Stoke Sisters Tribe – Community Group of the Year nomination
Stoke Sisters Tribe – Community Group of the Year nomination
Stoke Sisters Tribe was set up as a way for Muslim women in Stoke-on-Trent to connect and support one another. Within three years it’s grown to have 50 members across the city.
The group was created by Nayab Rahim, a mum-of-two from Blurton, who was a university lecturer in Pakistan before moving to the UK.
She recognised that women in her community can feel isolated and suffer from depression and aimed to help by finding a way for them to support one another.
Nayab began by reaching out to other women on social media which turned into a WhatsApp group and get togethers.
Although still the organiser and financial backer of many of the group’s activities, Nayab stresses that what she has created is a tribe of women and credits the support of those around her.
She said: “I chose the name Stoke Sisters Tribe because I wanted them to feel part of a tribe and I wanted them to feel safe. In my Muslim community there can be a high rate of depression because some women feel that they don’t have anyone.
“I was strong enough to stand up and to do something in Stoke-on-Trent where women can feel connected and don’t feel lonely anymore. They can share their stresses, whether they’re personal or professional.
“If women leave their family, friends and social circle they can become very lonely. They may also find themselves in a very different culture, which can be a shock.
“After spending time with women that I connected with, I was left feeling joy and I was re-energised for the coming week.”
The group began with Muslim women but is open to women of any religion and background, although Nayab says she is keen to keep religion and politics out of the group’s discussions.
She said: “There is space for any sister. We are not judgmental and we respect one another’s views.”
In-person gatherings include breakfasts at restaurants and Eid celebrations at community centres, where the invite is extended to children and partners too. The group sometimes meets in coffee shops or for walks in the park.
Nayab often covers the cost herself and sometimes everyone attending brings along a dish to share.
She is hoping to start a podcast with information to help women settling into life in the UK and addressing any cultural shocks they may face.
She added: “I’ve got my husband’s biggest support with this. He wants me to feel comfortable and he’s ok for me to do something that keeps me happy and content.”
Stoke Sisters Tribe has been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Sara Khan said: “Nayab is the heart behind Stoke Sisters Tribe. She lovingly organises community meetups using her own resources, never taking a single penny from members, guests or any official support, and she manages everything on her own.
“She is truly dedicated to bringing the ladies of Stoke-on-Trent together and creating a warm, safe space where they can share their thoughts, stories and family lives.
“She has arranged so many wonderful gatherings, always with sincerity and a beautiful heart. Nayab really deserves our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for all that she does.”
Rubeena Ahmad said: “Nayab is the best community group organiser. She is so selfless and dedicated and also such an inspirational person who motivates and encourages community cohesiveness and inclusivity.”