Slough Borough Council’s award winning Aurat Enterprise project has been acknowledged as an example of best practice in a recent government publication.
Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has launched a new booklet highlighting case studies of organisations working to empower Muslim women.
‘Empowering Muslim Women: Case Studies’ features Aurat Enterprise as an example of encouraging economic participation for women.
The project was set up in 2004 to promote education and life skills opportunities to women from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. It offers tailored courses to meet their needs, and inspires them to take steps to change their lives.
It has already helped over 720 women, with many pursuing education, training and employment. A mini-bus service and crèche facilities are also provided to help overcome any practical barriers.
An-Nisa, a voluntary organisation which works with the Slough council, has also been included in the booklet. They run a number of activities to support Muslim women and their children in the community.
Head of economic development, diversity and equality, Rafiq Chohan, and Samina Hussain, employment and enterprise manager for Slough Borough Council, were invited to the launch of the publication.
Rafiq Chohan, said: “Aurat Enterprise was started in the community, engages women in the community and is supported by many local partners.
“The work that Samina Hussain and her team have done to help make a difference to the lives of women in our community is remarkable.”
Commissioner for Slough cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “The council is committed to helping members of the community achieve their full potential.
“The project is superb and transforms the lives of many women. I am really very proud that it has featured as a case study in the booklet, as it goes to show just what a success it has been, and hopefully will continue to do so.”
To find out more about Aurat Enterprise, please call 01753 476614 or email aurat@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council
