We are Rootd.

Empower. Inspire. Contribute.

While Muslims comprise a significant minority in The Netherlands, they remain relatively under-represented in sectors such as academia, finance, science and technology.

In many cases this is because they have less exposure to role models and less access to opportunities compared to other demographic groups in Dutch/European society.

 

Yet in other cases, it is due to unanswered questions about whether aspects of their (professional) life are religiously compliant.

There is an infrastructural gap between Muslim professionals (especially those who are young) and traditional Islamic scholars.

 

We aim to achieve our mission by

  • Making Islamic education more accessible and relatable to highly educated professionals within the Muslim community (Muslim professionals)

  • Empowering (young) Muslim professionals with the informational tools and knowledge needed for them to embrace their religious/cultural identity and turn it into a positive contribution to people and planet

  • Enhancing access to and reducing inequality of opportunities by sharing networks and expertise within the community, and inspiring those from disadvantaged backgrounds through role models

  • Creating a community that is solutions-oriented (as opposed to restrictions-oriented) and contributive to the society that it is a part of

 

Empower. Inspire. Contribute.

Our five-step approach

Our platform provides and organizes the following activities

  • 1. Make quality information accessible

    Our educational activities aim to make Islamic studies and scholarship more accessible by reintroducing Muslim professionals to Islamic texts and sources in a manner that relates to modern social and environmental contexts.

  • 2. Relate Islamic sources to sustainability challenges

    Our informational material focuses on raising awareness for and unlocking the Muslim community’s potential to advance social and environmental sustainability goals.

  • 3. Reinforce Muslim and European identity

    We aim to build a community of young European Muslim professionals who embrace and are firmly rooted in their European and Muslim identity. We help address any cognitive dissonance or confusion about identity and belonging that hinder our target group from fully participating in society.

  • 4. Enhance communication between various stakeholders

    Our events focus on convening and enhancing communication between the Muslim community, industry professionals, the public sector and policy makers.

  • 5. Grow our network and inspire others

    Our network-sharing events, role model initiatives and mentorship programs focus on growing the community of European Muslim professionals and inspiring others who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our goal is to enhance access to and reduce inequality of opportunities.

Our 3 target groups.

  • Muslim professionals across national, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

    • Professionals and individuals with growth potential in their career trajectory

    • Professionals in senior or leadership positions whose knowledge and experience can help more junior members

    • Demonstrated commitment to self-development and the advancement of the community of Muslim professionals

  • Islamic scholars willing to learn about modern challenges Muslim professionals face in Europe.

    • Advanced knowledge of a European language and English

    • University educated, with advanced level of Islamic education

    • Experience working or studying in a European context

  • Young Muslims with limited access to opportunities.

    • Between ages 17 - 27

    • From disadvantaged backgrounds

Our target sectors

  • Healthcare.

    E.g., medical technology, affordable healthcare, pharmaceuticals

  • STEM.

    E.g., information technologies, renewable energy, frugal innovation, research and development

  • Environmental sector.

    E.g., environmental policy/regulation, waste management, circular economy

  • Finance.

    E.g., banking, trade, asset management, investment consulting

  • Consulting.

    E.g., legal, management, financial

  • Academia.

    E.g., humanities, STEM, social sciences

  • Non-profit/social sector.

    E.g., charitable foundations, humanitarian aid sector, think tanks

  • Public sector/policy.

    E.g., governments, international forums and organizations like the UN, WEF, WTO and others

  • Other.

    Other sectors of potential interest will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Connect with us.

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For inquiries, get in touch.