On March 8, 2025, the Rohingya Centre UK (RCUK) proudly hosted an inspiring celebration of Rohingys Women in Bradford, UK, in honour of International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
For many Rohingya women and girls in Bradford, this day was a powerful reminder of their extraordinary journey—from refugee camps in Bangladesh to new lives in British society. Once deprived of basic rights, such as education, they fled Arakan State (Burma) to escape persecution. After enduring years in refugee camps, where opportunities for education and freedom of movement were restricted, their lives have now been transformed. Today, they are learning English language, gaining education, building careers, and stepping into leadership roles within their communities.
The first group of Rohingya refugees arrived in Bradford between December 2008 and March 2009. This comprised 19 families, made up of 48 adults and 41 children (GPP1). The second group arrived in November 2009, with subsequent arrivals in December 2009, February 2010, and May 2010. In the second Gateway programme (GPP2), 24 families were resettled, totalling 47 adults and 62 children who arrived in four cohorts. In total, there are 98 males and 100 females, with 52% under the age of 18 within both intakes.
Bradford is now home to one of the largest Rohingya communities in Europe, with around 650 people living in the district. This vibrant and growing community is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Rohingya people, and the support they have received since arriving in the UK.
One such inspiring story comes from Kismat Ara, who arrived in Bradford with her family in 2009 after spending years in a refugee camp. Today, Kismat Ara works as a nurse at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) after overcoming significant obstacles in her journey:
“When I first arrived in the UK, I never imagined I could pursue a career in healthcare. But through the support of the community and my own hard work, I am now a nurse at BRI. It wasn’t easy, but the opportunity to gain experience and grow here has been life-changing. I hope that anything is possible if Rohingya women and girls have the chance to succeed, regardless of where they are.”
Kismat Ara’s journey exemplifies the incredible potential within Rohingya women when they are given the resources and support to succeed.
Another amazing story is that of Jasmin Akter Julie, who arrived in Bradford in October 2024 after years in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. Now attending Bradford College, Jasmin shared her excitement about the future:
“Before coming to the UK, I never had the chance to study or dream of a future. Life in the camp was difficult, and I didn’t feel I had any freedom. But since arriving in Bradford, everything has changed. I am now learning English at Bradford College, and I feel hopeful about my future. I want to be a voice for other girls like me who may feel lost, without hope, and with no opportunities. I am incredibly grateful to the UK Government and Bradford Council for opening their doors to me and my family, and for welcoming our community with such warmth and support.”
Jasmin’s resilience shines as a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating the power of education and opportunity in shaping brighter futures for Rohingya women and girls.
The event also highlighted the achievements of women and girls who arrived in Bradford. The day was filled with activities that celebrated their strength and resilience, such as storytelling by community leaders, the “Tree of Dreams” activity, where women and girls shared their hopes and aspirations, and confidence-building role-playing, empowering the next generation to dream big.
As RCUK continues to lead advocacy efforts for Rohingya women and girls’ rights, we are committed to promoting educational empowerment, creating leadership opportunities, and ensuring global recognition for the vital role of women and girls in peacebuilding and community development.
On this International Women’s Day, RCUK reaffirms its dedication to empowering Rohingya women and girls, working toward a future where rights, equality, and opportunity are accessible to all.
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