23 March 2026, London, UK – On 17 March 2026, Hachette UK’s Muslim Employee Network hosted its sixth annual Iftar in celebration of Ramadan. The cross-industry event, attended by over 70 people, forms part of the network’s commitment to Changing the Story by building a welcoming environment for publishing professionals across the sector.

The event was held on the rooftop of Hachette UK’s London office, and saw publishing industry members from Hachette UK, other major publishers and literary agencies join the Iftar, the meal Muslims eat 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, encouraged attendees to connect, share stories, and foster a supportive community within the industry.

Attendees shared a meal catered by a Muslim-owned business and enjoyed a Ramadan-themed quiz, along with book bundle giveaways. In addition to a range of adult books from four publishers, including Hachette UK, this year the network also gifted children’s books by Muslim authors to mark the National Year of Reading and as part of Hachette’s commitment to its Raising Readers campaign to encourage everyone to make reading for enjoyment part of children’s daily lives.

The Iftar is the latest event supporting the network’s mission to build community and promote inclusion across the publishing industry. The event builds on the success of Hachette UK’s inaugural Muslim Romance Festival, created in partnership with Hachette UK’s THRIVE Network, Hachette UK’s Muslim Employee Network, and Orion Publishing Group, which celebrated and amplified diverse Muslim voices in romance, creating joy, visibility, community and an inclusive literary space.

Iman Khakoo and Nazima Abdillahi, co-chairs of the Hachette UK Muslim Employee Network, said: “We were delighted to host the annual Hachette iftar as co-chairs for the second year and it was heartening to see people across the industry come together during this special month to bond over good food and a shared love of books. As children’s editors, we were especially thrilled to be able to highlight Muslim creatives in the younger space with the help of cross-industry colleagues. We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!”

Carrie Bloxson, SVP Culture and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Hachette UK and Hachette Book Group, said: “Our Muslim Employee Network’s annual Iftar is always such a pleasure to attend, and it’s so exciting to see it grow each year. The evening offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the work of Muslim authors and to connect people across the industry.  It’s an incredibly celebratory event – one that fully embraces the spirit of Changing the Story – and I’m very thankful to the network for continuing to create such a welcoming space for people to come together and celebrate during the holy month of Ramadan.”