Sunjeeda Hanif, founder of Women’s Whispers, was joined by friends and supporters including the Lord Mayor of Leeds on 30 April, as she unveiled expanded facilities at Hillside Enterprise Centre in Beeston.
The charity supports women from ethnic minorities who are in crisis, such as homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or lone parenting. Women’s Whispers provides practical help including food and clothing, but also emotional support.
Having secured a Lottery Awards For All grant they were able to take on a second unit at Hillside to store more donated items.
Speaking at the official opening the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung:
“For those of you who know Sunjeeda, you know how hard she works and I always say determination and hard work is the key to success. I know it’s been tough, but your resilience and hard work has brought you this far.
“For all that you do for the community, for all that you do for women whose voices are not heard, thank you from the bottom of our hearts from the council and the city. Our third sector and our volunteers play a huge role in our city’s development and how we fair as a city.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Sunjeeda’s next project is to develop an allotment into a respite and sanctuary garden where women can spend time connect with nature and grow food.
For more information, or to refer someone for help, visit womenswhispers.org, or call 07883 388485.
Photo: Sunjeeda Hanif with the Lord Mayor and other supporters
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Well done and every good wish for success!
It’s very hard but rewarding work.
Good luck