‘Safe space’ for women at pro-Palestine rallies in UK

Muslim women in London have created a “safe space” at pro-Palestine protests in the city.

Abirami Raveendran, from west London, is part of a group of mainly Muslim women who march together at rallies.

“All these women are very passionate about the cause, but they don’t know what to do with it, and they don’t really have an outlet,” she told The National.

“Most of them don’t even know each other. They will bring snacks, they will bring water. It’s a very wholesome way to protest,” she said.

Last week, the group was formally recognised as the branch for the London Borough of Hillingdon by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a nationwide protest movement.

Demonstrations calling for an end to Israel’s bombardment and siege of Gaza have taken place across Britain on a near-weekly basis since October 7. These marches have gathered hundreds of thousands of protesters from many communities.

But a sharp rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim incidents in Britain meant the protests for Palestine have been heavily policed.

The group is becoming more active, members writing to their MPs and councillors about the Palestinian issue.

“We’re just learning as we go,” Ms Raveendran said.

Recently, they helped to bring British-Palestinian families in Gaza back to Britain.

Although the UK began evacuating British citizens from Gaza in November, some have struggled to get out.

The women supported them by contacting MPs and councils, and seeking legal advice, Ms Raveendran said.

One family arrived days ago, she said. They are being supported by members of the group, who send them food.

The group is calling for Britain to accommodate Palestinian refugees or Palestinians seeking medical treatment, similar to the Ukraine scheme that began in March 2022.