A SHAPELESS figure in an all-enveloping black cloak is the image that often comes to mind when people think of Muslim women.

This is also the image that Yasmin Lhairi has cleverly used in her painting, Equality in Islam, to show there is more to Muslim women than meets the eye.

Yasmin is one of six Preston women who have created pieces, during a three-month art project, organised by Preston Muslim Forum. The project is called Awaaz, which is Urdu for voice.

Yasmin, from Deepdale, said, "It's all about a voice that needs to be heard. I'm not sure how people will react to my piece. If they read it in the way I intended then all I am trying to say is that we are all equal.

"It is a woman's right to cover herself up, but this doesn't stop her from doing things with her life."

The pieces were exhibited in the Harris Museum from 17th February until 1st March.

"Sometimes religion can be a barrier. It's like the Purdah, which is just the outer clothing, but underneath it we are all built the same. We all feel the same emotions. I think both Muslims and non-Muslims will still be able to relate to my piece. There is something universal about it" said, Nisha Valli, 35, from Avenham and creator of Oppression.

Nisha's picture uses a range of materials from dried rose petals to metal gauze to represent a bleeding heart and the damage that can be caused by unequal gender relations.

Nisha said, "Art gave me an outlet for problems in my own life. I hope it will inspire other British Asian women, who can often feel isolated. They should know that they are not alone. I know it might not seem like it but there is an aspect of hope in my art."

All six women were novices to art and through guidance from an art teacher they were introduced to techniques ranging from computer imaging to embroidery.

Each piece has its own style. But all of them use English, Gurjati and Urdu words, making them accessible to a diverse audience.

Even so, some pieces appear more puzzling than others. Asiea Rashid's Islam respects, respect Islam, uses abstract patterns and disjoined sentences, to represent the way religion can been used to justify the mistreatment of women.

Asiea, 20, from Deepdale, said, "Ever since I was quite young I have felt that women have never been treated equally and as I grew up these feelings got stronger. This project helped me to express these issues. It's not just about the women on this project. It's about the fact that most women don't get the opportunity to speak up for themselves.

"At the beginning of the project the artist, told us this project was about us and how we feel, how often does a person get the chance to really express him or herself like that?"

Clearly this exhibition is not about displaying the skilled work of renowned artists. It is about a group of Preston Muslim women using art for self-expression. It is about giving people an insight into what real British Muslim women have to say.