AS THE world celebrates International Women’s Day on Friday (8), it is important to reflect on the progression we have made and how we can continue to do so. Eastern Eye spoke with a selection of influential women to find out their hopes for girls in the future...
Amika George, activist and founder of Free Periods campaign
"I really hope that girls will be empowered to speak up about issues that matter to them, and realise that young people have tools, such as social media, at our fingertips that can spread a message in a matter of seconds. I want to see a future where girls feel that their voices have power to change the status quo and have the confidence to change the world around them, even in small ways."
Naga Munchetty, BBC Breakfast presenter
"I hope that all girls in the future feel free to use their voice, be unapologetic for having a contrary view or for being the brightest star in a room. I hope that all are never prevented from shining as brightly as they can."
Mandip Gill, actress
"I come from a very strong fearless family of seven women, so in my personal life I’ve never not been heard or afraid to speak. In my professional life I have learned that there are now cracks in the glass ceiling. Women all over have made progress, which needs celebrating, but there is still a long way to go. My hopes for girls in the future is to always be heard and seen; together we’ll break that glass ceiling!"
Nisha Katona, founder of Mowgli Street Food
"Total equality in every sphere of life, and nothing less, is my hope for girls in the future. Fathers are as important as mothers and need to carry equal weight in the home, just as women need to sit in equal numbers with equal noise levels at founder and board levels."
Baroness Shriti Vadera, chair of Santander UK
"I hope in the not too distant future that we will have fulfilled our promises and made gender diversity the norm of our daily lives and not a topic needing discussion. Girls would focus on living their dreams without needing to worry if their gender will hold them back. People of all backgrounds, genders and ethnicities will bring their whole selves to the workplace and better decisions will be made in organisations through diversity of thinking and our differences would not be a source of division but of strength."
Suella Braverman, MP for Fareham
"I’m immensely proud to be a Member of Parliament and be in the House of Commons at a time where we are seeing many more women becoming MPs. It’s right that a parliament
is representative of the people it serves, and by having more female MPs, we are seeing women’s issues being championed much more frequently. Both boys and girls and men and women should have equal opportunities. I have seen the huge strides forward in making parliament and politics a fairer place to campaign and work, and it’s right we champion the progress and successes of women on International Women’s Day."
Ayesha Hazarika, comedian and political commentator
"I hope girls in the future are told to believe in themselves from a young age. That they can do anything and be anything, and that their gender is not a barrier to any of their dreams. We should also encourage girls to find their passions early in life and pursue them, so they can find a career path which they love. They should also be encouraged to be brave and take risks and learn how to fail without feeling like a failure. You only get better at
something by learning from your mistakes in life and not being the “good girl” the whole time. I hope women in the future will have great partners who understand that true equality means equality in the home – which means doing their fair share of the housework. A true feminist partner will happily stack the dishwasher!"
Professor Neena Modi, Professor of Neonatal Medicine at Imperial College London
"It’s possibly never been a better time to be a woman and it’s great to look back on the progress made towards eliminating gender equality. Of course, many disparities persist, but today women can have the confidence to turn their compassion, intelligence and resolve towards addressing not only these challenges but also the great societal problems of our time."
Anita Anand, author and journalist
"The best thing about being a girl – in the past, present, and future – is undoubtedly your automatic membership to the sisterhood. Should you choose to avail yourself of the benefits – (conditional only on being decent and kind) you will find love, laughter, companionship and support all the days of your life. The sisterhood has been a constant in my life and I draw much strength from it. Be good to your sister-women and you will reap the benefits a hundred-fold."
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, businesswoman and Conservative life peer
"My wish for girls in the future is that they develop a real sense of self-belief when they are young and believe there are no barriers – that’s how you break those glass ceilings. I look forward to them breaking more of them."
Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn
"I’m very optimistic about the next generation. I’m always inspired when I meet young girls getting involved in politics and think that young women today are more politically engaged than before. I’m excited to see where the next generation will take us."
Ritula Shah, journalist and news presenter on BBC Radio 4
"Around the world, there can be no let-up in the battle for better healthcare and education for women. Conflict and climate change are among the factors that will affect women adversely in some of the poorest parts of the globe. In the UK, women are bolder and more courageous than ever before which is brilliant – from ‘Me too’ to the battle for equal pay, there is a really determined effort to demand respect and stake our place in society. But I would also like to see men take on their fair share of caring and domestic duties and playing a part to create workplaces that reflect modern lives with shared responsibilities."
