Pakistani Women’s Activism during early life in Leeds

It should be no surprise that the wives and women of the men who migrated to Leeds in the early years from Pakistan and Kashmir also played significant roles in the development of the city. Roles in all kinds of sectors.

We can look towards two women who both, in their own way, paved the way for the women not only around them, but to still come.

Sitara Khan

Sitara Khan was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She arrived in the UK in July 1964 at the age of 14. In 1977 she embarked on her teaching career and completed a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate In Education). In 1983 Sitara Khan took up the post of ‘Assistant Community Relations Council (CRC) in Leeds. This post lead Sitara to liaise closely with the City council on antiracist education policies and practices.  Sitara played a key role in the establishment of the Equal Opportunities Unit within the Council’s Education Department.

Sitara Khan’s interests include gender and social policy and women and Islam. She is a member of; the NAME (The National Anti-Racist Movement in Education), the Women’s Committee of Leeds City Council. She is also a member of the Ethnic Minority Advisory and Equal Opportunities Committees. As the governor for Leopold and Harehills primary schools, Sitara was a part of setting up a part time PGCE course for overseas students at Leeds Metropolitan University, now known as Leeds Beckett University.

Sitara is indebted to those who played a key role in the difference she has made to the City of Leeds. Undoubtedly, Sitara Khan influenced greatly many major platforms.

Rukhsana Khawaja

Rukhsana Khawaja was born in Karachi and arrived in Leeds in 1976. In the mid 1980’s, along with a handful of other women, Rukhsana founded the Millan Women’ Centre.

Alongside this, in 1985 Rukhsana picked up a part time job as an Asian girl’s resource worker. The job was city wide and Rukhsana enjoyed assisted Asian girls regarding funding and resources that were necessary, and they needed. Resources that they may have not known how to attain.

Whilst juggling raising her children, Rukhsana also went on to complete and obtain certification in various qualifications such as: youth and community and a counselling diploma.

Rukhsana went on to assist in a number of projects, some listed below.

Hooner Kelah Women’s training project– As part of not only the management committee but as a treasurer and chair, the project worked closely with women to build their self-esteem in employment.

Get Away Girls Project- This project focused on bringing girls from different cultures and background together for cohesion. The ‘Get Away’ aspect worked on interacting the girls on outdoor activities.

Rukhsana Khawaja’s work lead her to heavily focus her time from 1992- 2016 as an ethnic minority achievement leader, working with women across all religions and ethnicities.

Though now retired, there is no stopping Rukhsana. She continues giving her valuable time to Shantona and her community.

Currently, Rukhsana Khawaja is focusing on challenging radicalisation.

Photo: The Milan Women Centre team including pioneering women’s support workers in the 1980s