Join us in celebrating East and Southeast Asian Women in the UK – shattering stereotypes, breaking boundaries, and reclaiming our power!
Identity Unbound is an International Women’s Day Celebration that uplifts and empowers women from East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK. Let’s come together, share stories, and build a stronger community. Register here or through the link in our bio: bit.ly/SEEAWAwomensday
Here’s our powerhouse lineup:
Panel Discussion: Navigating identity and belonging as an ESEA immigrant in the UK A discussion on what it means to be an ESEA woman living in the UK and all the complexities that come with it. Our speakers:
Eileen Wada Willett – Founder, East Asian Girl Gang
Silfana Nasri – PhD researcher
Anna Chan – Founder, Asian Leadership Collective
Moderated by Amanda Lago, SEEAWA
Presentation: Your Role in Democracy Learn how to vote, get involved, and make your voice heard with Shout Out UK
Talk and Q&A: Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities Legal insights on citizenship, dual nationality & your rights as immigrants with Dias Solicitors
SEEAWA successfully led the delivery of the Leadership Training Programme as part of the Rise and Lead (R&L) project, funded by the London Community Foundation. While SEEAWA was responsible for the leadership training component, Kanlungan managed the domestic violence modules within this R&L project partnership. The programme leveraged the expertise of the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC)’s Feminist Leadership Training facilitators, supporting a cohort of domestic violence survivors whom SEEAWA guided through various stages of their journey. These women came from diverse backgrounds, and the programme provided a unique opportunity for empowerment and growth. As part of SEEAWA’s involvement, I had the privilege of attending the training alongside other female-led organisations.
Embarking on this journey felt like setting sail into uncharted waters: exciting, yet slightly daunting. Transitioning from the structured corridors of the corporate world to the dynamic nonprofit sector, I was eager to embrace this experience of lifelong learning.
From the outset, the programme offered a Deep Dive into Feminist Leadership, blending theory with personal reflection and interactive exercises. We explored topics such as feminism, intersectionality, emotional intelligence, and power dynamics: each session designed to challenge traditional leadership models and foster a transformative, inclusive approach.
One of the most enlightening sessions focused on Unconscious Bias Interrupted. We examined the origins of unconscious bias, its manifestation in the workplace, and strategies to challenge and interrupt these biases. A key exercise involved evaluating our inner circle, similar to the children’s “birds/animals/flowers” game, but applied to our non-family networks. I was chuffed to discover that I was the only person in my cohort with complete diversity in this circle. However, the overall lack of diversity within the group was a stark reminder of how our networks are shaped by systemic biases in areas such as education, gender, race, religion, age, and sexuality. This exercise underscored the effort required to ensure genuine inclusivity in our spaces.
The session on Burnout: Signs, Impact, Prevention resonated deeply with me. Burnout was not just a theoretical concept; it was my reality, a catalyst for my transition from the corporate sector to the non-profit world. The session illuminated the relentless pressures, unspoken expectations, and toll of overwork that so many of us endure. It validated the importance of rest, resilience, and sustainable activism; principles that are foundational to SEEAWA’s work and integrated into our organisation’s DNA.
Power: Reclaiming and Redefining. Our discussions on Power were equally transformative. Coming from a patriarchal, male-dominated career environment, I found it essential to reframe how we view power. In feminist leadership, power is non-traditional, shared, collective, and rooted in care. This session reaffirmed the power we already hold, giving us the space to embrace it in a feminist light. It was an opportunity to unlearn ingrained hierarchies and adopt leadership models that uplift rather than oppress.
The Values and Organisational Culture session was especially meaningful in my role at SEEAWA, reinforcing our commitment to ethical leadership. This session highlighted the importance of transparency, care, and collective accountability; principles that distinguish SEEAWA. It also strengthened our approach to supporting whistleblowers within the nonprofit sector, empowering individuals to champion integrity and accountability. This session provided valuable insights that will help strengthen our ongoing work in justice and equity, while the conversations with my feminist peers aligned deeply with SEEAWA’s values of transparency, collaboration, and intersectionality. It was both reassuring and invigorating to see that the challenges we face are shared, and so too are the solutions.
The Impact of Feminist Leadership Trainingon my role at SEEAWA has been profound. It has equipped me with practical tools and analytical skills, enabling me to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability. The programme’s focus on intersectionality has deepened my understanding of the diverse experiences within our community, enhancing our advocacy efforts.
Feedback from participants of the R&L Cohort echoed my sentiments:
“This is one of the best training programmes I have ever attended. The content was delivered in a way I could absorb and relate practically. I learnt new techniques to be reflective and assertive, in a digestible way. Could do a deep dive into the ‘power’ section,it made me relook at past situations and behaviours differently.”
“The training was brilliant and provided useful tools to tackle issues and concerns of women who aspired to be leaders in their own capacities. I am truly grateful to the organisers and facilitators of the training.”
One key takeaway from the R&L cohort was the importance of Creating Sustainable Learning that extends beyond the training room. This programme wasn’t just about individual growth; it empowered participants to reinvest their newly gained skills into their own communities. By providing opportunities for these women to lead on causes that resonate deeply with them, we are fostering a ‘pay it forward’ ethos. This ripple effect ensures that the lessons learned will reach even more women, creating lasting impact and encouraging the next generation of feminist leaders to rise.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Work
Due to changes in our partnership with Kanlungan, SEEAWA will not be continuing with the second round of leadership training under the R&L project. SEEAWA will try its best to look for other resources and partners and do everything in its power to continue the leadership programme for women. This programme has offered women survivors of domestic violence a powerful opportunity to reclaim their power in a supportive, empowering space. For those interested in similar training, we encourage you to connect directly with the WRC to explore further opportunities. I wholeheartedly recommend the WRC’s Feminist Leadership Training Programme. It’s more than just a course; it’s a transformative experience that empowers you to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Reflecting on my own journey from the corporate sector to the nonprofit world, this training has been a beacon, guiding my transformation. It has reinforced SEEAWA’s commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability; principles that are vital as we navigate the complexities of social change.
Until next time, keep learning, keep leading, and keep championing change
– Anna, Operations & Programme Manager, SEEAWA
Note: The Women’s Resource Centre is currently accepting applications for the Spring/Summer 2025 cohorts. Apply by February 23rd to embark on this enriching journey.
