BRITSH BANGLADESHI WHO'S WHO LIST 2010 LAUNCH, LONDON DOCKLANDS

I was surprised to find my name on this list of most influential British Bangladeshi Who's Who 2010. Although I have always strived to progress Bangladeshi women in politics, civic engagement, employment, businesses and academia, it was interesting to note that I was amongst my community members nationally and regionally whether Community Champions or advocates and those raising the bar to actively promote British Bangladeshi's.

Eric Pickles MP  Communities Secretary 

The British Bangla Media Group organised the Influential List 2010 with prominent names which I assume cannot be missed by error, MP's, business entrepreneurs, media and professionals from the public and private sectors.

My reservations on various Lists; Power Lists, Top 100, Muslim Women Power List, they appear endlessly however we should also remember to acknowledge many hidden talents in all communities, the failure to make the list or are overlooked by the relative gatekeepers; yes the organisers due to lack of research.

Awards Launch Gala Dinner

I am the first to acknowledge a lot of efforts are made to organise winners and accreditations yet too many times we see the omissions. I always feel a sense of pride of my culture and heritage and touched by the inclusion with reservation in this particular list. My beliefs will remain; in main streamlining British Bangladeshi talent across all platforms. I do appreciate why the organisers felt the urge to acknowledge British Bangladeshi talent on their recognition of work to the economy and community at large as they rarely appear in the wider awards. At the event we networked with usual suspects and a minute set of newcomers which was pleasant.

The Launch of the British Bangladeshi Awards and publication was hosted by British Bangla Media at Elite Banqueting at Dockland, East London. Eric Pickles MP; Secretary Of State for Communities and Local Government was key note speaker amongst the High Commissioners and others.The Bangladeshi community has been an integral part of Britain for nearly 100 years, yet they are not recognised. This publication aims to recognise the success of British

The List 2010

Bangladeshi's.

This year my work had taken me to The Women in Public Life Awards and others to Asian Achievers Awards another opportunity to engage. 

This programme was hosted in association with Thames Management Solutions in Partnership with Canary Wharf Group. The Media Partners of this programme were Channel S, Purple I, Janamot, Bangla Mirror, Curry Life, Biman Bangladesh Airlines,Bangla Post, Media Link, Film Asia, Impress Media, Bangla Voice, Eastern Pride.

with Rushanara Ali MP award winner 

The iconic occasion was over shadowed by the overwhelmed sponsors enjoying the party rather than the listed profile individuals. 

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CONSERVATIVE HIGHLIGHTS BUDGET IMPACT ON OLDER WOMEN – FEW VOICES

As everyone is focussing on the reforms within the coalition during economic downturn, is it correct for women to feel vulnerable during these times?

Most policy areas are piecemeal, disjointed for women inequalities in all political arenas. The political discourse continues as it is debated within the cross cabinet committee led by Theresa May. What’s interesting is the stance Government takes on the issue of addressing women inequalities. Theresa May has many portfolio’s in order to fulfil the voice of many women, however there needs to be a deep presence for voice participation through wider female advocates and MP’s.

‘LITTLE OLD LADIES’

My attendance at the ‘Little Old Ladies’ event at the Conservative Conference demonstrated how little we have progressed in society. Overlooking the patronising terminology; older women views are disregarded not fit to have a voice and already eliminated from the process of active participation and consultation. The Government through its advisory channels is forcing some change for the good to take place which is positive to hear even from the shaky views of the leading Elderly Women campaigners. Lynne Berry, chief executive from the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service was the first to admit the lack of willingness.

Yes women from fifty eight onwards still frankly have a growing voice, can influence and overcome barriers for the growing aged population. The majority of women alarmingly are not heard or seen to be heard; despite experience and expertise in health and social care and the broader public policy agenda. I cannot afford to hide behind policy committee rooms ignorantly and MP’s behind chambers are now openly advocating the same, women categorised as older members within communities have equal importance, dignity and expertise, medical backgrounds, professional academics, community champions and leaders; yes our mothers have a wealth of experience.

