As part of International Women’s Day celebrations last week, British-Indian women took to the floor of the House of Lords in a historic debate. The event, which was hosted by Lord and Lady Popat, was the first time that non-Parliamentarians were permitted to hold a debate in the Moses Room, the prestigious second chamber of the House of Lords. Chaired by Baroness Usha Prashar and following the same rules and procedures of a normal parliamentary debate, 20 pre-selected speakers, including journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Lady Desai, came together to discuss the achievements and challenges of women of British-Indian heritage.
Lady Popat delivered the opening speech. Recounting her own journey following her family’s expulsion from Uganda by the dictator Idi Amin, Lady Popat paid tribute to Britain for providing her family with opportunities she never believed possible, and to British values which helped pave the way for Indian women – and indeed the whole Indian community – not only to progress but to thrive in the top professions such as medicine, law and banking. She also praised the Indian culture and her spiritual upbringing in giving her the strength and self-belief to fulfil her potential and pursue her aspirations.
Lady Popat stressed that the Indian success story was made possible by the community’s willingness to immerse themselves in the British way of life: “we immigrated, and we integrated”. At the same time, Lady Popat recognised that there is more to do. She spoke of a paradox within the community, which expects women to be successful on the one hand, and take on the traditional roles in the home which in turn can limit women’s prospects. She called for a change in mindsets and attitudes that could help free up women to play a full part in the economy and society.
The other speakers present used their voices to talk about their own experiences, describing the different paths they travelled and the different issues that are close to their heart. Education was widely acknowledged as the foundation of any, and all, success and equality. The lack of representation of women in the top ranks of business and in the fields of technology and engineering was another common theme, as was the gender pay gap and the challenges facing working mothers. Speakers also laid bare some of the more uncomfortable truths – highlighting the terrible suffering of women and girls in war torn countries, as well as the continuing violent mistreatment of women around the world, including within certain communities in the UK today.
Through the rich myriad of issues raised and diverse opinions expressed, the discussions produced a clear common and purpose and pledge: that it was incumbent on all women and all men to press for progress in the hope of creating a better future for women and girls in the community, in the country and around the world.
After the event Lord Popat said: “It was an honour for me to welcome these remarkable ladies to the House of Lords in this historic event to celebrate women in our community. Despite the progress made, gender equality continues to elude us. No society can truly flourish if it leaves half of its talent behind. I believe this is not only a woman’s issue. Men have a duty to create a future where equality and progress is a normal reality, not a headline.”
Lady Popat said: “Today we started an important conversation. I feel privileged to have shared this prestigious platform with my Indian sisters who, despite our different ages, faiths and journeys, share the same aspirations and challenges. From the start I emphasised that International Women’s Day will mean different things to different women and I wanted all speakers to be free to use their voice to speak about issues they care about. This was a day for us as individuals to connect and create new mindsets as proud Indians and proud Brits.”
Rupal Sachdev Kantaria, who works extensively on corporate diversity and social impact, closed the debate in the traditional manner of a minister, drawing all themes and speakers together in the concluding speech. She said. “I feel very proud to be British and Indian today. I was humbled by the inspirational contributions of all ladies who spoke. There was a terrific sense of camaraderie – while we had different takes on a very broad subject area, there was a sense of solidarity and sisterhood.
Ms Kantaria led the group in a visualization of the World they wanted to live in, and made a powerful pledge for action: “International Women’s Day should not simply be a day of words, but a rallying call for action. I hope we will use our bonds to bring change together.”
