The government’s ‘race disparity audit’ survey, which was published this week, has revealed that Pakistani women living in the UK are ‘shockingly badly integrated’.

The report was conducted to ‘shine a light’ on how people from different backgrounds are treated in terms of access to healthcare, education, employment and the criminal justice system. The government aims to use the findings to ‘make Britain work for everyone’.

It makes us incredibly sad and concerned to learn that many Pakistani women are ‘shockingly’ isolated. Some newspapers are reporting that, “Other communities have integrated very well but the audit shows that Pakistani women who don’t speak English or go out to work are living in an entirely different society.”

At ODARA, we offer women the opportunity to grow personally, professionally and socially. We recognise that there can be challenges to integrating into a new country or community, which is why we provide a range of workshops to help women on this journey. These include English lessons and CV workshops to ensure we convey our skills to potential employers.

We provide this support because feeling confident in our community is key to self-esteem and self-respect, both of which are vital to our wellbeing and happiness.

Our workshops are open to women from all backgrounds. Our safe space encourages them to be themselves, to meet other women and to discuss life, interests and even politics! This is how we build more trusting, cohesive communities and enhance our own lives.

We run our CV writing sessions on Mondays, along with English lessons. On Tuesday mornings, our safe space offers all women the opportunity to socialise and chat.

Have a look at our timetable:

Mondays:
• 11am-1pm Skills day / personal development – CV writing, job searching, interview skills and welfare advice 
Tuesdays:
• 10-11am English my way (language skills)
• 11-12.30pm Women’s support group: Someone to speak to, make friends, time out, activities, arts crafts, sewing and more
Wednesdays:
• 11-1pm Health and wellbeing day – fitness, health and nutrition, beauty advice and tasters 
Thursdays:
• 10am-11pm English my way
• 11-12.30pm Women’s support group: Someone to speak to, make friends, time out, activities, arts crafts, sewing and more
Fridays:
• Reflection session (after jummah prayer) have a cup of tea, meet your friends, time out, reflect, safe space
Saturdays:
• Youth group activities

We’re here for you – don’t stay isolated or alone. If you’d like to find out more, contact us (click on the ‘contact’ link).