Laamiga Trustee - Mamataj Begum

Mamataj is the Chair of Trustees for Laamiga, a Camden and Islington based charity providing mentoring and training opportunities for black and minority ethnic women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. She has previously been both a mentee and mentor with Laamiga, applying to become a trustee after being inspired by Laamiga’s work.  
 
Mamataj is the leader of our small charity, having taken over as Chair in 2022. During that time, she has led Laamiga through a significant period of change, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, including a move to online services for the people we support, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. 
 
In addition to her work at Laamiga, she has been a member of the Faith and Belief Forum’s Youth Council, where she planned the annual Interfaith Summit and activities bringing together young people interested in faith and belief. She also campaigned on youth engagement in national and international climate policy. She also serves as a trustee for Xenia, a charity supporting the connecting of women who want to learn English with those who can speak English, encouraging community cohesion. 

Mamataj brings her creative vision and extensive knowledge of the needs of our service users from the local community. As our Chair, she has been inspirational in leading Laamiga to set up innovative projects and monitor the impact in the local community. She has also been a very hardworking mentor who empowered her mentee to set and achieve her goals. 

Mamataj continues to demonstrate her invaluable commitment to Laamiga women's social needs across all areas of our small charity, no matter the size of the task. In 2023, Mamataj organised and hosted our annual picnic and walk at a new venue that she knew would be accommodating for our mentees and their children, the Olympic park in Stratford. Mamataj organised family friendly games and activities for the event and regularly returned to the meeting point to bring latecomers to the picnic. Her infectious energy and humour have enabled Laamiga to reach new heights as a volunteer led local charity. 

“I hope to see, and support Laamiga through expanding its reach of the women that could benefit from its services. Laamiga will continue to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones within the community. I’d like to see Laamiga become a space for growth and sanctuary for the women who need this the most. To be able to learn from each other and support each other. I’d love Laamiga to hold groups in the future where women can craft together, cook together, and learn new skills together, says Mamataj.” 
 
She added: “I'm continuously warmed and inspired by the work of Laamiga and the passion expressed by all involved in making Laamiga what it is. It's a cause hugely important to me, and necessary for our community. The value Laamiga adds to the lives of countless women is immeasurable.” 

By Laamiga’s Trustees

Mamataj Begum