De Montfort University (DMU) is partnering with Shama

De Montfort University (DMU) is partnering with local charity, Shama Women’s Centre this March, to celebrate their 35^th anniversary in line with International Women’s Day. The charity is an integral resource for the diverse communities in the city and have worked alongside DMU over the past decade in research and community projects.

This partnership is about celebrating the achievements of Shama Women’s Centre and the positive impact they have had on the families in Leicester. Their commitment during lockdown is commendable, with continuous efforts to align services to encourage education of our communities in Covid safety, lockdown rules and promoting vaccination uptake.

The support they provide to BAME women is a vital part of the local voluntary sector and compliment statutory services, reducing pressures and generating savings through peer support and networking opportunities. In particular, their employment services has been hugely successful by providing employment pathways to isolated women, independence and advice and guidance to start and run their own businesses.

Khudeja Amer-Sharif, CEO of Shama Women’s Centre says; “Over the years we have we empowered thousands of women into education, employment and improved their health and wellbeing. Key to our success has been our ability to identify barriers facing BAME women and providing evidence based solutions through research by working with local partners such as DMU. We are looking forward to further developing our partnership with DMU, helping more BAME women achieve their potential.”

As an advocate of local talent, DMU are pleased to engage with this celebration event, creating further opportunities for their students to get involved in community issues that matter to them, whilst giving Shama invaluable resource through student volunteers and projects.

Vice Chancellor of DMU, Katie Normington, said; “We see this as a great opportunity to partner with such a respected grass roots organisation which has a 36 years reputation of empowering thousands of women to excel and reach their full potential. The University is keen to continue to develop a partnership approach with Shama to help improve understanding, knowledge of how to address the challenges facing BAME women, their families and its community to inform future research projects and provide students with meaningful involvement in the local community.”

A great event with 300 guests all coming together to celebrate the achievements of women, this International Women’s Day.