Having had a very successful joint AGM with the SikhWomen’s Alliance (SWA) on 30th March 2008, where the issues and discrimination affecting Sikh women was brought to the fore, we were approached and, therefore, subsequently funded the SWA in three of their projects:

1. A European Conference, empowering women through promoting social cohesion amongst the various faiths.
   
2. Tackling discrimination in schools affecting female religious articles of faith through their ‘Flexi’ Project.This was consistent with the MPSA’s aims and objectives – an important project as children are vulnerable to bullying from their peers and should not have to face further discrimination from teachers and/or school governors.
   
3. In addition there was a seminar exclusively to empower Sikh women including professionals. This was chaired at the University of East London, focusing on work ethics,career aspirations, self-development, managing thework-home balance, perceptions from Sikh men and the formation of a network to support one another.There was also an underlying theme of engagement in politics and gaining higher educational qualifications for women.