Realising the potential of Muslim women is top of the agenda as the North West Regional Assembly and The All Party Parliamentary Friends of Islam Group hold an open debate this afternoon.

The event, which is being held at the Albert Halls in Bolton between 1.45-6.45pm, has attracted people from all over the North West  and is a ground-breaking forum to encourage Muslim women to fulfil their ambitions at work, in business and in public life.

The afternoon will include discussions about government policy and some of the challenges faced by Muslim women in daily life, but there is also plenty of inspiration on offer with a number of professional Muslim women sharing their experiences and successes.

Khalida Begum, structural engineer at Airbus as well as Nargis Khan, born in Bolton, but currently councillor in the London Borough of Hackney, are both speaking and debating.

Said Kate Hollern, chair of the NWRA: "We are very excited about this debate which we hope will challenge many people’s perceptions about the role of Muslim women in society and demonstrate the positive contribution they make in all walks of life. I believe that we will only have a truly prosperous and thriving region if all our citizens are able to realise their potential."

Khalida Begum added: "There are currently 60,000 Muslim women and girls living in the North West - all contributing to this region – and together we must ensure that we can all reach our ambitions. I’m a 5’4" Muslim woman with a head scarf – the only woman among 40 male engineers at Airbus – people expect me to be quiet, but I’m confident and assertive.

"Many people are scared to ask me about my religion, and I often make a joke to break down barriers. After all if we don’t dare to debate the differences and recognise the similarities then nothing will change."

Ian Stewart MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Friends of Islam Group said: "This initiative was started in Parliament by Parliamentarians looking to encourage alternative ways of nurturing the talents within the whole of the Muslim community and uniquely attempts to involve men in this process as part of a holistic approach. The NWRA have developed the programme to a groundbreaking level."