about the obstacles facing women of faith at a Buckingham Palace gathering of UK community and faith leaders in December.
She tells us first hand:
“I was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace with His Majesty the King alongside 30 people of faith from across the country to discuss how faith communities can work together despite current challenges.
I took part in the roundtable where women of faith spoke of obstacles affecting them in the work they do, followed by what can be done to overcome these challenges, and about the opportunities to work together. The King joined us for these conversations, and to my surprise, it amazed me how engaged His Majesty was in our concerns, where he also provided us with opportunities and insights we could use in future.
At the roundtable with civil servants I mentioned the importance of the Near Neighbours programme and the need for grassroots relationships that contribute towards discussions such as this. I spoke about how without consistent funding, relationships are lost and communities are fragmented, hence the need to continue supporting such programmes, especially those that connect grassroots to statuary level organisations and above.
Having spoken with Near Neighbours grant recipients I was also able to relate the concerns and need for opportunities for women of faith, who often don’t attend inter-faith gatherings due to masculine presence, or lack of confidence.
It was a great day to connect with friends again that I have been out of touch with for over two years. The event allowed me to showcase the work of Near Neighbours as well as listening to new emerging projects and initiatives that can benefit my groups in Nottingham. “
Samra with Revd Jenny Ramsden, Leeds Diocese Interfaith Adviser, and Siriol Davies, Presence and Engagement National Programme Lead for the Church of England