Meera Syal

Patron of Newham Asian Women's Project

"I have been a supporter, friend and patron of the Newham Asian Women's Project for many years. This year NAWP is celebrating its twentieth anniversary and what an achievement it is. When I think that for twenty years the project has worked to support women and their children fleeing gender-based violence I am reminded of the courage of thousands - of those who fled violent relationships for better lives and of those who year after year, made the case for safe refuges, training programmes and other specialist projects.

NAWP has developed services in consultation with women, addressing their needs directly through specialist provision. It has also developed holistic provision so that those women who are excluded from mainstream services and experience isolation and alienation have equal access to the opportunites in life. This is what all women want for themselves and their children and it is organisations like NAWP that have made this possible.

By marking the 20th anniversary of the Newham Asian Women's Project we are acknowledging the courage of women, we are celebrating their empowerment and we are re-newing our commitment to eradicating violence against women. I am proud to support the work of this organisation."

(Meera Syal MBE – Writer, Actress and Patron of NAWP)