London: According to a top diversity expert, a new initiative that aims to connect British Muslims working in the real estate and construction industries will promote inclusivity and help professionals realise their full potential. 

"Islamophobia is a real issue that affects professionals and prevents them from achieving their full potential. Sybil Taunton, head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said on Wednesday that the industry needs to have more of the uncomfortable conversations that we've been avoiding for far too long.

At the founding of the Association of Muslim Surveyors, which took place at the RICS headquarters in Westminster, Taunton stated that the new network will provide solutions to issues that British Muslims encounter in the field and "bring uncomfortable conversations forward." 

Also Read: EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Chinese FM Qin Gang

The programme aims to assist Muslim surveyors who are employed in or seeking to enter the property and real estate sectors.

All people at different stages of their careers are welcome to join the association, including students, licenced professionals, and experts who might want to share their knowledge.

"Islamophobia is a subject that I don't think gets discussed enough in our industry. Why are we not having conversations about the Muslim community if it is not represented as well as it could and should be? questioned Taunton. 

"When people band together to form a network, movements emerge, and the Association of Muslim Surveyors is one such example. She expressed, "I'm really inspired by it. 

Over 85 people from all over the UK attended the event, and according to Taunton, the crowd helped attendees "see the power in numbers."

The next generation is motivated by networks that come together and demonstrate the strength of numbers to say, "Yes, that is my community, I see myself in that, and that profession is a safe space for me. I'm going to go there to look into careers.

Also Read:  Resuming registration for Syrian refugees who want to go home in Lebanon

The fact that a network has been brought together, she said, "so I do think it's a significant move because it will drive that really important recruitment piece for future generations to find a home here." 

Despite being based in Riyadh, Jang Shabbir, a British Muslim who serves as managing director and head of real estate for international consulting firm ValuStrat's Saudi Arabia operations, attended the event.  The initiative, he claimed, has a lot of potential and will give British Muslims working in real estate a credible voice.

The number of AMS members will likely grow quickly, according to Shabbir, who also claimed that "the word is getting around the Middle East as well." There are many Middle East experts who are aware of this initiative. So now they're spreading the word, he continued.

Also Read:  India, Israel ink deal for Industrial Research, Development Cooperation

Sarah Chaudhry, the initiative's director and founder, said Wednesday's event was a huge success and she hoped subsequent events would be even bigger. "We are such a tiny, tiny minority at this institution that this is our first and founding event. Therefore, it's huge," Chaudhry said.