THE new Warrington Ethnic Women’s Group backed by former MP Faisal Rashid, was recently launched at Bewsey Community Centre.
The network is chaired by Shireen Saeed, Warrington South Constituency Labour Party Executive Committee’s first-ever Black Asian Minority and Ethnic Officer.
Shireen said “I’m proud to launch the network designed to empower ethnic women to share ideas and support each other. Today’s launch event saw approximately 30 plus women living in South Warrington coming together.”
Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, said “I am delighted to be supporting the launch event, and the group, as there is a need for the younger generations, and women in particular to be more involved in political life”. Cllr Creaghan also recognised that times are hard for many people across Warrington and the importance of women supporting each other.
The event was an opportunity for women to meet and get to know each other, it was a truly multicultural event with women from a variety of backgrounds including Polish, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish and Kurdish heritage. The rich cultural diversity of the group shone through via the amazing array of foods prepared by the group members for all to share.
Founder and Patron of the group, Former MP Faisal Rashid and Warrington South constituency Labour Party EC Chair attended the meeting and talked about his personal journey into politics, the importance of the support of his wife, Aleeza.
He said, “women are making huge contribution in all walks of life, and without the support of his wife he wouldn’t be able to achieve what he has for the whole community.” He added; “we need to raise women’s voices to work passionately for the whole community. It is important that women from all backgrounds come together and engage with wider community. I saw the passion in Shireen to help the community and delighted to see this network coming together and look forward to seeing how it can grow in the coming months.”
Newly elected Women’s Officer for Warrington South CLP, Lisa Turner said “this was a really impressive turnout highlighting the desire for women’s events and the power of bring diverse communities together. I really look forward to working with Shireen in the future to empower women across Warrington to work together to make change.”
