22nd October 2009 – Launch of BAME Women Cllrs Shadowing Scheme

I was privileged to be one of the Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women chosen to be part of this first ever innovative, groundbreaking scheme to involve BAME women in the United Kingdom policy making and democratic process. It was launched at the Houses of Parliament and it was an awesome experience for me, meeting so many talented and enthusiastic BAME women who had not had the chance before now to put their talents to good use in their various communities. The occasion was attended by many dignitaries and role models for the BAME Communities in the United Kingdom. I am sure this is the beginning of many good changes to Politics in the UK, it will never be the same again!

I attended the ‘Celebrating Black History Month 2009’, event on Thursday 29th October 2009, at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ.

The focus of this event is to celebrate Black History Month by recognising the work and achievements of all our historical icons from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela to the recent election victory of President Barack Obama, to inspire the younger generation of Londoners to take a real interest in politics. To understand and appreciate the importance of civic engagement is a huge but crucial challenge; they being part of the ‘Obama Generation’ can make a significant difference to the politics of tomorrow.

There were speeches from Government and Party officials, political activists and campaign organisations and a keynote address from Operation Black Vote (OBV) Director Simon Woolley. All the speakers were inspirational but the one that stuck in my head was the speech delivered by Dawn Butler MP, it was poetic and inspirational. Her adaptation of Myer Angelo’s poem ‘’Arise’ was innovative and she told us about the shortest poem in history by the legendary boxer Mohamed Ali – ‘Me, We’ – which to me means that if he, a black man in the then racist America, could conquer the world of boxing for so many years, then any black person can achieve their full potential and conquer any world of their passion. President Barrack Obama is a proof of this poem and the reality of Martin Luther King’s dream!

November 16th to November 26 – Trip to Israel

In November 2009, I was in Israel at the Golda Meir International Training Institute on a course in International Development for Diaspora Women Leaders. It was an eye opening experience for me during when we visited many innovative project sites and kibbutz.

Israel is an unparalleled example in the international development arena. It began as a developing country, and continued to be so for many years after its establishment as a state in 1948. The fact that the young nation was able to overcome severe challenges and build a strong society with an advanced economy is the first lesson regarding the importance of sharing this knowledge with other developing and newly independent countries. The wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise accumulated in Israel for more than 61 years is harnessed to meet today’s development challenges, and these experiences are shared with developing countries. The fact that they can establish hundreds and hundreds of acres of banana plantations in deserts is an example of overcoming challenges to the state by natural weather conditions, demonstrating that difficulties and development challenges are surmountable.

They have been involved in many innovative projects for many years. One such project is to do with bringing a group of young adults connected to Israel from around the world (Diaspora), to Israel for 4 weeks to build a connection between them and their country of origin during when they engage in projects on social issues. On coming back, they are made to write about their experiences. Evaluation of the programme showed that about 95% come back with very positive experience that even prompted their parents to make donations to the programme. The project has a very high success rate and has been ongoing for many years now!

14th December – Women’s National Commission (WNC) Conference at Central Methodist Hall

I attended a conference on the 14th December 2009, organised by the Women's National Commission in central London, where the United Nations 'Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women' (CEDAW) was discussed.

I was horrified to see that about 80% of the women and organisations present at the conference knew nothing about the existence of the CEDAW let alone know that CEDAW is a legally binding United Nations convention that is often described as an 'international bill of rights for women' that provides a clear legal framework for women's right worldwide.

CEDAW is the most important international instrument to demand the fulfilment of women’s rights worldwide hence it can be used to lobby for stronger equality legislation at national and regional levels. It has been in existence for 30 years now!. After CEDAW was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 1979, it has been ratified by 186 State Parties – only 7 countries have not ratified CEDAW:USA, Sudan, Iran, Nauru, Palau, Tonga and Somalia. Organisations and individuals involved in furthering women issues can use CEDAW in their struggle to improve life for women, as the yardstick by which government policies that affect women are measured. Through a comprehensive monitoring of the CEDAW, governments can be held to account to meet these requirements. Details of the document can be found: www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/ and on www2.ohchr.org/English/law/cedaw.htm.

17th December 2009 – Training on bowel cancer awareness – Haringey Life savers

Joined the Haringey Life savers as a volunteer to create awareness of common cancers i.e. Lung, breast and bowel cancers. Would use the opportunity to talk briefly to participants from various organisations and community groups about the need for them to register to vote during the forth coming elections as about 70% of the UK population do not vote.

21st January 2010, 10.00am

Met my Mentor Councillor for the first time. She is a very warm and personable lady who had worked in the past with my local MP David Lammy. It was easy to break the ice as we had quite a few things in common to talk about. My hope and aspirations to be a voice for BAME women in public life and politics were discussed. Our plans and dates for the shadowing period were all mapped out. She introduced me to her staff at the Town Hall then took me to Emily Thornberry MP’s office across the road from the Town Hall to introduce me to the staff who would also be liaising with me during my shadow period. I was received warmly by Councillor West and the meeting was very productive. We talked about a wide range of issues and discovered that her husband and I have a common interest in tropical diseases.

21st January 2010, 6.00pm

Attended the Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday celebrations hosted by Operation Black Vote (OBV) at the Friend’s House, Euston. The event was awesome and inspirational and I was delighted to be there and see so many BAME people brace the icy weather to gather in one place to celebrate the birthday of a black icon.

There were many inspirational speakers as usual, including OBV’s Simon Woolly. A special Guest, Reverend Al Sharpton was brought all the way from the USA to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. Listening to him was an awesome experience for me. He talked about his experience in fighting racism for many years in the US and indeed all over the world. I loved his method of speech, it was like he was on the pulpit preaching. He categorically stated that the present day Obama generation of black people all over the world should not settle for a ‘do nothing’ option. As long as we continue to fold our hands and let politics pass us by, the system will remain the same with many black people suffering different types of discrimination and even more so for women who can sometimes be triply discriminated against. It is now time for black people to get up and be counted; it is time for us to be part of any change we want to see; it is time for us to pave the way for a more equitable, fairer and just society for our children, grandchildren and the future generation, the Obama generation. If the great USA can have a black President in our lifetime, then anything is possible. Besides, there is nothing as permanent as change! Let us put black people’s issues on the ‘agenda for change’ now!

11th February 2010

Appointment with my Mentor Councillor at the MP Emily Thornberry’s office. This hardworking MP actually walked into the office and briefly chatted to the workers. I only knew who she was after she had left the office. I wished I knew earlier and also had my camera with me to take a photograph with her. I made a resolution there and then to be carrying my camera with me all the time in order to photograph these iconic people making a positive impact on our society. I had the opportunity to get involved in stuffing envelopes for direct mailing for 3 hours.

15th February 2010

Accompany the campaign group to canvass in the Finsbury ward area of Islington. There was checking of voters ID and door stepping/knocking.

16th February 2010

Appointed for individual partnership with the Women’s National Commission (WNC), the official independent advisory body giving the views of women in the UK to the Government. This is an opportunity for me to Champion BAME women issues in particular.