A YOUNG mother has encouraged members of the Muslim community to take up journalism after being nominated for an award for her work.

Tasnim Nazeer, 25, from South Harrow, has been nominated for the Young Journalist award in this year’s Muslim Writers Awards.

Mrs Nazeer has two children, Aleena, four, and Amran, two, with a third child due in two weeks.

She has written freelance articles for business publications on subjects such as how France’s ban of the burkha will increase Islamaphobia.

The ex-Earlsmead Primary School pupil said: “I’m in a category with four people so we’ll see what happens but I was just so happy to be nominated for this award.

“Being a mother and working has been fine, especially if you utilise your time properly and manage both aspects of your life.

“You have to find the correct balance between family and work and I have always received encouragement from my family in this career.

“Often you can get people from the Muslim community, and generally the Asian community, saying you should become a doctor or go into some kind of professional career but my husband is a doctor and he has always encouraged me.

“Journalism is such a powerful tool. It gives a voice to people that may not usually be heard.

“This is the first time I have got any kind of recognition but it’s been worth it and I would encourage people from the community to go for it.”

Mrs Nazeer will find out if she has won the award in November at a ceremony in London.