DARE TO
DREAMENGAGE, ENCOURAGE, EMPOWER & ENABLE
2016 www.womenempowered.co.uk 2ND MARCH we_empowered #WEEmpowered A volunteer www.facebook.com/WEWomenEmpowered run social initiative www.youtube.com/WEWomenEmpowered What WE Are About vidual skills and talents to help them BLE access to organisations and mentors achieve whatever personal and profes- to support you through your journey. sional goals they have. WE is open to all. We work at a grass roots level to try to ensure we are accessible to anyone who would like to reach us.
WE encourage mothers to bring daugh- ters and everyone to bring their sisters “Our exciting and friends. We also encourage men! After all men make up 50% of our popu- Network is lation and they need to be part of the Reena Ranger discussion so that we can effect change, Growing” Chairwoman & Co-Founder of WE to our own world and the larger one.
E, as we like to call ourselves Our exciting network is growing and and feel we are, is a wholly we hope to ENGAGE more women (and Wsocial initiative run by volun- men) in discussion, to ENCOURAGE fresh teers. Our aim is to empower women and varied thinking, to EMPOWER confi- (and men) to make the best of their indi- dence to take your next step and ENA-
Our Great Team
Woman Empowered Engage, Encourage, Empower, Enable Networking events held three times a year. Hear from speakers who have excelled or are leading their field. An opportunity to be inspired, motivated and meet like-minded or new people. contact us [email protected] From Left to Right : Sunita, Pritti, Reena, Kajal and Dee
We focus grit Engage, embrace and enhance the Less lifestyle, more life! you, me & we debate Our monthly blog where the WE com- Together we can make a change A discussion group where you can munity share their life experience and Our charitable arm - contact us to articulate the bigger issues and share stories. A place to read about the gritty pledge your time and find out how you your views and concerns. Join us and things in life that aren’t often talked can get involved. enhance the debate! about but probably should be. contact us Contact us Contact us [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
2 | Woman empowered brochure Dare to Dream - Speakers
anvir Singh is the multi-award- a producer, reporter and presenter on winning presenter of Good Morn- both regional and national radio and Ring Britain and ITV News. Ranvir television. She co-presented BBC North also fronts her own prime time ITV1 cur- West Tonight for nearly five years and rent affairs series, Real Stories With Ran- in 2010 was awarded “Best On Screen vir Singh,. Ranvir was recently awarded Talent” at the Royal Television Society’s Media Personality of the Year at the 2015 North West Awards. Asian Media Awards (November 2015). Ranvir was born and brought up in In September 2015, she presented ITV1’s Preston. She went to Lancaster Univer- Breaking into Britain: Tonight where sity where she studied Philosophy and she investigated the migrant crisis and English Literature. After finishing her learned whether those refugees who degree, Ranvir returned to Preston to have successfully made their destination complete a postgraduate qualification are finding life in Britain to be as they in Broadcast Journalism. In 2013 Ranvir had previously imagined it. was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Central Lancashire. Ranvir previously hosted the Daybreak News hour between 6-7am each week- Ranvir now lives in London and has a day morning for two years, as well as the young son. Ranvir is Vice Patron of the national news bulletins between 7-9am charity, Baby Beat and Patron of the across the ITV network. ation; breaking news of Oscar Pistorious’ National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol shooting Reeva Steenkamp and cover- Syndrome (NOFAS-UK). She is a keen Ranvir’s highlights while at ITV include ing Obama’s second term election suc- runner, taking part in half-marathons reporting from Sierra Leone ahead of cess. around the country and is also a quali- the G20 Summit; breaking news of the fied acting teacher with LAMDA. Boston Marathon bombers being pur- Before joining the ITV family, Ranvir sued and clarifying the developing situ- spent 12 years at the BBC where she was
enna artist, Pavan is the Guin- launched her Henna Bar in Selfridges ness World Record Holder for London and has rapidly expanded to Hbeing the fastest in her trade. In Birmingham, Manchester and Abu just one hour she painted a staggering Dhabi! Her focus has been to make the 511 armbands in February 2012 – where cultural art we are so used to having each design had to be different from the done on special occasions accessible other – beating her own previous record to all cultures in a convenient environ- of 314 armbands in 2008 when she was ment. just 23 years of age. A young entrepreneur who is self-taught Immersing herself into the world of henna artist, Pavan’s, not only keeps up henna and design from the tender age to date with the latest design trends, she of seven, she went professional five years ago and is now one of the leading henna artists in the UK.
