On Friday, 30th October, Qaisra Shahraz MBE, FRSA, a critically acclaimed novelist, arts and culture champion, and award-winning peace/gender activist won The Women’s Award Outstanding Woman in the Arts, Media and Music 2026 National Award.

She was recognised for her various arts initiatives she has founded: MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation, Muslim Women’s Arts Festival, Muslim Arts Awards and Muslim Diaspora Archives. Working with hundreds of artists and young people nationally and internationally as part of her ground-breaking festival MACFEST, she has successfully connected communities, tackled Islamophobia, placed a positive spotlight on Muslims and Islamic heritage. She is internationally known for her lifelong passion in championing and celebrating women, youth, community cohesion, and building intercultural bridges through literature, arts and cultural heritage, including in Germany for the last twenty years.

Founder of The Women’s Awards and Shine Together CIC, Sandra Pollock OBE, said “Qaisra is a true trailblazer, and this was recognised by our judging panel. For decades she has used literature, the arts and heritage to bring communities together, challenge prejudice and open doors for women and young people, both here in the UK and internationally. In our tenth anniversary year, as we celebrated. “A Decade of Impact” it was a privilege to recognise a woman whose impact reaches so many lives. Congratulations, Qaisra. This award is so richly deserved.”

Qaisra said, “I am delighted to win this award, honouring my lifelong work in the arts, culture and heritage sector, as an author, and founder and Director of an award-winning festival, MACFEST. The award will further fuel my passion for bringing communities together through the arts.”

She added, “I want to dedicate this award to my amazing festival team, our wonderful partners, advisers and sponsors for their support since 2018 and help to make it what it is.”

Her award was presented by Paulette Simpson CBE, Patron of The Women’s Awards.

The Women’s Awards function and conference was organised by The Women’s Awards and Shine Together CIC, celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Women’s Awards”. It was hosted by Rupal Rajani. It took place at the famous Winstanley House in Leicester.