Published Thursday 27 September 2018 at 10:26
A local initiative that invited non-Muslims to fast for a day during Ramadan has been shortlisted for a national diversity award.
One Voice’s campaign ‘I’m Not A Muslim But I Will Fast For One Day’ has beaten off competition from 1,000 entrants to be named a finalist in this year’s Inclusive Companies Awards, in the Diversity Marketing Campaign of the Year category.
Dozens of Blackburn with Darwen Council staff joined their Muslim colleagues in a one-day fast during the holy month of Ramadan this summer. ‘I’m Not A Muslim But I Will Fast For One Day’ aims to encourage non-Muslims to fast alongside their colleagues and friends in a show of unity and understanding.
Among a group of staff from Adult Services & Prevention was the Council’s Community Co-ordinator Rebecca Ramsay. She said:
I wanted to take part to have a better understanding of the fasting experience for my Muslim colleagues. I was particularly interested because of the similarities between Ramadhan and Lent.
One Voice has been leading ‘I’m Not A Muslim But I Will Fast For One Day’ since 2014 when around 20 people got involved. This year over 200 people took part, from members of the public, to representatives of major local organisations and businesses.
Abrar Hussain, Chairman of One Voice Blackburn, said:
We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. The campaign aimed to unite the community and it is a testament to our non- Muslim participants who got involved and fasted for the day displaying a great sign of unity.
The Inclusive Companies Awards are a national event committed to honouring the outstanding achievements of inclusive employers and diversity champions across the UK. They are the most prestigious integration and cohesion awards in the UK.
Paul Sesay, CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Companies Awards and National Diversity Awards, added:
The Inclusive Companies Awards continue to be an exceptional way to celebrate the courageous actions of individuals and organisations, who are already striving for inclusion. Let’s celebrate the tremendous feats of our incredible shortlisted nominees. Congratulations to all!
One Voice has been shortlisted alongside seven other organisations, including big names Ford, Lloyds Bank and River Island. It will find out if it is named the winner at the Inclusive Companies Awards ceremony in The Midland Hotel, Manchester on Thursday 15 November.