Judge Anuja Dhir QC
"The value and the benefits of diversity are recognised more now than ever before. It is no longer simply about fairness, there is now a recognised business case for it. We should all ensure we are doing all we can, individually and collectively, to encourage and support talent wherever that comes from. I am confident we will and the time will come when equality for all, regardless of gender, race and social background will become a reality."
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central and shadow secretary for Women and Equalities
"On this International Women’s Day, I want to remind women and girls everywhere that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. My mission as shadow secretary of state for women and equalities is to push for change in society so that all women, no matter their backgrounds, are able to fulfil their potential. To do this, we must remove the structural barriers which prevent progress for so many women and speak about the value of women and their contribution to society."
Muna Shamsuddin, British diplomat and co-chair of the FCO’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network
"Having spent the past 10 years representing the UK in some of the most challenging parts of the Middle East, I often found myself busting stereotypes about British women of colour. My wish is that girls continue to smash stereotypes like these and show just how much value women bring – the sky is the limit!"
Poppy Jaman, CEO of City Mental Health Alliance
"For girls to feel equal to men, society needs to significantly shift. In my experience, we have a long way to go for this to be a reality and in particular a long way to go in the Asian community. I hope for a time when you can be a girl anywhere in the world and feel safe, respected and proud."
Rimla Akhtar, businesswoman and chair of the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation
"Excellence and progress are only possible when we come together. So, my hope is that our women and men, girls and boys, come together to create a world where our identity elevates, rather than diminishes, our opportunity to positively impact on those around us."
Sheree Atcheson, Global Ambassador at Women Who Code
"My hope for the future is that we will continue to see young women flourish and grow in whatever interests them, regardless of outdated gender stereotypes. With so many fantastic organisations showcasing STEM to our young women, such as Stemettes and Coderdojo, I am positive we have a new generation of empowered, excited and amazing leaders on our hands."
Rokhsana Fiaz, mayor of Newham
"When I was elected last year as the first female directly-elected mayor of British Asian heritage in the country, the symbolism wasn’t lost on me. As we mark International Women’s Day, I am determined to play my part in moving beyond symbols and accelerate the progress of women like me into more positions of political leadership in this country and internationally. We must continue the fight so women of all ages and backgrounds are represented in political and public life, as our contributions in shaping our country and tackling the big challenges facing the world are vital."
Eleanor Smith, MP for Wolverhampton South West
"My advice to girls and women is not to lose your compassion when you go into the big man’s world. Caring is our natural instinct and you should be proud of it and use it. You can be compassionate and strong. Also, find the right people to support you, who let you know ‘you can do it’. For me it was the union Unison. They gave me the tools, the mentoring, the training, and the guidance. You will need your own support team too. And then don’t give up. Keep up the fight like the suffragettes did. On social media people try their hardest to scare women off. We won’t be scared off, we haven’t got equality yet. Women are not going to be put back in a box."
Dame Pratibha Gai, British microscopist and Professor and chair of Electron Microscopy
"I strongly encourage girls to take up STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and be the best you can be. There are world-leading female scientists as role models for girls to look up to. Above all, STEM subjects offer great opportunities and satisfaction to develop better healthcare, sustainable energy sources and a cleaner environment, which are beneficial to society. After all, women make up half the population and more women scientists and engineers bring more benefits to the world."
Fouzia Younis, British diplomat and co-chair of the FCO’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network
"As a British diplomat, a woman of colour, the daughter of Commonwealth migrants, and as the first person from my family to go to university, I believe passionately that the diversity of our great nation is one of our greatest strengths – at home and overseas. So, what I want is for all women to break out of comfort zones, to be brave, to soar; and become the change we want to see. Our time has come."
Jasvinder Sanghera, activist and founder of Karma Nirvana
"My hope for women in the future is that they continue to shout louder and own their personal power to know they can be part of the change we seek."
A MINUTE of silence will be observed in Leicester on Sunday, June 22, to remember those who died in the recent Air India crash. The silence will take place during the inauguration of the annual Rathayatra festival of chariots in the city centre.
