Publication of new book showcases the strength and lived experiences of South Asian women
Written by Indy Sira
Being part of the South Asian community and witnessing the barriers that have increased due to COVID-19 has been really challenging. Mental health and well-being no doubt has been impacted by the pandemic and it’s an area that has continuously been highlighted both within our research and community engagement work. After hosting online workshops for South Asian Women in 2021, Voices of Colour and Expert By Experience collectively felt a need to understand more. As a result, we decided to co-produce research that aims to explore the lived experiences of South Asian Women in relation to health equity and finances in the context of COVID-19.
Our Chai & Chat sessions were launched across the Borough of Ealing to create safe spaces for South Asian women to share their experiences of the pandemic, mental health, and financial inequalities. These spaces have been integral in bringing together different communities of South Asian women in their local areas to share, discuss and learn from one another’s journeys. As a result of this work, we had the privilege to interview a series of amazing South Asian women that have shared their stories of health, community, and the joy they have found in creating a space for themselves.
We are excited to announce the publication of the “Experiences of South Asian Women – Stories of Health, Community and Joy” that shines a spotlight on women, from a range of linguistic and faith backgrounds and their relationship with their health and wellbeing, including over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The publication features interviews with local women who each talk about what mental health means to them, how they have experiences health inequalities and the steps they take to ensure they prioritise their wellbeing. The local women featured are Bainti, Elizabeth, Lakhinderpal, Narinder and Surinder.
This partnership project (Living Roots) involved Ealing Council, NHS Northwest London, Southall Community Alliance, The Young Foundation & The Institute for Development Studies. This part of the work was led by Voices of Colour & Expert by Experience with support from the Institute of Development Studies. It was funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.
Indy Sira, Director of Voices of Colour said:
“We are proud to be publishing this important piece of work, after many months of collaboration. The findings from the survey, interviews and the Chai and Chat sessions showed the impact the pandemic was having on participants’ mental health, including from financial worries. They highlighted a need to improve access to health-based services.
This book is dedicated to the amazing, warm, and resourceful women featured in the book – to their strength, joy, and collective wisdom. Also, as someone who has grown up in Southall, it’s been personally important to make sure these stories are being heard and listened to.”
Megan Schmidt-Sane from the Institute of Development Studies, said:
“We hope the book plays a part in influencing how healthcare services are planned across Ealing and surrounding areas and to recognise the unique needs of South Asian women and how they access care.
“We hope that the book will bring into public discourse, lived experiences and insights, that are rarely discussed in mainstream platforms.”
We want to thank all the amazing women that have been part of this journey with us, Harkaran Singh for leading on the photography and Mareena Khawar for leading on the beautiful design of the book!
We are looking to provide copies of the book to libraries, community spaces and organisations that would be interested in keeping a copy. If you know of any organisations that would like a copy, please do contact our team at – hello@voicesofcolour.org
