Abstract
The rise of Islamophobia in the UK, exacerbated by recent anti-Muslim riots, has intensified debates around immigration, national identity, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities. This study explores the identity negotiations of young Muslim women in Swansea, Wales, examining how they navigate religious, gendered, and national identities in a socio-political climate marked by discrimination. Using Berry’s (1997) acculturation framework and an intersectional lens, we analyse empirical findings through qualitative methods, including interviews and focus groups. Our research identifies three key themes: (1) the construction and embodiment of religious and national identities, (2) gendered identities and feminism, and (3) the sense of belonging to a collective religious and/or national Welsh identity. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, community organisations, and educators, providing recommendations to foster inclusivity and challenge discriminatory narratives.