With the latest developments in technology and exciting career prospects people have so much to look forward to. It becomes easier to express opinions and even easier to say what you want but what happens when your opinion is ignored, when you are not considered in decisions and when you have no identity of your own?
Nothing happens. You have no choice, no opportunities and no say in anything. That is a problem only Asian women can relate to and is a problem that should be emphasised upon and a reasonable solution should be displayed. Within today’s social panel there are four levels.
 Asian women have something to offer to society apart from chappati and curry  |
The first level is obviously the White man, followed by the White woman, then it is the ethnic minority male and finally it is the ethnic minority female. Women on this level have not been recognised, maybe they are been held back or maybe they are being ignored because of what they are. Whatever the reason may be I know that nothing is being done for these women, nothing is available for these women.
Home protection
This is not only a problem within our area but also a problem throughout the UK. Many parents’ fear sending their daughters to college after high school because of the increasing “stories” heard. Therefore they keep them home for their safety and welfare. It may seem like a very protective and sensible thing to do but is it? The parental point of view is understood what about the other side?
I always say that everyone has something in common with eachother and that is dreams. We all have ambitions, we all want to be successful and achieve. Believe it or not Asian women have ambitions too, further more they want an involvement, an opinion, an identity.
Crescent Young Women
One step has been taken by a group of eager young women from Longton. The group is called Crescent Young Women; it is an organisation designed for the young Muslim woman of today. The group provides opportunities for the women whether it is educationally, socially or professionally.
The young women meet regularly every week to discuss issues regarding them and come up with ideas to develop their learning. One event that the group organised was a function to celebrate the birth of the Prophet (PBUH), over a hundred Muslim women came to listen to teachings in English, Urdu and Arabic. This is one example of how women can be recognised in society.
Interaction
Muslim women teach other women about their religion. Not only does the group teach about religion but also allows the young women to interact and develop technical, communication and physical skills. Various enjoyable events and activities have been held especially for Asian women.
We need more groups and organisations like that for Asian women. Through these groups women have an identity, a chance at life and a chance to achieve. It is not easy for the groups to start, as there are stereotypical obstacles to overcome.
Living in a Western world one can be easily mislead, but groups like Crescent Young Women provide a decent opportunity for young women in a modernised area but also carry the cultural and religious influences with them. They teach others about who and what they are, Asian, Muslim and British women. Therefore these groups are representatives of Asian women who adhere to their religion and also achieve their ambitions without being misguided into doing the wrong.
Stereotypical abuse
Asian women do not suffer from racial discrimination but are the subjects of stereotypical abuse. When an traditional Asian woman is walking down a street, dressed in the traditional clothing of salwar, kameez and a dupatta the first thing that comes in someone’s mind would be that she is a housewife, always cooking and cleaning.
However they would never think that this woman could also be a member of a group, or a student or even be a working woman. We need to remove such ideas; people need to acknowledge the abilities of Asian women.
A woman can not always hide behind a man, she has to make use of the opportunities available to her and she has to create her own character. She needs to build self-respect for herself and other women in the world.
Increasing pressures
As a young woman I can understand the increasing pressures of living in a society where your culture is not understood therefore I also understand the desperate need of such organisations that provide learning for people who have no understanding.
Asian women have something to offer to society apart from chappati and curry; they offer a deeper and more meaningful education. They offer uniqueness and most importantly offer self-respect for all ethnic women seeking a voice, a future, waiting to be heard, waiting to be acknowledged.
It only takes one small step and before you know it you are walking. Groups like Crescent Young Women have taken the first step; it is up to the rest to begin the walking...
NY
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