Why I Took on the Role as Chairwoman of Oldham Bangladeshi Society

Becoming Chairwoman of the Oldham Bangladeshi Society is something I feel truly honoured to take on. It is more than just a title – it is a responsibility, a purpose, and a chance to make a difference in the community I grew up in and deeply care about.

One of my biggest inspirations in life has been my grandfather. He was a respected local community elder in Oldham – someone who carried himself with dignity and always encouraged unity, respect and service to others. He was proud of his culture and proud of the community he was part of. Watching the way he was looked up to and the values he passed down made me realise how important it is for us, as the next generation, to continue what our elders started.

The first generation of Bangladeshis in Oldham worked incredibly hard, not only to build better lives for their families, but also to keep the community together. They may not have had much, but they had each other – and they paved the way for us to have the opportunities we do today. That sense of unity and community spirit is something we cannot afford to lose. I believe it is now our turn to carry that legacy forward and keep paving the way for the next generation.

One of the main reasons I stepped forward to take on this role is because I’ve seen first-hand how most community organisations are still very male-dominated. It is not just leadership roles – even membership is often heavily male. Women are rarely involved in decision-making, and our voices are too often left out of important conversations. I want to help change that.

My aim for the Oldham Bangladeshi Society is to create a platform where women feel represented, respected, and empowered. We deserve a voice, and we deserve spaces where we can lead with confidence. I want to show that women are just as capable of leading our communities – not from the background, but from the front. Female leadership is not something we should be hoping for – it should be the norm.

Through the society, I plan to lead on female-focused events such as women’s sports groups and women-only tea parties – safe, welcoming spaces where women can come together, share experiences, and feel part of something meaningful. These are the types of spaces our community has lacked for too long, and it is time we changed that.

But our work is not just about women – it is about everyone. It is about bringing the whole community together, just like our elders once did. It is about making sure young people feel proud of who they are and where they come from. It is about making sure no one feels left out or unheard.

I am proud to take on this role, and I am even more proud of what we are working towards. Leadership comes in many forms – and I hope my journey can show others, especially young women, that they do not need to wait for permission to step forward. You have every right to lead, to shape your community, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

This is just the beginning, and I look forward to building a stronger, more united and inclusive community for all of us – and for the generations still to come.