Councillor Faduma Mohamed was inaugurated as the new Mayor of Ealing at a special annual meeting of the full council on Tuesday 26 May.
Councillor Mohamed said she is ‘incredibly proud and honoured’ to be the first British Somali woman who wears a hijab to become Mayor of Ealing.
“It’s an amazing responsibility to take on, but it’s also a privilege. I want to make everyone proud and be an example to many communities especially girls and women who look like me. Representation matters.”
Councillor Mohamed, a ward councillor for Southall West since 2022 and last year’s Deputy Mayor, came to Southall at the age of 11 after fleeing the war in Somalia. She spoke no English at the time, but through determination, hard work, and the kindness of those around her, she overcame many barriers. She credits her teachers particularly her English teacher at Dormers Wells High School, who gave up his lunch breaks to support her learning as instrumental in her journey.
She will be supported during her mayoral year by her father, Ahmed Mohamed. The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Ghulam Murtaza.
Mayor Mohamed has chosen Unity as her theme for the year.
“As Mayor, I’m looking forward to connecting with our communities across every corner of Ealing. I want to bring people together and highlight what unites us. Whether I am attending an event at a church, visiting a temple or mosque, or meeting someone experiencing homelessness, every interaction matters. When people share their stories, they resonate with me because at the end of the day, we are all human, and our shared experiences connect us.”
Her chosen mayor charities are Hope for Southall Street Homeless and Stepping Stones Together UK. Hope for Southall Street Homeless provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness, including outreach services, emergency assistance, and a welcoming day centre. Stepping Stones Together UK works to empower individuals and families through community support, advice services, and initiatives aimed at improving wellbeing and opportunity. Through supporting these charities, the she hopes to raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable residents.
Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council said: “Councillor Mohammed is a dedicated and hardworking councillor and has been an excellent representative for the people of Southall. I am sure she will be a successful mayor doing her community and our borough proud. As our first hijab wearing Somali female mayor she is breaking new ground for the borough. Her mayoralty will be a powerful symbol that our borough is a place that values all our residents whatever their background.”
