Journalist Durdana Ansari was spearheading a successful Muslim women’s charity project in obscurity until she was awarded OBE (Order of the British Empire), according to ruislip.uxbridgegazette.co.uk.an. OBE is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom to honour individuals with outstanding philanthropic achievements.
Ansari, of Queen’s Walk, South Ruislip, had absolutely no idea about the magnitude of her achievements and was surprised to know about her inclusion in the New Year Honours List for her services to Muslim women in the UK. The 51-year-old spent 22 years working as a producer for the BBC’s World Service, but decided to quit in 2006 to pioneer the Ethnic Minority Foundation’s (EMF) Muslim Women’s Project.
In the last six years with EMF, Ansari has helped thousands of Muslim women learn basic English and IT skills. “I was shocked because I could never imagine that something like this would happen,” Ansari told the Gazette. “I did a lot of work for Muslim women to get them a basic education. I think it has made a lot of difference in families and not just for individuals. There are communities that have been living here for 30 or 40 years but they need confidence.”
According to ruislip.uxbridgegazette.co.uk, centres have been established in Bolton, Bristol, Bradford, Leicester and London. Ansari said that because of government cuts, the project no longer had any of its own classrooms, but was able to use libraries as academic spaces instead. “It is a difficult time but I won’t stop, I am not retiring anytime soon,” she vowed.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2012.
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Congratulation!its a wonderful achievement..the first Pakistani women awarded OBE. We are proud of you.
Durdana Ansari, OBE spent 22 years with BBC (1984-2006) and after that full time community service in the UK should serve as an inspiration for all. She has lived her life as good human being and served others.
You have set an example in life that must be emulated. Well done indeed!
I was disappointed not to find your page on wikipedia.org as I wanted to read more about your projects and send the link to my daughter in Waterloo, Canada to serve as a motivator.
Congratulations. I had the opportunity to work briefly in 2005 with her for TV & I still remember her great efforts for TV coverage during the drastic 2005 Earthquakes in Pakistan. Keep up the good work!!
A young girl who was an all rounder at school would change the world on a greater scale, and we all knew that. We are so proud of you. MashaAllah!
First ever Pakistani Woman for OBE in UK :).
Many Congratulations Ms Durdana Ansari OBE, cannot wait to see the entrance as you come from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday morning!!!
Note to Tribune, Ms Durdana Ansari OBE is a Project Director of EMF.
Great Job done my dear sister n friend Durdana Ansari. Many Congradz from all of Us.
That is what I like about the UK, they recognise and appreciate the efforts of people who are from a minority group.
What wonderful achievement this, Durdana! You have made us all proud.
Superb!