The first-ever female president of a UK mosque and chair of Haringey Multi-Faith Forum received a personal invitation from the prime minister

Bibi Khan MBE was among more than 50 inspirational women to attend a special International Women’s Day event at 10 Downing Street this month.

As the first-ever female to become president of a mosque in the United Kingdom, in Wightman Road, Hornsey (also known as the London Islamic Cultural Society), as well as being elected chair of the North London Council of Mosques, Bibi was invited by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to a reception celebrating pioneering women in their respective fields.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were also in attendance at this event alongside Great Britain’s two-time Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Jessikah Inaba – the UK’s inaugural blind, black female barrister.

Bibi, who is also chair of Haringey Multi-Faith Forum, said: “I’m very honoured that my roles as both the female president of a mosque and a community leader have been brought to the attention of the prime minister.

“I believe that it’s important to show our women and girls that ‘anything is possible – when we trust the almighty’. My deepest, heartfelt thanks go out to the person who nominated me.”

Ajda Ovat, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Bibi is a trailblazer in her own right within Haringey and her MBE is a testament to her contribution so far.

“It’s only right and fitting then that she should be recognised by the prime minister among the most aspirational and inspirational women in the entire country with this International Women’s Day reception at 10 Downing Street. Very well done Bibi!”

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