At the first national conference of Muslim and Jewish women ‘Working Together’, Meg Munn MP, Minister     

  I want to thank both the Joseph Interfaith Foundation and Alif-Aleph for
      organising today’s event. I know both organisations play an important role
      in fostering good relations, sustainable dialogue and mutual respect
      between the Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK. I also want to thank
      all the members of the steering group for their continued support.
      
      A Good Deal of Progress
      A good deal of progress has been made since the first Imam and Rabbi
      conference last year, particularly in developing the level of engagement
      between Muslim and Jewish women. I think this conference, and the Imam and
      Rabbi Conference held two days ago, are the next steps in establishing a
      nationally recognised framework for interfaith dialogue and co-operation
      between the Muslim and Jewish communities.
      
      We understand that these two religious communities need to affirm their
      distinct identities. Both the Muslim and Jewish communities have their own
      history, and it is vital that these are sustained.  
      
      Faith communities have an important role to play in British multi-cultural
      and multi-faith society, particularly in relation to furthering the role
      of women. They contribute to social and community cohesion through the
      values and activities that underpin good citizenship, such as altruism,
      respect for others, ethical behaviour and community solidarity.
      
      Many of you will be active in your own local area, making your own
      contribution toward social and community cohesion. It is important that
      faith communities fully use the knowledge and experience of the women in
      their communities.
      
      Inter Faith Dialogue
      Having interfaith dialogue is important to the creation of a society that
      reflects positive interaction between people of all faiths and none. It
      can act as the social glue that joins our differences in culture, faith
      and ethnicity together. Interfaith activity is not just about conversation
      and discussion; it is about co-operation and devising practical examples
      which can inspire real change.
      
      We welcome the work of national inter faith organisations whose aim is to
      build understanding and respect. I have already referred to the good work
      of Alif-Aleph and the Joseph Interfaith Foundation, but there are many
      faith-based organisations making a difference.  The Interfaith Network and
      the Three Faiths Forum are both taking practical steps to promote
      dialogue, friendship and understanding - particularly at grass roots
      level.
      
      You may be aware that the results of the second round of the Faith
      Communities Capacity Building Fund (FCCBF) were announced earlier this
      month. Over £4.3 million was awarded to 343 organisations. Bids intended
      to strengthen inter faith organisations and community understanding have
      been given priority. 
      
      I welcome the fact that the Capacity Building Fund also prioritised
      projects that actively engage women; we have a huge role in this work.
      
      Involvement of Women in Public Life
      I am pleased that an increasing number of women are coming into public
      life. By having more women in public life we are able to better use the
      whole talent pool around us. We can better reflect the diversity on our
      streets, in our cities and in the countryside.  
      Representation also plays a symbolic role as role models for the younger
      generation.
      This is why we have put in a number of measures to increase the number of
      women in politics. In 2002 we introduced the Sex Discrimination (Election
      Candidates) Act which allows for positive measures towards increasing
      women’s participation by those political parties wanting to use them.
      
      We know that this is having an impact. In my party, the Labour Party,
      women make up 29% of all MPs, a full 10% more then the average.
      
      In the UK just under a fifth of all MPs in the House of Commons are women,
      and it is roughly the same in our second chamber - the House of Lords.
      There are currently 8 women cabinet ministers – including since July a
      female leader of the House of Lords and a female Speaker. 
      
      We have initiated a review into how best to increase the diversity of
      Local Government Councillors. At present only 29% of English councillors
      are women, with 2.2% being from the black and ethnic minority community.
      We all look forward to receiving the recommendations from this review.
      
      But there are more ways to make your mark in public life. We need more
      women – more of you – on the boards of your local NHS Trust, or as school
      governors in local schools. School governance is the most important
      volunteering role in education, it is essential we get the right skills
      and experiences for this important leadership role. 
      
      Way forward
      We remain committed to ensuring that our policies continue to reflect the
      needs of women, and much progress has been made. But some minority
      communities still experience inequalities in education, health and
      employment, and this problem is often compounded for women.
      
      We will continue to carry forward our policy commitments and working to
      improve the experiences of those who lack opportunities.  I hope we can
      work together to overcome those problems that hold people back from
      achieving what they are capable of.
      
      I’m sure that today’s workshop topics will provide an opportunity for
      frank and open debate, and will help our engagement with both the Muslim
      and Jewish communities.
      
      Please enjoy your day.