Sistahood

Sistahood BME Young Women’s Forum, presented their research about young women’s involvement in sport activities in April.

The audience included Councillor Jackie Drayton, who also presented the group with certificates for working with others in their community.

‘Sistahood’ was founded in 2008 in response to the lack of activities and sports provision for black and ethnic minority young women. The group meets fortnightly at Pakistan Advice Centre supported by Chilypep, to discuss issues which have come to their attention and try to work out some solutions.

Group members Sabia and Thqdeer tell us about how Sistahood has developed. “My name is Thqdeer, and, before Sistahood, I was not part of any youth group. Many of my male family members were part of different groups and regularly participated in activities such as sports events and community work.

I yearned to do such things, but there was nothing available that fitted with my culture, religion and etiquettes. When I heard about Sistahood, my excitement rose. Finally I was able to participate in the things I want to do and make a difference.

“Our most recent project involves sorting out complications with our local sports centre. Many of the BME women in our area would like to participate in sports such as swimming. However, the centre contains unisex changing rooms and there is fear of men being present whilst in the changing room and during the transition from the changing room to the pool.

Many of us received concerned views from the community so we decided to hold a discussion with our local sports centre. After the discussion, they agreed to make some changes.”

The meeting proved to be very successful, and this inspired the members to get the wider community involved to have their say on local sports provision.

Their research gathered views from 73 young women. From this Sistahood have made recommendations including better advertising of activities and more women only sessions and instructors, to encourage more young women to take part in sports.

Sabia Iqbal spoke about how they are building on their success and taking things forward.

“Sistahood are working with our local sports centre to improve facilities and create more opportunities for BME young women. We are taking training to let us set up various women’s sports.

We’re in a football training programme and two members will be offered the opportunity to take further training and become football coaches. Then they’ll be able to coach young women who have shown an interest in the game, but been unable to take part because of a lack of women only provision.

We also aim to train in other sports, with some becoming coaches and life guards.”

Sistahood are now looking at how they can take action on government cuts, which are affecting young people particularly badly.

The group welcomes members and is keen to hear young people’s issues

Contact: Tristan Chan on 07800513193, or tristan.chan@chilypep.org.uk

or Farah Shafique on 07531096729, or farah.shafique@chilypep.org.uk

Sistahood’s active members include: Sabia Iqbal; Thqdeer Begum; Raquia Begum; Nosheen Fatima; Shehla Hussain; Sahir Ali; Akifa Bano Sistahood is an independent group which is supported by Chilypep.