LOLPP- Little Old Ladies Public Policy Health and Social Care campaign have advocated to equality proof policy that affects this group. As we mark occasions, they come annually; Older People day for the full of life vitality, for all the wisdom these women have we must not forget they have a voice. There is no place or tolerance in a society where the majority of people in 2020, half of these will be women over 50. The citizens of this demographic group are active; require their considerations taken into account in all policies. As the economic down turn and impact on women and retirements, pensions and packages are overlooked these women need to know we are on their side actively looking at their interests without the vulnerability factor but as independent hard working women. They do not always gather and have tea and shortbread, yes they discuss community, politics, national and local issues, transport and devolution and community safety matters that impact in the heart of communities as well as schooling, health provision and the environment for our young people.

Amongst these communities we have the black and ethnic minority communities who are significantly not represented within policy arena and debates in advocacy advisory roles to Government and think tanks.

There is a fundamental need for women contributions in this group to address the additional disparities amongst the diverse communities, strongly from the Bangladeshi Older women and newly arrived immigrants with very little fluent language in English who also fall under the older people category. I strongly suspect their needs will be over shadowed by commanding men rather than have a mere few older women turning heads at the table while they try to please them nodding as they are the favoured as much as their very own son in laws in politics and power. As nothing is left spared with the spending review, pensions and benefits; I can only rely on these few women who are indisputably go-getting, outspoken and demanding rightfully their place, find themselves in the midst of discussions, to retain some voice at the top table for change.

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WOMEN IN PRISONS CRY OUT -THE REAL CAUSE?

Ever thought of the women enduring pain in prisons? I have seen how televised media report differently on women who commit crimes, serials on TV and written articles portray women besmirched when they’re labelled as offenders. Society overlooks how women in prisons are perceived and treated when they leave to resettle back in the community. Is there justification to allow women in society to be tarnished for crimes and their impact on communities?

It was interested to review the work of Women in Prison; on the services provided to support women offenders and ex offenders. Women should be offered community sentences rather than prison as an alternative? Women require assistance in housing, education, legal rights, debt management, complicated benefit and welfare information; to manage family care whilst in prison. 

I’m interesting to seek views on their promoted services and what support infrastructures are readily available. For these women who find themselves in prison is there hope? However far too quick are many judgmental and not addressing the impact on society in the long term to address wider big society issues which is the topic of debate to everyone’s tongues.

VOTING CAMPAIGNS TO KEEP WOMEN OUT OF PRISON

Why do women find it harder to be accepted when released from prisons? They have served and carried out their sentences, surely society can give them another chance to redeem themselves through employment and education? Female prisoners have no voting rights either whilst in prison hidden from the world, these women also tend to be remanded in prisons far too swiftly, rather than been offered bail support, families and children are affected by the change to retaining women in prisons, and consideration is barely given with adequate support provided to these women who commit crimes.

This is not taking a moral high ground but understanding how prisons and behaviour is managed as part of the wider social impact. They are often imprisoned for minor breaches, whilst community sentences are widely available, not given enough emphasis.  Are we to blame the Criminal Justice System or society? Women are threatened with imprisonment in prostitution areas; authorities embrace the idea they are serving the communities needs by threatening these women.

There’s no excuses made but we do need to collectively look at society and how we support resettlement for vulnerable women who may have additional drug related problems, alcohol and require rehabilitation and medication. I clearly recall the site visit to Holloway prison, London female captives tucked inside, these women talked to me on their experiences of prison and how some re-offended to return to the establishment for their safety and security. They were in familiar grounds and re-offending to return to what they know safe haven, their close friends and relationships including their comfort zone with local prison officers.

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EHRC & SOUTHALL BLACK SISTERS ON THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN STRATEGY

The VAW strategy consultation in delivering for BME women and young girls was hosted by EHRC, Amnesty International UK and Southhall Black Sisters. I participated in the discussions to improve services for these women and hope the consultation submission to Government in March 2011 will include the work required to continue in the CVS.

The work focused on services; prevention and policies and other areas, presentations were provided from EHRC and Hannah Siddiqui on the consultation. The global work on VAW and the channels and proposals for consideration including a new creation of a VAW act and what that should entail.


20 targeted women organisations, and individual members attended from CRASAC, Roshni, West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, Women Networking Hub, Haven, Breathe, RSVP and more; selected strictly to directly engage with women across the West Midlands.

