Women's Iftar

On Saturday, Wellsprings Together was proud to host a very special Women’s Community Iftar, bringing women from different faiths and no faith at all together across the region to share food, reflection and fellowship during Ramadan. It was an evening filled with warmth, faith and the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit as women of many backgrounds gathered around one table in a spirit of respect and unity.

Kate from Near Neighbours came along too, she had never been to an Iftar before, and she wrote a blog about the event - well worth a read! Click here to read it.

This was the second women-only Iftar organised and led by our Kaneez Khan MBE, continuing a growing tradition of creating safe, welcoming spaces where women from different faiths, cultures and communities can come together in friendship, understanding and shared purpose.

Opening reflections were offered by Rev Jenny Ramsden, Interfaith Adviser for the Dioces of Leeds and trustee of Wellsprings Together. She spoke about the significance of Lent and Ramadan falling almost side by side this year, highlighting the shared spiritual practices of fasting, prayer and giving to those in need. Rev Jenny also spoke movingly as a Christian woman standing in solidarity with Muslim communities following recent attacks on mosques across the country. She was joined by Najeen Rasool.

We were deeply grateful to Cllr Salma Arif, whose support—along with dedicated staff and Trustees at Wellsprings Together and Hamara Healthy Living Centre—helped make the event possible. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Near Neighbours for their financial contribution, which helped ensure the evening could take place and remain open and welcoming to women from across our communities.

It was an honour to welcome Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, who spoke with genuine warmth about standing alongside our communities during challenging times. Alison Lowe OBE encouraged those present to speak up and report hate crime, reminding us that every voice matters. Fatima Khan-Shah, Inclusivity Champion at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, shared powerful reflections on navigating the world as a visibly Muslim woman in today’s climate.

We were also delighted to be joined by Adeeba Malik CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, who helped recognise the incredible strength, leadership and resilience of women in our communities. Alongside her was Sharon Watson MBE DL, another inspiring role model whose presence reminded us of the importance of women leading with courage and compassion.

The evening was enriched by moving contributions from across our communities. Amria Khatun shared a powerful and heartfelt poem that captured the spirit of the gathering.

We also heard from Kirsty McKinnon and Sadiya S, who raised awareness about the urgent need for ethnically diverse foster carers. Meanwhile, Tayiba Kauser and her students from Bilal Masjid offered beautiful prayers and recitation, bringing a moment of stillness and devotion to the evening.

The food was lovingly prepared by Aziz Ahmed, whose wonderful cuisine brought everyone together at the table. The event took place at the Empire Suite, with generous support from Abaseen, who provided fruit and dates for the traditional breaking of the fast. Preparing them turned into a memorable team effort—proving that even fruit-cutting can become a mission when done with love and laughter.

A special thank you also goes to Junior Sports Hub, whose young volunteers kindly offered to support the evening as security.

For many of us, it was also a joy to reconnect with women we deeply respect and admire—community leaders, professionals and friends who continue to serve our city with dedication and care.

The evening was a powerful reminder that when women gather in spaces of dignity and understanding, something transformative happens. Stories are shared, friendships grow and communities become stronger.

At the same time, the event reflected the difficult times we are living through. For the first time in nine years of hosting community events, the location of the venue was held back until the last moment and security arrangements were carefully considered. It is sobering that such precautions are now part of organising gatherings like this.

Yet even in uncertain times, the message of the evening remained clear: when women come together in faith, solidarity and hope, light will always overcome fear.

Wellsprings Together extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, supported and helped create such a welcoming and spirit-filled evening.