A force to be reckoned with - Khadijah Shireh

Khadija Shireh is the Director of the British Somali Community Centre (BSCC), a charity that supports families and children in Camden. A former law-graduate with a passion for advocacy work, she arrived in the UK in the early nineties and immediately set up and co-founded the women-led charity BSCC. The impact of her work and her vision has and continues to be felt in the Camden Somali community; she is simply a force to be reckoned with!  
 
Khadija's unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering the lives of Somali women, families and children in the community is truly commendable. Her visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in providing essential support and resources to those who have sought refuge, fostering a sense of belonging and stability in their lives. She is the voice and inspiration of so many in the Somali community and for that we are honoured to have her as leader of our organisation. 
 
Khadija is exceptionally dedicated, and her contributions and achievements include:  

• Co-founding the British Somali Community Centre’s Supplementary School, a leading programme that since 1995 has helped increase the educational attainment of Camden Somali pupils.  
•  Being at the forefront of awareness campaigns in Camden on ending the practice of FGM by engaging with the community through a cultural approach and creating an educational programme delivered to schools, multi-agencies, and statutory organisations, as well as creating a school’s programme and advocating for central government policy changes. 
• Running a fundamental family support project which historically has provided support for families in vulnerable situations, signposting them to expert legal, health, and welfare advice, and providing them with interpreters.  

BSCC runs many projects including youth safety, parent support, mental health, cost of living support, a warm space hub, summer and winter activities and sports for children and a girls and women's football coaching project. 
 
As the director of the BSCC Supplementary School, she’s dedicated nearly 30 years to improving the educational achievements of young Somalis and inspiring the next generation of young Somali leaders by providing them with opportunities. Many of the School’s alumni have gone on to become leaders in business, activism, public service, law, education, policing, and health. 
 
Khadija's advocacy work has not only raised awareness about the struggles faced by refugee Somali women, families and children but has also contributed significantly to fostering a more inclusive and understanding community in Camden. Her ability to bring people together and mobilize resources for the greater good is truly inspiring. 
 
As an educated professional who has built the organisation for the sake of bringing the community together, she truly embodies the phrase “Pay it forward”; she continues to push younger girls in the community to achieve their best in life so they too can contribute back to the community that raised them.  
 
We believe Khadija Shireh deserves recognition for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and the positive impact she has made on the lives of countless refugee Somali women, children and families. Her work embodies the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and community building that is at the heart of the celebration of women's achievements. Her contributions exemplify the values of International Women's Day and serve as an inspiration for us all. 

By Laamiga’s Trustees  

Khadija Shireh