I was pleased tp contribute to the agenda which needs  public scrutiny and I hope the challenges upon us on public sector cuts that women inequalities will not be the first to feel them.

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TACKLING THE CAUSES OF POVERTY

I enjoyed watching Andrew Lanlsey Secretary of State and Health who opened the session with a speech demonstrating how the Tories are delivering on plans to reform the NHS, leading a health panel from the floor. The conference covered a series of presentations from Ministers on Reforms, welfare and tackling global poverty.

Reviewing public services with key note speakers and guests in the morning covering the conference for the day before fringe sessions.

This followed by a session with Chris Grayling, reforming Welfare was a priority despite the mumblings of the child benefit cuts that were talked about at conference. Delegates heard of the benefits review proposals outlined. The focus was on people and those who are able to work can and do work.

Ian Duncan Smith Secretary of State and for Work and Pensions closed the session. 

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WOMEN AND MATERNAL HEALTH NICOLA BLACKWOOD MP

BACK IN POWER CONSERVATIVE WOMEN SPEAK ON MATERNAL HEALTH

Rain soaked from Sunday on the first day of the Conservative Annual Conference. I was first to see the conference speakers and delegates explaining what it means to be a conservative woman today. The female politicians campaigned on women matters came out in force during fringe events arranged by the Conservative Women’s Organisation. 


The national organisation aims to engage women across the party to secure women’s rights and participation in politics. Surprisingly there were no champagne circulated, black tie events except an opening with Baroness Warsi and a cultural, thematic classic dance from the arts sector, showing diverse talents delivered by Sampard Arts.

THE BIG SOCIETY

The Big Society featured on all screen and discussions. As protesters gathered to defend the public sector cuts in the Birmingham rally against the coalition, the conservative party embraced their new found success with the quick fixation on the new coalition government; the Liberal Democrats. 


However women with young families were appalled with the proposed cuts to child benefit created some uproar and cancellation on Big Society Network tours across the region by the party and reassurance at conference from grass root activists and ministers.

BORIS JOHNSON – CAMPAIGNING FOR GLA MAYOR TALKS TO WOMEN

I was observing the rally provided by Boris Johnson, the Mayor of the Greater London Authority sponsored by Canary Wharf, a session with his own rally, never a dull moment, Boris kept the audience alive, on his vision to be mayor for 2013, and the impact of his achievements to date; this was Boris gloating to the stage whilst the lively audience kept cheering for more of him. 

The speeches during conference covered video footage and live debates from the floor on his self boosting mayoral success; reducing knife crime within Pan London, transport changes, buses and tubes, resolving housing and general policing and the removal of the police commissioner are some of his brave highlights. Boris dreamily went down memory lane on what he achieved within 2 years.

The strike did not deter him to make a point, on unions and timing of the industrial action. A few bespoken words by on lookers on his next steps to make a safer London came to a closure by Tim Montgomerie. Some women heckled him for more of his visibility within Tower Hamlets Council.

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ARTS AND CULTURE SAMPAD ARTS AT TORY CONFERENCE ICC

A minority hissed in the audience preferring the traditional speeches on public and economic government policy changes than the relaxed environment as delegates sat drowning their heads in conference brochures and newspapers.

It was out of the ordinary, fascinating to watch dance play out during session of conference with a finale of vibrant speeches on culture and arts within local communities by ministers captivated a partial audience.


However as a fan of cultural arts, I too raised my eyebrows questioning the relevance of the celebration when people gathered ‘together in the national interest’ to hear more on the new announcement changes impacting women, families and earners.

The costumes, stage and dance sequence, glitter did however appeal to some applauding at the end.

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MUMS CAFE BIRMINGHAM ICC TORY CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

MUM’S CAFÉ

with Nicola Blackwood MP

I spent time listening to real women at the Mums Café with Sophie Orchard from the White Ribbon Alliance, seeking her views on how women were engaging with the conservative party and politics in general. Sophie along with Tess Olsen Rong were present to promote the work of White Ribbon Alliance and Mum’s Café. 

Sophie’s smile in the morning as an early riser to her stand, she shared her vision and reasons for attendance at conference; to promote maternal health and campaigning on prevention of deaths due to inadequate facilities in health care and supervision within developing countries. 

