The Birmingham Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BBWA), also known as the Bangladesh Women’s Employment Resource Center, was founded in 1988 as a not-for-profit organization (Registered charity # 700917) to support women of Bangladeshi origin in Birmingham, UK. With the help of collaboration and partnerships with the local authority and other voluntary organizations, the Birmingham Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BBWA) has been providing essential services to all women, regardless of their ethnic origin. Some services (job search) are even available to male members of the community.
Mission
The principal mission of the association is to ‘empower women with adequate information, confidence and assertiveness to enable them to make a positive contribution and participate fully in society.’
Vision
A future where women and girls can participate, engage, and lead without fear or barriers is envisioned.
Most of the association’s services are provided at no cost. BBWA is funded by government assistance and community donations. In addition to many experts, a significant amount of work is also done by volunteers. BBWA has achieved the Matrix Quality Standard, ensuring the highest quality service.
The Birmingham Bangladeshi Women’s Association has successfully served Bangladeshi and other women’s community members with employment, recreation, family advice, child support, mentoring, and community cohesion. To promote community cohesion among Bangladeshis, the association celebrates major Bangladeshi cultural events. For religious sensitivity, women-only classes are taught by female tutors, and men-only classes are taught by male tutors.
Services:
- Educational: ESOL, sewing
- Employment Support: CV/Resume preparation, job search, application form filling, job interview techniques, and employable skill-set
- Health: Expert patient, keep fit, yoga, walking exercise
- Nursery Education: Free for 3-4-year-old children, daycare for 1-5-year-old children
- Youth: Art & Crafts, research, gardening, interpreting and translating service for 16-25 year olds
- Daycare: 0-5 years old kids, flexible childcare in a diverse cultural environment
- Free refreshments for class attendees
Business Hours
Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: closed
Team
Trustee: Maleka Begum
Trustee: Rowshon Malik
Trustee: Eba Pasha
Trustee: Shaheeda Choudhury
Trustee: Tahmina Islam
Manager: Amina Chowdhury
Support Officer: Fliss Dragonfire