Pavan has worked with celebrities and recognised names like Selfridges, Harrods, Sky tv, and with the BBC on various high-profile projects.. creates them! She has followed her pas- sion and ensured her dream has become When just 29 years old, Pavan a reality.
Woman empowered brochure | 3 Sach Kukadia ach Kukadia at just 23 years of age, together with his brother Nish, Sfounded designer fashion site SECRETSALES.com when they spotted the opportunity to recreate the Boxing Day sales rush online every day for eager UK customers. Previously Sach had launched a local radio station in north- west London at the age of 16 and there- after started a promotional company focusing on student night life whilst at university.Prior to SECRETSALES.com, Sach was a Director at London Express UK Ltd, an import and export business focusing on trading branded goods across Europe.
Being raised in the digital age and coming from a family steeped in retail industry, the brothers were well-placed to develop an innovative approach to assist fashion and accessories brands in effectively managing excess inventory, an often unavoidable and troublesome aspect of production cycles.
Since launching the site, Sach has been responsible for the company’s buying egy with his brother Nish. He was also Sach negotiated and secured partner- and merchandising strategy as well as responsible for all creative representa- ships with over 450 fashion brands and developing the wider company strat- tion and brand positioning. In addition, key partners.
4 | Woman empowered brochure WRITE FOR GRIT - Less lifestyle, more life! role changed in society and the wider world? Please share your views.
NOVEMBER – Back to business Have you started your own business? E believe words have the Do you have views on the benefits of power to change lives. You working for yourself or would you rec- Wcan change someone’s point ommend that you should stick to the of view, their aspirations or even their security of a corporate career? Does beliefs. If you have a passion, an inspira- the thought of being your own boss tional story or a cause that’s close to your feel you with excitement or fear? Please heart WE want to hear from you. GRIT is share your experience, advice and busi- your opportunity to have your say and ness tips for others who may be think- talk about the gritty things that matter ing of taking the big step. in your life. Words have the power to change lives. And WE can’t wait to hear DECEMBER – Looking forward to yours. 2017 What are your big hopes and plans for APRIL – The Bigger Picture 2017? What will you change or how will It is natural to focus on our immediate you make a difference? Please share world. However what are the bigger your proud moments, memories and global issues that impact us on an indi- achievements of the past year and your vidual basis? Do you feel strongly about hopes for the New Year. global politics, child poverty or human trafficking? We want to hear about any Sunita Behl Editor GRIT major global issue that you feel passion- AUGUST – Making time for me ate about and how it impacts you. Many of us think of August to enjoy the summer and look forward to the holi- MAY – Is it still a man’s world? days. Tell us your views on how you feel Register for our FREE GRIT monthly Women today are excelling across mul- about the importance of ‘me-time’? Do newsletter please visit http://www. tiple fields. Do you feel your gender you think it is important to take timeout womenempowered.co.uk/grit.html has hindered or helped your career? Do for yourself every day? Or is the thought you believe women now have as many of ‘me-time’ selfish or unrealistic? Each article needs to be submitted to opportunities as men or that women [email protected] on the still take on the burden of childcare SEPTEMBER – Health and Body 20th of the preceding month (eg an and struggle to ‘have it all’? Do you feel talk article for June should be submitted by less like a woman and more like a man Do you think there is a link between 20th May). The newsletter will go out on in today’s world? Please send us your body image and self-esteem? Do you the 5th of each month to our subscrib- views. feel there is too much pressure on ers and will be uploaded on our website women to stay young or be thin? What and our social media will direct to it. JUNE – We should talk more do you think of photo-shopped female about … images used throughout the media? All submissions should be between This month we want to hear about any If you have a view on any body image 400-700 words. They can be written in issue that you feel we do not discuss or health-related issue from cosmetic the first person where appropriate. They enough but should discuss more. This is surgery and the size zero debate