Features Client focus: Muslim Hands In 2014, BWB was delighted to be appointed as lawyers to new client Muslim Hands, a charity committed to eradicating poverty globally. Lucy McLynn and Barbara Eze in 2010, an initiative that supports new and highlight some of the life-changing expectant mothers in developing countries with high maternal mortality rates. The project offers direct work that this charity is undertaking assistance to mothers through the provision of pre- Lucy McLynn natal care, essential medicine and maternal clinics The devastating scenes of the Bosnian War spurred a Partner in countries such as Afghanistan where one in 11 small community in Nottingham into action, marking T: 020 7551 7774 women die during the course of childbirth. [email protected] the birth of Muslim Hands. Since 1993, the charity’s reach has expanded from responding to specific Lucy is ranked as a emergency crises to serving more than 50 countries UNITED FOR THE NEEDY leader in employment worldwide in eight different areas of need. Despite law by both Chambers having to adapt to changing circumstances, Muslim At Muslim Hands, we believe we are service UK and Legal 500. She providers to millions of people who share our is a regular advocate in Hands has not lost sight of its core belief that all employment tribunals and individuals, irrespective of race, colour or faith, have view that ‘together, we can help the needy the Employment Appeal the fundamental right to live a life of dignity, free fight poverty’. Tribunal, including in from poverty and oppression. high-profile cases and provides employment From serving communities in Haiti to establishing AREAS OF WORK: advice on a range of projects in Albania, the geographical breadth issues affecting faith- based organisations. of Muslim Hands’ work is vast. Partnering with • Education organisations such as Christian Aid and working • Emergencies collaboratively with War Child and The UN Refugee • Environment Agency, amongst others, places Muslim Hands in a • Health unique position to cater to the wide-ranging needs • Hunger of individuals across the world. • Livelihoods Barbara Eze • Orphans Paralegal Muslim Hands has been present on the ground for • Water, hygiene and sanitation T: 020 7551 7787 widely-publicised disasters; the Asian tsunami in [email protected] 2004, the Haitian earthquake in 2010 and, more Barbara is a member recently, the Ebola crisis that has hit Sierra Leone, Muslim Hands’ emphasis on developing long-term of the Faith-Based Liberia and Guinea are a few examples. The charity solutions is evident in its maternal health work. Organisations group has also responded to disasters and other pressing For example, Motherkind provided subsidies to and a trustee of her needs that fail to make our television screens, such five midwives in Niger enabling them to complete local church. as the sub-zero winters in Kasmir and cholera their essential three-year study programme. Upon outbreaks in Guinea Bissau. graduation, these women will work at government- based medical clinics in rural areas throughout the The charity is fully dedicated to its belief that country, changing the practices which contribute to poverty can and must be eradicated. Faced with the untimely deaths mothers face. terrifying surroundings, Muslim Hands have decided to remain in environments which have forced other The common thread that runs throughout Muslim aid organisations to flee. In 2001, for example, the Hands’ areas of work is perfectly summed up by Mali charity sent aid convoys to Herat, Kabul, Jalalabad country manager, Sarjo Jammeh: ‘giving people the and Kandahar and set up medical facilities in other dignity to earn for themselves is a sure way to fight areas of Afghanistan helping some of the 7.5 million poverty’. Muslim Hands has a structured approach Afghans who faced hunger and a harsh winter. to empowering individuals. Specialist field staff firstly discuss the available options with individuals who As part of its work aimed at addressing healthcare may wish to develop their own business or trade but needs globally, Muslim Hands established Motherkind lack the finances to do so. The staff then analyse the 10 Faith-Based Organisations Update | Spring 2015 Features Girls at Muslim Hands School of Excellence participating in a laboratory experiment local economy to decide, with the individual, the most is rooted in the generosity-inspired principles of Islam. suitable business to establish. This approach has led The charity provides a means by which Muslims can to the establishment of several successful businesses fulfil their duty of zakat, the Third Pillar of Islam, including a community of women setting up a smoked which is to give alms in recognition that all things fish business in The Gambia, a nation where fisheries belong to God. Sadaqah, a voluntary act of charitable are of major importance to the economy. giving, also underpins the charity’s compassionate dedication to serve those in need. Being led by Recognising the significance of education, Muslim an inclusive faith, there are no limits to who can Hands seeks to empower children through the contribute to or who benefits from Muslims Hands’ network of schools it has established. Rural work. All are encouraged to demonstrate a type of Community Schools are located in isolated areas giving which knows no national borders, no race and where educational establishments are inaccessible. no gender. Model Schools, which primarily serve orphan children, seek to improve the quality of education provided in Winning the Charity of the Year Award (British Muslim the local area. Schools of Excellence, Muslim Hands’ Awards 2014) is a testament to Muslim Hands’ beacon schools for orphans and poorer children, are excellence, dedication and inclusivity and BWB is custom built with excellent facilities and also help to honoured to advise such an outstanding organisation raise educational standards of neighbouring schools on its legal matters. Visit www.muslimhands.org.uk by sharing best practice. All staffed by passionate to explore further the work this charity undertakes. trained teachers who deliver a high standard of education, Muslim Hands’ education programme ‘releases an individual from the cycle of poverty and opens up a world of empowerment for the future’. From health to livelihoods, emergencies to water, environment to education, Muslim Hands’ varied work Faith-Based Organisations Update | Spring 2015 11.