Women die every minute of the day due to child birth globally as women around the world are gathering to make their voices heard on the campaign, predominantly because of inevitable causes related deaths due to pregnancy complications. 

The demand for change within global leaders and change makers arisen throughout the conference. At least 80% of deaths can be addressed by preventative measures. 

They require skilled maternal health workers. It was interesting to hear how Nicola Blackwood MP, Co-chair All Parliamentary Group on Women, Peace and Security praised the importance of resolving humanitarian causes rather than security conflict resolutions, ‘basic access to hygiene and health care could save these women’s lives’, as she pointed out to the delegation.

The White Ribbon Alliance works in over 140 countries throughout the world to highlight that hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in many developing countries find themselves at as great a risk of death in childbirth in 2010 as women in many resource rich countries did 100 years ago. 

Mum’s Cafes have already been held in the Houses of Parliament, at Political party conferences, at the Tate Modern in London and across the country.

It’s a fun and easy way to play our part in reducing the needless deaths in pregnancy and childbirth.  

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CELEBRATIONS; OUR BANGLADESHI WOMEN MAKE HISTORY

Black History Month

Let us not have a gripe at our Bangladeshi women who have made history as we celebrate Black History Month, the debate on multicultural society; integration and community cohesion are reminded heavily through this month of October. Cultural diversity and cinematic memories both painful and pleasant we turn our eyes to our women and the immigration settlement as garment workers, cooks, domestic household queens and change makers who found a little place in the political and civic arena. Despite the era; overlooking the struggles and women movements, some of our recent successes will make their mark in history, these women should be proud and take pleasure they’re will be an age where they are remembered in this light as female icons, masked with envy from fellow admirers and spectators even from the opposite sex.

Bangladeshi women have played a crucial part in the immigration settlement process need I say with their husbands and uprooted families. As we mark the male caterers and contributions they have made to the curry industry let us remember the women who cook constantly define the Bangladeshi traditional fish recipes and dishes to serve the family and husbands. Their contributions in social values, family principles and offerings to social welfare should be given a tap on the back. Let us remember these women for what they are; our local and national figurines; there are too many to mention but here are a few; Baroness Pola Uddin; peerage in the House of Lords and first elected Bangladeshi Labour Councillor to hold such an appointment, Rushanara Ali; first Bangladeshi MP, Bibi Russell; model and change maker. Monica Ali, author. I hope we will remember them for many years to come.

MODERN DAY SLAVERY

Women and children are trafficked from all parts of the hidden world, Human Trafficking is a global problem, human rights activists, anti trafficking networks and agencies plea to change the lives of women trapped amongst criminal gangs and smuggling. It happens in all communities and within the neighbourhood as we continue our daily lives. Women exploited are not aware if the dangers who willingly get into situations because of the hope for work and a new way of life for their children. From Bangladesh to Somalia women are vulnerable, exploited, sexually abused and raped and drugged to serve as slaves to criminal gangs operating in the UK. Agencies and UK Border Agency know of the problems, the Poppy project support women to rebuild lives.

CHANGE MAKERS; I200 WOMEN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS SIGN PETITION

A group of women’s rights activists, human rights advocates and civil society activists have declared strong objections to the ratification of the “Family Destruction” draft bill; particularly articles 23 and 25 and demand the recognition of women’s human rights through gender equal laws in the parliament which charged with the primary responsibility of protecting men and women on the same equal grounds.

Gathering in masses they are seeking justice to show their objection and opposition towards the ratification of the bill by signing a statement.

FAMILY PROTECTION BILL

A highly controversial Bill pressurizes more oppression for Iranian women; finally discussed by Iran's Parliament last week.

Over 1200 women’s rights activists and equal rights defenders have signed a statement objecting to the draft "Family Protection" bill currently in Parliament, which they claim will erode women’s rights within the family even further. The statement issued by a coalition of women’s rights activists working to prevent the ratification of this draft bill, which they have dubbed the "Anti-Family Bill" by many.

