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Achievements and aspirations of British Asian women celebrated at UEL conference

Wednesday 16 July 2008

The achievements and aspirations of British Asian women were celebrated at a major conference held at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands campus on Wednesday 2 July.

Over two hundred women from national organisations and groups and the local community attended the event, which focused on emerging trends, new opportunities and the historical context of the Asian women’s movement.

Key speakers included Sudarshan Bhuhi MBE, Chief Executive of Aanchal Asian Women’s Domestic Violence Organisation, Prafula Vadgama, Chairperson of ASHA Projects, Vivienne Hayes, Chief Executive of the Women’s Resource Centre, and Amrit Wilson, Chair of Imkaan and a leading activist and writer on issues of race and gender in the UK.

Workshops took place on career opportunities within the voluntary sector, funding for specialist organisations, issues affecting Asian women, and the value of documenting the rise of the Asian women’s movement.

Sangeeta Bhuhi, Youth Crime Prevention Manager at the London Borough of Newham, also spoke to the attendees about how communities can work together to increase positive outcomes for young people.

Jasbir Panesar, Community Development Co-Ordinator at UEL, organised the event in partnership with Asian women's groups and organisations.

Jasbir said: “Through our widening participation strategy, UEL aims to reach out to Asian women and encourage them to engage in higher education, take opportunities andwork in partnership with local and national organisations on community development projects.

“Access to educational and employment opportunities plays a vital role in enabling people of all ages to achieve their potential. Whilst looking to the future, it is also essential that we preserve the history of the Asian women’s movement as a testimony to the achievements of Asian women in the UK.”

The conference raised recommendations for current and future developments, to be co-ordinated by the University of East London in partnership with Asian women’s organisations and groups.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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