to the will be edited for content to ensure suit- your opportunity to have your say and impact of fad dieting or social media we ability. Please ensure they are verified raise awareness of any subject big or want to hear from you. with source if it contains factual con- small. tent. If the topic is personal then please OCTOBER – Is a woman’s role ensure that you have been mindful of JULY – Inspiring Role Models – changing? others where appropriate and ensure The Real Heroes your account is as accurate as possible. In a world filled with superficial celeb- Do you think a woman’s role has Articles submitted will be chosen at the rity culture, who are the real heroes or changed? How different is your life to discretion of the editor. Please also be heroines that you look up to? What traits previous generations? Do you think sure to include a photo and your name do they possess and what have they you have more opportunities than ever as you would like to be credited (title / achieved that makes them stand out? before or that there is more pressure position etc if applicable) Whether your role model is someone to succeed? Is it really possible for a you know personally or in the public eye woman to manage ambitions alongside please share why they inspire you. a happy family life? How has a woman
Woman empowered brochure | 5 Some of Our Champion say involved in WE can use it as a platform band I encourage her to achieve all that to progress towards sexual equality, she wants as an Independent woman as abolishment of prejudice and a path to through that our relationship grows and success.” we remain one. Women are integral to my life and I believe that a woman can achieve anything she sets her mind to – I see it daily with Shay. In fact she is my inspiration to strive to work harder to achieve our goals. It is imperative for us as a society to appreciate the value of a Woman not just as a mother or a friend but someone who is Independent and can Achieve whatever she wants. This can only happen through Empower- ing and Educating Women. Shay and I are therefore delighted to champion a cause which endeavours tirelessly to do just that!”
Nina Amin Rajesh Agrawal Chairman, Founder and CEO RationalFX “I am honoured to be asked to be a cham- “Congratulations to you on this much pion for Women Empowered and every- needed initiative and I am glad to be a thing that they are seeking to achieve. part of it. It is hard to imagine that only Women play a vital role in the economy a century ago women had very little and in the workplace while often hav- political rights. We have come a long ing to balance the needs of their fami- way since, but much more needs to be lies. It is therefore essential that women done worldwide. I wish the very best have the support, encouragement and to WE and hope that it will prove to be networking opportunities to meet with a milestone in the history of women like minded people who can help them empowerment.” on their journey to great things. Our achievements over the last decade have been immense and yet there is still so much to achieve so I am delighted to Cllr Lurline Champagnie OBE champion this worthy cause!” Chairman, Harrow West Conservative Association Councillor Pinner Ward, Lon- don Borough of Harrow Harrow Mayor (2004/5) “I am excited to be involved as a “Cham- pion” of WE. As a patriotic and common sense politician I have been vocal in my opposition to political correctness as a divisive force and advocated a new inclu- sive approach “The Cosmopolitan Com- munity” during my nomination for the Mayor of London Candidacy 2008. I was appointed to the Government Equalities Department as a BAME taskforce mem- ber and awarded the OBE for services to Rukhsana Ali Local Government and Diversity Janu- Director Venus TV Global Ltd ary 2010. I have served as Councillor of “It is a great honor to be considered as London Borough of Harrow since 1986 a Women Empowered ‘Champion.’ WE is and received my 25 years long service a worthy organization that has had my Sunny & Shay Grewal recognition in May last year. I was Mayor full support from the beginning. A cause Broadcasters and Presenters at BBC WM of Harrow 2004/5 and runner up in the that inspires females to reach their true and BBC London Mayor of the year of Great Britain award. potential and overcome whatever hur- “’I have never looked at Shay as any- I am a Conservative member of both dles they may encounter. I hope all thing other than my Equal. As her hus- National and European Groups which
6 | Woman empowered brochure Work to increase the representation of women particularly ethnic minority woman in politics. A prominent Parlia- mentarian wrote “ Lurline track record is one of professional and political service and success through hard work.”
