As the allure of summer vacation draws many to sunnier, warmer, and more exotic places, we, the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) community, find ourselves grappling with a complex tapestry of emotions. This is especially true when we witness white individuals vacationing in our ancestral lands—lands that bear the deep scars of both historical and ongoing genocide, settler colonialism, and extractive capitalism. In the shadows of these harsh realities, the blissful narratives of travel often overlook or ignore the painful legacy and present-day consequences of white colonialism that still persist in these regions.
Category: English
Breaking Boxes: Redefining Normal through Representation & Recognition
In today’s interconnected world, the importance of representation and recognition cannot be overstated. From workplaces to media outlets, from public forums to decision-making tables, the need for diverse voices and perspectives is more critical than ever. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Join me…
Moving Beyond Silence: From Non-Racism to Anti-Racism
Every now and then, incidents of racism shake our communities, reminding us of the pervasive nature of this issue. From politicians to everyday individuals, racist comments and actions often go unchecked, perpetuating systemic inequalities and undermining the dignity of marginalised communities. Just this week, a Tory donor made a racist comment about Diane Abbott, a…
We are Global Majority, a shift in perspective
لقراءة التدوينة باللغة العربية Ever been called an “Ethnic Minority”? As someone who identifies as an Arab woman, born in the UK, raised in Syria, studied in France, and now living and working in the UK, the term has found its way into my life more times than I can count. But what if I…
Bridging the Gap: Cambridge is Not Just White and Wealthy
Cambridge is a tapestry of diversity, far beyond its academic prestige. A city renowned for its academic excellence is not defined by its prestigious university alone; it’s a vibrant mosaic of diverse communities, each with its unique cultures and heritage. While the academic sphere in the city thrives with wealth, prestige, and abundant resources, other…
Servant Leadership: Elevating People Above Causes
In the world of leadership, where ambition and success often take centre stage, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on what it truly means to lead. A recent experience shared by a friend* serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of Servant Leadership – a leadership style that places others’ well-being and growth at…
The Power of Lived Experience Leadership: Navigating the Dimensions of Lifeworld Existentials
As I walk down the street amidst a sea of human beings rushing around, each carrying their unique stories, and bearing my own lived experiences, I find myself reflecting on the ever-evolving landscape of leadership development. In this bustling amalgamation of existence, one approach has been steadily gaining momentum for its authenticity and transformative potential,…
Have You Been Othered?
Unveiling the Impact of Implicit and Structural Biases on Belonging, Visibility, and Value Introduction In our diverse world, the unfortunate reality is that some individuals are often subjected to being “othered,” where they are treated as outsiders or excluded based on their identities and identity expression. This phenomenon is prevalent in both the workplace and…
Celebrating Diversity and Empowerment with #IAmRemarkable
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to facilitate a new session under Google’s initiative #IAmRemarkable, right in my hometown of Cambridge, and in person! This remarkable experience became possible due to the gracious support of the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum, whose convening power made this event a reality. As I stepped into the session,…
My interview with the Evening Standard about women and peace
Two years ago, on International Women’s Day, I was interviewed by Evening Standard to talk about how Syrian women are trying to bring peace to their homeland. https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/international-womens-day-how-syrian-women-are-trying-to-bring-peace-to-their-homeland-a3198161.html