Values and Courage in Politics with Amna Abdullatif

In this episode, I talk with the incredible Amna Abdullatif, a community activist, campaigner, and Manchester City Councillor. Amna shares her powerful journey, from her childhood experiences moving from Libya to the UK to co-founding the viral anti-racism campaign group, The Three Hijabis.We discuss the responsibility that comes with having a platform, how media narratives can breed hate, and the challenges of navigating political spaces as a visibly Muslim woman. Amna also speaks with candour about her principled and emotional decision to leave the Labour Party over its position on Gaza, and what it means to stay true to your values, even when it’s the harder path. This is a profound conversation about identity, belonging, and the courage to fight for change.Key TakeawaysThe Nature of Belonging: Belonging isn't about fitting in or changing who you are. It's about understanding that you have a right to be in any space you occupy and that your unique experiences and background are valuable.Use Your Platform: If you are given a platform or an opportunity to create change, you have a responsibility to use it. Change can be instigated by a few, but it requires the support of many to gain momentum.Hate Breeds Hate: Political rhetoric and media narratives that focus on hatred and mistrust have real-world consequences, creating division and impacting the safety of marginalised communities. It is important to be aware of the stories we amplify.Act with Integrity: Standing by your core values is paramount, even if it leads to difficult decisions. Leaving a political party or a situation that contradicts your principles is not a failure, but an act of integrity and self-knowledge.Episode Highlights03:40: Amna discusses her childhood, moving from a free and liberating environment in Libya to facing racism and Islamophobia in the UK, finding refuge in books and libraries.12:15: The accidental beginnings of The Three Hijabis, when a photo of friends watching football went viral and led to a national campaign against racism with over a million signatures.25:20: How the initial petition evolved into wider educational work, challenging Islamophobia in sports and creating healing spaces for Muslim women changemakers.35:30: Amna shares her unexpected journey into politics after being encouraged by a local councillor and the challenges of navigating party political culture as a visibly Muslim woman who asks questions.43:00: Amna talks through the emotional and deeply personal decision to resign from the Labour Party over its stance on the genocide in Gaza, and the importance of amplifying the Palestinian cause.About Amna:Amna Abdullatif is a Manchester City Councillor, a freelance consultant focusing on women's and children's rights, and a co-founder of The Three Hijabis, an organisation working to tackle racism, Islamophobia and misogyny in sports and culture.The Three Hijabis Website: thethreehijabis.comThe Three Hijabis LinkedIn: The Three HijabisConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!