Dr Kamel K Hothi Kanya King MBE Entrepreneur, Pub- Business & Community Director Lloyds lic Speaker and CEO/Founder of MOBO Bank - Group Corporate Affairs Organisation “Congratulations to you on this much “So pleased to be supporting an organi- needed initiative and I am glad to be a sation that encourages and promotes part of it. It is hard to imagine that only a female empowerment. What I love century ago women had very little polit- about WE is that it recognises the diver- ical rights. We have come a long way in sity in women. Our needs are not all the since, but much more need to be done same. We don’t all want to start up our worldwide. I wish the very best to WE own businesses, or to acquire fame and and hope that it will prove to be a mile- fortune, but who doesn’t want to reach stone in the history of women empow- their full potential? For WE to be provid- erment.” ing a supportive platform in which to explore, discover, network, gain confi- Cllr. Mrs Mimi Harker OBE dence, be inspired and flourish is invalu- Mayor of Amersham, Amersham Town able. Council Cabinet Member Responsible for Community, Young People, Commu- nications, Sports & Leisure, Chiltern Dis- trict Council Parliamentary Candidate 2005 “When I first got involved in politics, it was a happy accident. I didn’t realise that all you needed was a passion for your community and a deep desire to make a difference. Until I was first elected in 1999, I believed it was a job for ‘other’ people with specialist qualifications in this field. The opportunities that I have been presented with over the years and which I have taken, have helped me to achieve things I never imagined I could or would. Working as part of the BAME Cross-Party Task Force was one of the most satisfying roles I have ever taken on, as it gave me the opportunity to share my experiences and to encour- Seema Malhotra MP age more women from ethnic minority Member of Parliament for Feltham and backgrounds to get involved in public Tasmin Lucia-Khan Heston life. Helping and supporting women to News Anchor and TV Host “My congratulations to all involved on succeed and achieve their full potential “Educate a woman, and you change the launch of Women Empowered. WE is very close to my personal aims and a family, a society. Educate women has the potential to change the lives of Women Empowered is a positive step and you educate an entire nation. I am so many women for the better – giving to enable women to achieve their ambi- honoured to be a Women Empowered them the courage, confidence and net- tions and goals with confidence and I champion because women really are works to achieve their ambitions am delighted to share my experiences extraordinary.”
Woman empowered brochure | 7 Engage, embrace and enhance the debate
Kulveer SINGH Ranger FRSA WE Focus is a discussion group. It’s a Chairman - WE Focus place to share your thoughts views and As proud WE Champion I am delighted to have opinions and learn others’ perspec- been asked to chair WE Focus. Discussion is good tives. It aims to engage and encourage but sometimes we avoid the elephants in the room people into discussion and debate for fear of seeming ignorant, insensitive or just not and break down barriers and question politically correct. WEfocus aims to provide a forum perceptions. to air our thoughts on some key questions that we may think we understand but really want to discuss Contact us in more depth and find out what WE really think! [email protected] So I hope many of you will engage, embrace and enhance the debate by getting involved and I look forward to hearing your thoughts..
You, Me & WE holds many projects Every few months we visit the Seva Care throughout the year where we ask you home to spend some time with the resi- to donate your time. dents and bring a little joy. To join us please contact Dee at sewa@women- We collaborate with SWAT in a food empowered.co.uk distribution to the homeless on the last Thursday of each month. To join us If you have suggestions for future pro- please email Pritti at swat@womenem- jects, please contact Kajal at we@wom- powered.co.uk enempowered.co.uk
From left to right: Kajal, Dee, Reena & Pritti.
