Meeting the Challenge of Inclusion in London
July 17, 2012
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From jerk chicken to jellied eels: Walthamstow Market, Europe’s longest outdoor market, reflects the cultural and ethnic diversity of the borough. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Residents in Waltham Forest appreciate the ethnic and cultural diversity of the borough and their access to goods and services that cater to cultural and religious needs. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
There was a strong sense of belonging felt by Muslims to their neighborhood and local area. “I have grown up here, so I feel it is my place. I don’t feel that I am an outsider.” —Muslim female research participant, 30–35 years old. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Seventy percent of Muslim respondents see themselves as British. Poignantly, only 41 percent of Muslims surveyed believe that others see them as British. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
“From a borough point of view our extreme behavior is gang related and it involves young men from many faith backgrounds. It’s actually defined by postcode as opposed to who you believe is your god.” —Interview with a local authority stakeholder © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Young people taking part in a bike ride organized by local charity, the Active Change Foundation, which works with young people of all backgrounds to keep them safe from violence related to urban gangs and religious or political extremism. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Of all the religious groups in London and across the UK, Muslims have the youngest age profile. Waltham Forest’s age profile is younger than that of the rest of London. The local authority has responded by establishing the Youth Independent Advisory Group made up of young people who provide advice on community safety. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Young Muslim women taking part in an antiviolence march in Leytonstone. Muslim women in the research revealed that hate crimes against them, including verbal abuse, were a frequent feature of their lives and under-reported to the police. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Research participants were positive about efforts made by schools to respect and accommodate different religious customs. “It’s about awareness of different cultures, different religions, different ethnic groups.” —Focus group respondent © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Asian Mela, held in the grounds of Walthamstow Town Hall, welcomes all residents living in the borough in a celebration of Asian arts, crafts, culture, and food. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Over 65 percent of all respondents to the research agreed that people in their local area got on well together and considered their local area to be one where differences were respected. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations -
Waltham Forest has been home to immigrants since the late 19th century. The Muslim population of the London borough of Waltham Forest is the third largest in London and constitutes 15 percent of the local population. © Karen Robinson/Panos Pictures for the Open Society Foundations
Muslims in Europe are a diverse and growing population of citizens as well as newly arrived immigrants. Though the majority of Muslims are a longstanding and integral part of the fabric of their cities, many Muslims still experience discrimination and suspicion.
The At Home in Europe Project seeks to improve the integration of Europe’s minority and marginalized communities, including Muslims. London is one of the 11 EU cities where the project is engaged in monitoring and advocacy efforts, including visually documenting the everyday lives of Muslims in the London borough of Waltham Forest.
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