International Women’s Day Spotlight – Culture Within Newham ambassadors
Written by Lalah-Simone Springer & Denny Cornuaud
Culture Within Newham has launched a new ambassador scheme, where people who have previously worked with our organisation can produce events and run ‘experts-by-experience’ training sessions. In celebration of International Women’s Day, meet four of the women taking part in the scheme.
Nassim
I live in Newham enjoy art – I love to paint. It’s relaxing and enjoyable as a form of self-expression. I’m keen to help others learn and experience art - it is for everyone! I often run workshops based around many styles of art within the community for different groups of people, such as women, children. I have also led cultural and religious events, and love meeting different people and bringing people together within the community.
Pamela
I am involved with co-production, and I am also a volunteer at Deafroots. Deafroots is an organisation which aims to create a world where Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing people enjoy access to the same opportunities and quality of life as everybody else. I advocate for access and inclusion to make changes for disabled populous, and I have also been involved with the Culture Within Newham programme since 2023.
Sarifa
I am a disabled activist and trustee, and I run two groups in Newham on a voluntary basis – one is the Newham Disability Rep Forum, and the other is the Newham Parents for Inclusion group. I am also the trustee of a new residents charity called the United Forum, One Newham, the Alliance of Inclusive Education, and Mission Remission - a cancer charity. Also, I work as the director for Together 2012, an arts and crafts organisation that does a lot of work for Newham residents. As a fundraiser, I’ve raised a lot money for Macmillan, Muslim Hands and Alkhair Foundation. Outside of work, I am the mother of four adult children, three who live with hidden disabilities and have 6 six grandchildren. I also write poetry which has been published by Asthma UK, Together 2012 and Carers UK.
Farzana
I am the host and founder of ‘Hear My Voice,’ creative writing workshops for women. Writing stories gave me a sense of empowerment and now I encourage other women, especially from minority backgrounds, to break silences and find their voices through the art of creative writing.
My social media links are:
X @farzanahakim
Facebook @farzanahakim
Insta @farzanahakimauthor
Upcoming events
Join Farzana on 11 March 2025 for her ‘Women and Storytelling Workshop’, where she will be sharing thought–provoking debate on why women need their stories heard. Follow the link to join online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/pen-to-print-4972836883
Or join in person at Dagenham Library: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pen-to-print-hear-my-voice-women-and-storytelling-workshop-tickets-1217708933199?aff=ebdsoporgprofile