Shagufta Nasreen on a trail-blazing campaigner for women

A woman holding a trophy standing in front of an awards sign — Seema Bajwa with her award

Seema Bajwa, a “trailblazing changemaker” and campaigner for women in Newham was selected for the Maxable Excellence in Community Leadership and Inclusion Award presented in July at the University of East London.

Seema, who hosts events in the local community supporting women-owned small businesses, provides support across a range of issues. “I run WhatsApp groups to offer ladies a platform where they can express their feelings and seek help and advice about daily life issues facing them,” she said.

“I am very grateful to the Maxable awards,” she said. “It means a lot to be recognised by such a wonderful organisation.”
In the past she has helped with dietary research with University College London where the primary focus was on South Asians’ health issues – such as diabetes and heart attacks and with the University of East London she has arranged regular physical activities, for example, basketball, for SEN children.

“I work with different groups, run by ladies, to assist local communities and provide monetary aid for third world countries too,” she said. “I’ve also worked closely with the victims of domestic violence to help them regain their confidence and to empower them through my network of friends to live a normal life.

“My biggest dream is to have a world where all communities are united and women from all backgrounds are properly supported, especially in Newham.”

The CEO of Maxable Awards Neelam Chawla said that the awards were about celebrating lives that uplift others!. “We believe wellness is deeply interwoven with how people live, lead, and support others,” she said. “This event isn’t just about what people do, but how they do it. We recognised a trailblazing 89-year-old changemaker and children who are already leading conversations on mental health, as well as emerging youth voices, established professionals, and unsung heroes.”

It was an event to remember, she said. “The energy in the room was electric, emotional, and empowering, with feedback from attendees overwhelmingly positive and with many calling it “a rare celebration of humanity across ages and backgrounds.”

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