I’m a survivor, says girl-power activist

WHEN Najma Khalid’s marriage broke down in 2005 she hit rock bottom and thought she would never recover.

But 10 years later the single mother of two runs the popular Women’s CHAI Morning Group in Glodwick, is an office manager at Oldham Race and Equality Partnership (OREP), and has starred in a nationally-touring play.

Najma was nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award for encouraging women to empower themselves.

She said: “It means so much to get some recognition and to celebrate what I have achieved and all the people who have been with me on this journey. They have all been amazing.”

Najma moved to the UK from her native Punjab province of Pakistan when she was six months old. She completed a degree before starting a career in the public and voluntary sector.

She said: “I went through a very difficult time. But with the love and support of family and friends I slowly picked myself up again as I am a fighter and survivor.”

The idea of the CHAI (Care, Help and Inspire) group came while she was chatting with a friend over a cup of tea (”chai”). Najma said: “It made me realise our South Asian women don’t know what services are available to them.

“A lot of our women moved on to education and happier lives. They have gone on to work and had careers. I find a lot of this work rewarding and food for the soul. It’s something to give back to the world.”

Najma recently took part in a play as part of the London South Bank Centre’s Alchemy Festival in Oldham. “Knives Forks and Fingers” included scenes built on anecdotes and memories of women in the CHAI group, who chat as they prepare meals together

Najma added: “Surviving as a single parent has been really challenging but it has not stopped me. CHAI is my baby. I’ve loved it.”

twitter: @IramRamzanOC