Essential for educators, policymakers, and family professionals, Suma Din’s study amplifies the voices of over 50 women from diverse cultural backgrounds, offering insights into topics ranging from religious practices to educational policies. This illuminating work sheds light on the multifaceted identities and challenges faced by Muslim mothers as they navigate their children’s education in British state schools.

More about the Contributors Behind the Work

Suma Din

Suma Din is a writer, researcher and educator who has worked with parents in the Adult Learning sector. She has over two decades of experience in the voluntary sector, supporting women’s and children’s projects and interfaith work.

Assessments of the Work’s Merits and Flaws

Empowering Muslim Mothers

“In the midst of prevailing anxieties surrounding the portrayal of Muslim mothers amidst narratives of school radicalization, this meticulously crafted book emerges as a beacon of insight, challenging the stereotypes of ‘bad Muslim mothers’ with poignant narratives of resilience and educational dedication.

— Heidi Safia Mirza, Professor of Race, Faith and Culture, Goldsmiths, University of London

With a profound blend of personal experience and scholarly rigor, Din navigates the complexities of her research with finesse, inviting readers on a journey of discovery. Through the voices of over 50 Muslim mothers, Din’s work not only sheds light on communication challenges between schools and homes but also offers invaluable strategies for fostering understanding and engagement.

— Dr Lyn Haynes, Faculty of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University

In this groundbreaking exploration, Suma Din offers a rare glimpse into the perspectives of Muslim mothers, illuminating the complexities of navigating their children’s education. Essential reading for educators and policymakers alike, this book serves as a catalyst for fostering greater understanding and inclusivity within our increasingly diverse educational landscape.

— Sameena Choudry, Founder of Equitable Education

Suma Din’s insightful exploration offers a profound contribution to our understanding of Muslim mothers’ perspectives on education. With clarity and depth, her work underscores the importance of trust and engagement in building stronger communities and educational systems.

— Professor Tahir Abbas, Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, London”

Navigating Through the Book’s Chapter Guide

CONTENTS: 1. In sight and in mind: Finding the mother; 2. Who and how?; 3. Hide and seek: The re-searched and the searcher; 4. Identities, education and school choice; 5. Home–school relationships: From playground pariahs to inclusion governor; 6. Who’s watching who? Parents’ evening, SRE and security; 7. Narrative bridges