As Founder and Community Advocate of Belfast Asian Women’s Academy (BAWA), I have dedicated my voluntary community leadership to empowering women, challenging inequality and creating opportunities for women to participate confidently and fully in society.
I founded BAWA on 21 January 2019, with a commitment to creating an inclusive platform where women could develop confidence, improve their wellbeing, participate in sport, pursue employment and receive support when facing racism, hate crime, discrimination or other significant barriers.
BAWA subsequently achieved charitable status in June 2022, marking an important stage in the organisation’s development.
My work is rooted in a simple principle: women should not be prevented from fulfilling their potential because of their ethnicity, background, confidence, financial circumstances or experiences of discrimination.
Through BAWA and my wider advocacy, I have supported more than 100 women, combining individual assistance with initiatives designed to create longer-term social change.
Areas of Impact
My community leadership spans five interconnected areas:
Women’s empowerment and equality
Supporting women, particularly those facing racism, hate crime and discrimination, to become more confident, independent and engaged in society.
Health and participation
Creating opportunities for women to overcome cultural, social and confidence barriers to physical activity, including swimming, running and football.
Employment and independence
Encouraging and supporting women to pursue employment and greater economic independence.
Advocacy and social justice
Speaking up for individuals and families experiencing exceptionally difficult circumstances and helping them navigate barriers that they may struggle to challenge alone.
Community cohesion and cultural understanding
Creating opportunities to celebrate South Asian heritage while strengthening relationships across Northern Ireland’s diverse communities.
