Hachette UK’s Muslim Employee Network hosts cross-industry event to celebrate Ramadan

Hachette UK’s Muslim Employee Network hosted its fourth annual Iftar on 21 March 2024. This year, for the first time, the evening was a cross-industry event as part of the network’s aim to build a welcoming environment for publishing professionals.

The event was held on the rooftop of Hachette UK’s London office, and over 50 people joined the Iftar, the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan. The Muslim Employee Network, created to support and represent Hachette UK employees of any religion, also encouraged attendees to connect, share stories, and foster a community of support within the industry.

Asia Khatun and Ameenah Khan, co-chairs of the Hachette UK Muslim Employee Network, said: “The Hachette UK Muslim Employee Network prides itself on hosting an annual Iftar event to celebrate its Muslim employees and the community we have been able to build around us. This year, we particularly prioritised sharing this with others in the industry so they might be uplifted and recognise how integral Muslim voices are in this creative and professional space. It was a night that consisted of great food, great community, and a testament to a better and more inclusive future ahead of us.”

David Shelley, Group CEO at Hachette UK and Hachette Book Group, said: “I really loved attending our Muslim Employee Network Employee’s Iftar this year. It was a brilliant opportunity to come together to celebrate with Muslim colleagues across the industry during such an important month of religious observance, and to learn more. As part of our commitment to Changing the Story, it’s vital to us to create an inclusive environment for everyone and I’m so pleased the network’s event continues to be such a success – it’s something I look forward to each year.”

More information on any future events organised by Hachette UK’s Muslim Employee Network can be found on the network’s X account, @HachetteMuslims.