PROTECTION OF FAMILY BILL

The Legal and Judicial Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Parliament, has recently re-introduced the so-called “Protection of Family Bill” to the parliament with changes to articles 23 and 25 and rushed it through parliament for ratification among the political chaos in the country. This bill is ineffective to support the institution of family and is far behind the bill that was ratified some 35 years ago in 1974.

According to the new bill, polygamy is legalized and men are given further powers to re-marry without the consent or even the knowledge of the first wife. According to the new amendments if a woman contracts a terminal disease or is away from home for 6 months or is imprisoned for a bounced check, her husband can take a new wife. On the other hand, women’s right to divorce is very limited.

In July 2007, a draft of this bill was introduced to the parliament for the first

time but was faced with widespread objections by women activists and other civil rights groups.

TAX MEHRIEH

The objections focused on articles 23 and 25, where the first was given further rights to men and the second introduced tax on women’s Mehrieh [a some of money agreed upon in the marriage contract payable to the wife on demand, which is often forgone by women in their efforts to seek a divorce, especially given their limited legal ability in obtaining a divorce.] The Mehrieh is allocated to a woman at marriage and serves often as a woman’s only guarantee and safeguard in case of divorce and maltreatment. The new bill has omitted the tax but has divided the Gift Money into ‘conventional’ and ‘unconventional’ amounts without setting a standard for this, thus restricting the only legal mechanism women had within the institution of family.

In the first instance in 2008, an alliance was formed with the participation of women activists and equal rights advocates who organized mass protests against the introduction of the bill which they called the “Anti-Family Bill”. They distributed brochures, leaflets, released statements and wrote widely about the dire implications of the amendments to the already discriminatory family law. The formation of the “No to the Anti-Family Bill coalition” attracted the biggest number of women from among women activists inside and outside the country. They campaigned vigorously; collected signatures, sent text messages on mobiles, sent postcards “no to the bill”, assembled at the parliament corridors en-masse until articles 23 and 25 were removed from the bill.

Recently, in the atmosphere of chaos and tensions created after the 10th Presidential elections, once again a group of parliamentarians have taken the opportunity to re-introduce this bill. In the political situation where the smallest protest on the part of women, students, teachers, journalists or any Iranian citizen is met by intimidation, arbitrary arrest, unfair trial and long prison sentences, the ratification of this bill will be another blow to the peace and harmony of the institution of family.

Despite the current political crisis, patriarchal and totalitarian tendencies have seized the opportunity relieve some ease for women; relative peace and harmony which exists within Iranian families.

1979 REVOLUTION

Many remember this as a hindrance for Iranian women. Women were forced into veil and a universal dress code was imposed on them. The family law which protected women to some degree was invalid and women judges were removed from their posts. Although the country was declared a republic, women were not allowed to run for president.

STONING

The outdated law of stoning people to death was re-introduced and many women were stoned to death for adultery. Strangely enough none of the informed or unconscious efforts and policies of the Islamic state to corner women and keep them as second class citizens has worked as expected. Gradually, and over the years a new generation of women has emerged from the rubbles of the old generation with higher expectations and aspirations. Thousands of women, daughters of the revolution who saw the world moving ahead leaving them behind, entered universities and higher education, pushed their way into society and opened debates and challenged the very foundations that tried so hard to keep them silent.

DEMOCRACY IN IRAN

Keeping women within boundaries due to the re-introduction of the omitted articles 23 and 25 regarding unconditional polygamy and clouding the issue of the Mehrieh indicates the malice and vindication of a group of men against the women of Iran. These two issues; the right of men to re-marry without the first wife’s knowledge and consent and the creation of ambiguities in the case of Mehrieh give men a free hand to abuse the system and deprive women from any right within the institution of family.

Women are crucial in the current political situation created after the June presidential elections. They are one of the unique driving forces of the Movement for Democracy as well as independent change makers with their own identity.

Women universally follow the path of peace and struggle against the wide-spread inequalities entrenched in the patriarchal social, political and legal systems of Iran. Women are well aware that they are being chastise for the great role they play in shaking the foundations of the system but they no longer accept the inequalities forced on them within public or private spheres. It is time to show unity and support the cause; I certainly have; sign the petition by showing your support on;

http://www.asafeworldforwomen.org/en/appeals.html

Source; FROM A SAFE WORLD FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN.

Say No to Violence against Women

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