Shantona Women’s Centre Chief Executive, Nahid Rasool, to receive honorary degree

Nahid has been Chief Executive of the Shantona Women’s Centre for the past 18 years and will be officially recognised by the University for her commitment to empowering communities in Leeds.   

The Shantona Women’s Centre was established in Leeds in 1998 to offer help and support to women from the Bangladeshi community and employed just two full time staff, including Nahid.  

Since then, Nahid has been responsible for growing it into a diverse, multi-cultural organisation employing 30 staff, which offers women and young children of black and minority ethnicity (BME) an open, transparent service that builds upon their skills and helps bridge the gap between societies.

It now runs a range of services focusing on community cohesion and tackling inequality, and supports women and girls with issues such as domestic violence and child sexual exploitation.

Under Nahid’s direction, the Shantona Women’s Centre has also received various awards and accolades, including the Duke of York Community Initiatives Award in 2007 and 2012, and an A1 Business Excellence Award for Best Women’s Centre in 2015.

As well as being instrumental in the continued success of the Shantona Women’s Centre, Nahid is highly committed to improving race relations and reducing inequality in various sectors, including health and education. She sits on strategic committees engaged with children, education, family support and equality and diversity, and is also a school governor.  

Nahid’s role within the Leeds community has also led to her involvement at a national level, and in 2016 the Shantona Women’s Centre was visited by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron.  

She will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University at 4pm on Wednesday 26 July, for her contribution to the public and voluntary sector in Leeds.

Leeds Beckett University Chancellor, Sir Bob Murray CBE, said: “Nahid’s drive, determination and passion has made a real difference to people’s lives, and we are delighted to recognise her huge contribution to society. 

“She herself faced many challenges and prejudices as an Asian woman when she first visited and lived in the UK, and she decided she wanted to do something positive about it, which she most certainly has.

“Nahid’s ambition to help reduce the inequality and discrimination faced by BME women and girls who live in this country has seen her work tirelessly to ensure the Shantona Women’s Centre continuously evolves to meet their needs, providing vital support and bridging gaps in society.

“She is a real inspiration who has been fundamental in empowering many women and children.”

Nahid added: “I’m delighted to receive this award and it’s brilliant that the Shantona Women’s Centre has been recognised for the amazing work it carries out.

“What makes this award even more special is that I completed my Masters in Business Administration at Leeds Beckett in 2008, which has really helped me shape the Shantona Women’s Centre into a more successful, sustainable organisation.”

The full list of the nine honorary degrees to be awarded by Leeds Beckett University can be found here.