By Maryam Patel
A young Muslim entrepreneur from Leicester has started her own women’s community and events group after being inspired by a charity event in the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Sausan Said, 24, started community group Voices of Ukhtis and hosts monthly events around Leicester, after being inspired by people coming together during a Ramadan 2K charity event.
“I believe everyone deserves a voice,” she said.
“I want the brand name to resonate with everyone as well as myself. No matter what part of your journey I want to be able to provide a space for sisters.”
During the Islamic month of Ramadan, in March, Miss Said took part in a charity event, the Ramadan 2K which aimed to raise £2,000 within the month.
She attended many events and saw community coming together, particularly when she performed a spoken poetry on mental health and saw many people crying.
She believes these opportunities to connect with like-minded people need to be more common in Leicester.
Miss Said said: “We have the mosques but it’s very hard to find people to gel with and have a connection with.”
Her venture began with her first event on May 31 dedicated to the mosque in St Matthews.
She organised games and activities, including a henna stall, to raise money for the mosque.
Voices of Ukhtis is a women-only community, mainly focused towards Muslim girls, however it is currently open to people of all faiths.
Monthly events are held with a fee, such as bento cake decorating, tasbih making, matcha walks and more.
A 19-year-old member of the community, Sumayyah Adeyemi, enjoyed the event held on October 12 called The Quiet Burden we Share.
This event gave members a chance to reflect on their past, present and future self with letter writing and other activities.
Miss Adeyemi said: “It’s such a beautiful environment. I feel such love and feel like I have a community.”
Voices of Ukhtis aims to eventually arrange trips out of Leicester, specific days for mothers and children, as well as more regular events.
The next event is a pilates and matcha event at Strong Pilates, 111-115 King Richards Road, this Sunday (DEC7) at 1.30pm.
“I can be a part of the community where there is no negativity and we’re all coming together under the name of religion,” said Miss Adeyemi.
Further details can be found at @voicesofukhtis on Instagram and TikTok. An email address is also provided for any enquiries voicesofukhtis@gmail.com.
