During the financial year ending 31 January 2026, Muslim Women Connect (MWC) continued to advance its mission of empowering Muslim women across the UK through mentoring, skills de-velopment, leadership, wellbeing and community-building opportunities. As a Muslim women-led Community Interest Company, our work focuses on addressing barriers to personal and professional development, improving access to opportunities, reducing social isolation and creating inclusive spaces where Muslim women can connect, learn and thrive. Throughout the reporting period, MWC delivered a range of programmes and activities designed to support Muslim women at different stages of their personal and professional journeys. Our 2025 impact figures recorded over 900 event attendances, more than 32 community events, 12 masterclasses and 310 mentees and mentors onboarded. Our activities focused on four key are-as: 1. Mentoring Programme Our flagship mentoring programme continued to connect Muslim women with experienced men-tors, providing structured one-to-one guidance, professional development and access to valua-ble networks. During 2025, MWC onboarded 310 mentees and mentors through its mentoring activities. The programme provided participants with opportunities to explore career ambitions, develop confi-dence, strengthen professional skills and receive personalised advice and encouragement. Alongside one-to-one mentoring, participants were offered development masterclasses, net-working opportunities and community events. The programme benefited Muslim women by increasing access to professional networks, provid-ing guidance and support, and creating opportunities for experienced women to share their knowledge and expertise with others. It also encouraged intergenerational learning, peer support and a culture of giving back to the community. 2. Skills Development Programme During the reporting period, MWC delivered a dedicated Skills Development Programme designed to equip Muslim women with practical skills, build confidence and support their personal and professional growth. Between February 2025 and January 2026, we delivered 13 workshops and activities covering a broad range of themes, including professional development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, creativity, wellbeing and personal growth. The programme provided opportunities for women to develop practical skills to support their ca-reer progression and entrepreneurial ambitions, while also encouraging self-reflection, resilience and a greater sense of purpose. Alongside professional development, we recognised the im-portance of supporting women's holistic wellbeing through creative expression, mindfulness, physical activity and meaningful social connections. By providing accessible, culturally inclusive learning opportunities, the programme aimed to re-duce barriers to personal and professional development, strengthen confidence and equip Mus-lim women with the skills, knowledge and supportive networks needed to thrive in different areas of their lives. 3. Roots Fellowship Programme MWC delivered the Roots Fellowship Programme, a six-month leadership development initiative bringing together 25 Muslim women with over a decade of professional experience across a range of sectors. The programme was designed to support experienced Muslim women in becoming values-driven leaders, enabling them to integrate their faith, personal aspirations and professional responsibil-ities while strengthening their ability to contribute positively to their communities. Through online sessions, facilitated discussions and guided reflections, fellows explored themes including leadership, resilience, wellbeing, social responsibility and leading with purpose and integrity. The fellowship culminated in April 2025 with an in-person retreat. The retreat provided opportuni-ties for reflection, peer learning, skills-sharing and community building. Participants led work-shops exploring leadership styles, resilience, self-care and balancing professional ambitions with community responsibilities. The programme benefited participants by providing opportunities to develop their leadership ap-proaches, exchange knowledge, strengthen supportive professional relationships and reflect on how they could use their skills and experience to make a positive contribution to wider society. 4. Community Engagement, Wellbeing and Social Connection Alongside our structured programmes, MWC continued to deliver a diverse range of community events designed to strengthen social connections, promote wellbeing and create accessible op-portunities for Muslim women to participate in activities they may not otherwise have access to. These included running clubs, hiking and cycling activities, yoga, creative workshops, cultural experiences and social gatherings. Highlights included community runs in Battersea Park, a hike in Epping Forest, creative work-shops and events encouraging women to explore new interests and build friendships. Our activities brought together Muslim women from different backgrounds, ages and career stages, creating welcoming environments where participants could share experiences, develop supportive relationships and strengthen their sense of belonging. By providing regular opportunities for physical activity, creativity and social interaction, MWC sought to reduce social isolation, promote physical and emotional wellbeing and encourage greater participation in community life. Overall Community Benefit and Impact Through these four areas of activity, Muslim Women Connect continued to provide meaningful opportunities for Muslim women to develop personally, professionally and socially. Our work has sought to address inequalities in access to professional networks, development opportunities and supportive community spaces. By providing mentoring, practical skills train-ing, leadership development and wellbeing activities, we have supported women to pursue their ambitions, build confidence, expand their networks and strengthen their connections with oth-ers. Our programmes have also created opportunities for Muslim women to share their knowledge, volunteer their expertise and contribute positively to their communities, extending the potential benefits beyond direct programme participants. MWC remains committed to ensuring that its resources are used to deliver meaningful communi-ty benefit, strengthen opportunities for Muslim women and build a supportive network in which women can thrive personally, professionally and collectively.

Our stakeholders are our mentees, mentors and Muslim women we serve through our programme of events. We conducted feedback sessions and surveys to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the community

No remuneration was paid to the directors in respect of their duties as directors during the financial year. A director received £6,250 for project-related work undertaken on behalf of the CIC. This work was separate from the director's management and governance responsibilities, and the payments were made solely in respect of the project services provided.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration