Social media star ‘Modest Street’ was among the special guests at the 18th birthday celebrations for Humraaz.

Lancashire based Humraaz provide support for BME women and their children feeling domestic abuse. 

They also offer community activities and a safe space for women in Blackburn to develop their life skills, support networks and confidence. 

An exciting new strand of their work was launched at the event in the form of ProDIGY, a peer support group for professional BME women. 

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Founder of ProDIGY, Penelope D’Souza said: “Professional women from ethnic minorities face an additional layer of challenges in the workplace and at home. What better way to garner learning and support than from your peers?”.

Among the speakers and attendees were Kate Hollern MP for Blackburn, Modest Street the renowned Instagram influencer, Fatimah Vadia a popular makeup artist, Saima Ashraf the only registered blind auditor in the country and founders of Idle Women Cis and Rachel. Chair of Humraaz, Maira Butt also gave a speech opening the event highlighting the importance of specialist BME services in an underfunded and under-represented sector. 

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Guests heard a very moving account from an ex-service user and her 18-year-old daughter; many were left in tears. 

The young survivor spoke about how Humraaz had helped her get an education and given her a voice after they had fled an abusive environment.  In her words she said, ‘Thank you is too small a word to express the gratitude I feel for what Humraaz has done for us.’

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Firoza Mohmed, CEO of Humraaz said, “A very successful event with over 150 women from Blackburn attending.  I would like to thank each woman who attended and celebrated with us we continue with our activism for equality and eradicating violence against women and girls.”