Former postgraduate student Faeeza Vaid was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for her work advancing women’s rights, particularly supporting vulnerable Muslim women.

Faeeza, who studied on our former LLM in Socio-Legal Studies programme and graduated in 2010 with distinction, always showed a passion and interest in human rights during her studies. Her supervisor Professor Shaheen Ali shared "I am absolutely delighted about this news and very proud of Faeeza. As her former supervisor, I am not at all surprised that her contribution has been recognised. Faeeza was a remarkably able and committed student and our discussions in class and during her dissertation supervision meetings reflected her passion for women's rights. I wish her the very best in her endeavours to support victims of domestic abuse."

Faeeza joined the Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) in 2008, becoming their Executive Director in 2011. As a national charity MWNUK gathers evidence about the experiences of Muslim women and girls on key issues affecting them, and uses the information to improve their rights through advocacy and campaigning. Four years ago, Faeeza helped establish the MWN Helpline (www.mwnhelpline.co.uk). As a faith and culturally sensitive service, it has helped more than 1,700 callers on a range of issues including domestic abuse, forced marriage, discrimination, homelessness, and mental health issues.

MWNUK has also published a number of research reports, information booklets, and educational videos to raise awareness of the issues. And delivers training across the country to frontline practitioners as well as in communities.

Interviewed by the BBC about her award, she told them, “… my faith tells me I need to stand for equality and justice. I see it as my life's work to speak for those who may not have a voice."

Read the full article.

Congratulations on your achievements thus far Faeeza, we are all very proud of you here at Warwick and look forward to seeing what comes next.