The Muslim Council of Britain is proud to present the Part 2 of Shareen Holmer Nasim’s research (Royal Holloway, University of London), ‘Reflections on Board Diversity’. This report delves into the complexities of diversity in leadership amongst Muslim women in London, exploring how visible representation alone is not enough to drive real change.
Key Findings:
🔹 Beyond Optics – True Diversity in the boardroom isn’t just a visual commitment – it must translate into diverse thought and action.
🔹 Board-Level Jobs Are Not Aspirational for All – Muslim Women (MW) often prioritise purpose over status, while Business Leaders (BLs) acknowledge the high-pressure and political nature of board roles, making them less desirable for many.
🔹 Discrimination Exists, But So Does Agency – While biases persist, MW and BLs recognise that strategic career navigation can open doors. However, structural change is needed beyond simply closing diversity gaps and increasing representation figures.
This research challenges conventional views on leadership diversity and calls for a deeper, more meaningful approach to equity in the workplace. Read it in full here: