BMCS

Women’s Services: Development of NISA

Increasing numbers of women are using BMCS services. In 2004 the male-to-female percentage was 34% of clients being female, this rose in 2005 to 42% of BMCS clients being female. It is trend that has seen a consistent rise in the number of female service users approaching BMCS year on year, and it is an indication of the increasing trust which Muslim women are now placing in BMCS and a testimony to the success of our policies since 2000.

To maintain this female client base and to ensure that BMCS does not lapse in its women-friendly services, the BMCS Management Committee resolved to set up a division of BMCS to deal specifically with women’s issues and ensure that they are able to play an active and central role in the development of the local Muslim community. What was initially intended to be an integral part of BMCS developed an independence of its own in the form of a separately constituted body NISA (Network of Independent Sisters in Action). This group, which very much adheres to the working ethos of BMCS, continues to be a committed partner organisation and one with which we closely liaise around Muslim women’s issues and concerns.

Part of NISA’s remit is to continue the accumulation of data, and initiate research where necessary, to reveal the extent of the challenges facing females in the local Muslim community. The initial enquiries from BMCS unveiling a startling lack of information, knowledge, resources and co-ordination amongst the existing service providers about the specific needs of Muslim women.

The other objectives of NISA include:

Campaigning for the elimination of domestic abuse and gender bias within the Muslim community, and indeed in British society generally.
Encouraging and establishing a programme of support for individuals both from within the Muslim community and the wider community, to become support workers/counsellors to people from ethnic minorities.
To introduce facilities that will offer a safe environment for victims of abuse and those at extreme risk of abuse, and which fully appreciate the cultural and religious sensitivities of victims, and which protect the most subservient from being victims of other victims.
To empower females in communities trough the provision of advice, information, support and services that will develop their confidence, independence and education.
Helping perpetrators of domestic abuse and gender bias to recognise and overcome their prejudice through the establishment of an appropriate awareness and support programme and by giving them an outlet they can approach in confidence to find help.
Provide a safe and confidential child-friendly location where women can meet and discuss their issues and concerns with other like-minded women, make use of support facilities ranging from advice to Internet and email access and socialise during office hours without interference from unwelcome parties.
To encourage women from minorities to join NISA and make contributions to support other women, take a lead in improving the role of women in minority communities and influence the direction and activities of NISA.

Any organisation that works in this sector and is working towards overcoming domestic abuse and gender bias is a potential partner of NISA.

BMCS is adamant that NISA does not seek to replace existing organisations or duplicate services unnecessarily. We believe NISA’s unique approach, which is research-based, will generate clients that are unlikely to use other agencies. As the organisation that first launched NISA as a division of BMCS we will continue to offer the management committee, of what is now an independent service, any support it requires and wish the ladies all the success for the future.