Sunday 20 March 2016

Exhibition for International Women's Day

As an amateur photographer ever since I can remember, I've always taken pictures for pleasure, but never felt them being anything more than this. Only with the encouragement of dear friends have I started to take my pleasure a little more seriously, and braved sharing what I create with the world.
I would like to share, that some of my pictures have been selected to be part of this exhibition. They are part of my collection on genocide after my trip to Bosnia.

Never thought this would happen, but it did. Feeling grateful. 

Tuesday 8 March 2016

International Women's Day events!



It has been such an amazing day, spent with some wonderfully inspiring women.

For International Women's Day this year, we decided to dedicate our day to survivors of war and conflict; our sisters in Bosnia. The women of courage and resilience. Speaking on the radio aswell as another meeting there was a chance to retell the stories of survivors, share some poetry and personal reflections. We felt it was important to draw parallels with current conflicts; the suffering of the Palestinian people at the hands of an oppressive regime, media propaganda, hate crime, and the refugee crisis; highlighting the dire situation those fleeing conflict find themselves in.


In any war, it is always the women and children who suffer.

I cannot convey in words the harrowing histories. It's equally challenging when thinking about the systematic rape and sexual violence which was a tool of the war in Bosnia. However we must speak up against oppression wherever we find it. We must be a voice for those who have been muted. We must keep striving to bring about change in the hope that justice may be served.


We have sent out a card to our sisters in Bosnia which reads:

"To our sisters in Bosnia-Herzegovina, we stand in solidarity with you this International Women's Day. Your courage and strength inspires us."
"Naše sestre u Bosni i Hercegovini, izražavamo solidarnost s vama na Međunarodni dan žena. Vaša hrabrost i snaga naša su inspiracija."


In solidarity with survivors today and always. x


(Card designed by my dear friend Ayesha Ansari-Choudhury)

International Women's Day 2016

It's that time of year again when people around the world celebrate women.
I think about the mother's, whose every breath is dedicated to someone other than herself. Where her every moment is spent nurturing, helping, supporting and guiding those under her care. The mother who smiles even if her heart is breaking, and remains strong when all are crumbling around her.
I think about all sister's, past and present. Those near and far. Those whose presence we have experienced and those who were unable to give. Those who nurture and protect and those who do the same under extreme conditions. Those sisters who sleep in fear each night. Those who live in pain, hardship and conflict. Those who have lost loved ones due to war, but remain steadfast all the same.


I think about the survivors. Those women who have seen war, or experienced persecution, displacement, abuse, torture, and humiliation. Those women who have been through hardships, but keep striving, and keep fighting for justice. 

I am in awe of you all.
So here's to all the amazing women of the world.

May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.
YOU are my shero's.





Sunday 6 March 2016

Press Club performance- Community on Solid Ground

No matter where I go and whatever platform I'm invited to, my heart will always reside here; within my local community. The area where I grew up, amongst the people who are stitched into my memory. I love, how many of us who live here, are now able to contribute something back.
Sadly, when we were growing up, there were no opportunities like this, and hence I suppose why doing any work here will always be close to my heart.
Having watched many of the children over the years become young adults, and seeing the great things they have gone on to achieve after being involved in Community on Solid Ground, it excites me thinking about what each and every one of these children's potential is. The difference and contribution they will make to the world.
This was only one of their many projects. The Girls Press Club focussed on creative writing. To hear their poems, view many of their creative projects, and having the pleasure of working with them, has been an absolute privilege.
Yesterday was their celebration event at the end of the project where I was invited to perform for them and their parents. I hope to see this work continue in the near future as the impact has been huge. These young women inspire me. :)