8 | Woman empowered brochure Engage, embrace and enhance the debate
Woman empowered brochure | 9 Past Speakers Rt Hon Baroness Nihal ArthanayakeDJ, Ritu Sethi LL.B (Hons) VermaGovernment Radio & TV Presenter Solicitors Book Spokesperson for Make an Impression Launch Event - March Higher Education Event - May 2013 2013 (BIS) Women and Equalities and Whip for the Cabinet Office. Launch Event - May 2012 Alpesh Patel Co- Farzana Baduel- author, ‘Our Turn: founder and manag- Tasmin Lucia-Khan- The ultimate start- ing director,Curzon News Anchor and TV up guide for female PR How To Have Your Host Launch Event - entrepreneurs’ Voice Heard 5th June May 2012 Former Visiting Fel- 2014 low in Business, Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Founder Praefinium Partners Entrepreneurship EventSeptember Rupa Ganatra co- Geeta Sidhu- 2012 founder of Men’s RobbCEO & Founder e-commerce site Yes- of Nosh Detox Sir.com How To Have DeliveryLaunch Event Priti Patel MPMem- Your Voice Heard 5th - May 2012 ber of Parliament for June 2014 Witham Is it a Man’s World Event - Janu- Kiran Sharma Manag- ary 2013 Sunny Hundal British ing Director of KIKIT journalist, blogger Ltd and Manager to and an academic singer Prince Entre- How To Have Your preneurship Event Cllr Lurline Cham- Voice Heard 5th June September 2012 pagnie OBE Chair- 2014 man, Harrow West Cone Ass, Fmr Cllr Rupinder VirdeeDi- Pinner Ward, Harrow Shavata Singh- rector of Revolution Mayor (2004/5) Is it a Founder of Shavata Creative Agency Man’s World Event - January 2013 Brow Studios Entre- Entrepreneurship preneurship Event - Event September October 2013 2012 Cllr. Mrs Mimi Harker OBE Mayor of Amer- sham, Amersham Shashi Gossain- Sally Overhead Town Council, Cabi- Founder & Managing Founder of MOJO- net Member Respon- of Pharmaclinix Ltd MUMS Entrepreneur- sible for Community, Entrepreneurship ship EventSeptember Young People, Communications, Sports Event - October 2013 2012 & Leisure, Chiltern District Council, Par- liamentary Candidate 2005 Is it a Man’s World Event - January 2013 Hiro Harjani Chair- Sadia Siddiqui man of AftershockEn- CEO / Creative Head- trepreneurship Event Make an Impression Kulveer Singh Ranger - October 2013 Event - May 2013 Global City Adviser, Former Adviser to Mayor of London, Former Vice-Chairman Gurinder Chadha OBE of The Conservative Film Director Think Nina WadiaBritish Party (Cities) Is it a Man’s World Event - Big - February 2014 Actress Make an January 2013 Impression Event - May 2013
10 | Woman empowered brochure Past Speakers
Ahlya Rafique FatehE- Neev Spencer Neev Kavita Oberoi OBE ditor Think Big - Feb- Spencer is officially Founder of Oberoi ruary 2014 the most listened to Consulting Creat- British female DJ in ing and Seizing the UK. Opportunities!9th October 2014
Valerie Vaz MP Dinesh Dhamija- Rishi Rich Song Writer Elected as the Mem- Founder Ebookers. / Music Producer / ber of Parliament com Creating and Artist Management for Walsall South Seizing Opportuni- Think Big - February Creating and Seizing ties! 9th October 2014 Opportunities! 9th 2014 October 2014
Baroess Sayeeda Yalda Hakim Pre- Vivek Oberoi Bolly- WarsiBritish Pakistani senter, Impact – BBC wood Actor Philan- Lawyer, Politician World News and thropy Me and We and Conservative Journalist The World - July 2014 Parliamentarian The in Which WE Live World in Which WE January 2015 Live January 2015
Woman empowered brochure | 11 12 | Woman empowered brochure