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Good morning. The pop singer, Duffy, chose to speak out this week about an ordeal that she says kept her from being in the public eye in recent years. She shared how important it was that a journalist listened to her last Summer, as she told her story for the first time. Listening to women, hearing their stories, being there for them – these are crucial and so needed. As someone who does a lot of work with different faith communities, particularly with women, I have realised the power and benefit of standing together. It is also important to work with men - allies who can walk with us, support the work and call things out where necessary. Speaking up, speaking out about sensitive and challenging issues is hard. Faith communities struggle to hear truths that can shatter illusions of all being OK and in order. When I say, for example, that one third of mosques in Britain don’t have a space for women to pray, some people would rather I didn’t say it. I do understand the concern of those in Muslim communities who worry about stereotypes and myths that these truths may reinforce. But I also know that unless we speak out, unless we are willing to confront these difficult realities, things will never change and I am convinced that we can gain more respect not less, when we tell the truth and be more upfront. We must not let our worry for what others might think, always stop us from challenging the status quo. There are some helpful and collaborative conversations happening with Muslim men in parts of the community too and that is encouraging to see. In the Qur’an, Muslims are taught that we must be ‘steadfast upholders of justice, witnesses to the truth for the sake of God, even if is against ourselves, our parents or our relatives’. And when I speak to women in different faith communities, there are many stories to tell. Domestic and spiritual abuse. Lack of women in leadership positions. Misuse of scripture to re-confirm patriarchal norms. Powerful and brave women in our history written out or marginalised. Conversations between women from the various faith communities quickly start to uncover these similarities. Next week a conference is taking place in London to launch a new Faith and Violence Against Women Coalition – initiatives like these are positive and necessary and will bring about change. I’ve found that my friendships and connections with women of other faiths is a source of encouragement and give me great strength to speak up. It’s hard, if not impossible, for anyone to do that as an isolated voice. Together, we really are stronger and together we can thrive.