Organisers from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness confirmed the silence will be held at 11.20am, followed by traditional Hindu performances from Gujarat at Gallowtree Gate, outside Sports Direct.
The society’s president, Pradyumna Das, told Leicester Mercury: "Though a joyous occasion, this year's festival is marred by the tragic loss of so many lives in the plane crash, impacting families here in Leicester. Today we pray for the departed in hope for their reunion with the Supreme Lord."
The Air India flight crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived – Leicester man Viswash Kumar Ramesh. Among the dead were 53 British nationals, including several from Leicester.
The welcome ceremony for the festival starts at 9am. The chariot procession will begin after the inauguration and reach Cossington Park at 2.30pm for a free celebration.
Pradyumna told Leicester Mercury: "While we observe a world plagued with division and disharmony, this festival shares the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita to encourage us to see the true spiritual nature of all beings. This means going beyond sectarianism and even religious affiliation. In the Rathayatra festival, the Lord of the universe, Jagannatha, rides through the city to offer his glance of love to everyone."
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The discount is funded and distributed by energy companies across England, Scotland and Wales, but the government decides who qualifies. (Representational image: iStock)
MILLIONS of households in Britain will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter after the government changed the eligibility rules for the Warm Home Discount.
People on means-tested benefits will now automatically qualify for the discount, regardless of their property's size or energy score. This change is expected to extend support to 2.7 million additional households, including nearly a million with children.
The discount is funded and distributed by energy companies across England, Scotland and Wales, but the government decides who qualifies. Under the previous rules, only those on the guaranteed element of pension credit or on means-tested benefits living in homes with a high energy score were eligible.
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition told BBC: "With bills still hundreds of pounds higher than in 2020, millions will continue to face unaffordable energy and cold, damp homes this winter."
The expansion of the scheme follows the government's recent decision to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for most pensioners.
Although energy companies will cover the cost of the expanded discount, it may be passed on to all customers through a rise in the Standing Charge, BBC reported. The government says savings from reduced energy company spending and improved debt management will offset this.
Energy UK's chief executive Dhara Vyas welcomed the move and said she hoped for "a new improved targeted support scheme".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently confirmed £13.2bn for the government's Warm Homes Plan to improve energy efficiency in homes.
TWO sisters studying at the University of Chester have drowned in mountain pools while visiting Snowdonia with university friends, an inquest has heard.
Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were pulled from the water at the Watkin Pools at Eryri in the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd on June 11.
The sisters, who were born in Pakistan but lived in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were both pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.
Assistant coroner for north-west Wales Sarah Riley opened inquests into their deaths at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon on Wednesday (18).
She said: "Hajra and Haleema had travelled to the Nant Gwynant area with friends from university. They have entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning."
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9.30pm after receiving reports that one woman had been pulled from the water while another remained in the pools. Despite efforts by emergency crews to rescue the second woman, both students were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The multi-agency response involved Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Wales Air Ambulance, and the Coastguard. Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said, "On behalf of Llanberis mountain rescue team, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the two women who sadly lost their lives. This was a complex and difficult callout for the team."
The pools where the tragedy occurred are part of a series of cascades and plunge pools on Afon Cwm Llan, which have been described on social media as an "absolute dream tucked away in Snowdonia" and "perfect for a refreshing wild swim".
Both women had joined Chester Business School earlier this year to study Master's degrees in International Business.
Vice-chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said: "The University of Chester community is in mourning for the tragic loss of Haleema Zahid and Hajra Zahid and our heartfelt sympathies are with their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time. They touched the lives of many here at Chester - their friends, the cohort on their course and the staff who taught them - and they will be deeply missed."
Colleagues from Pakistan paid tribute to Haleema, who had previously worked at a telecommunications company in Islamabad. Dr Bilal Saeed described her as "an exceptionally compassionate, hardworking and kind individual" who had "touched the lives of many with her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication".
Another former colleague, Sheharyar Shahnawaz, remembered Haleema as an "amazing lady, very lively and energetic, someone you would want in your life". He revealed that she had become the pillar of her family following her father's death last year and had been "really excited for this new chapter" when he saw her before she left for the UK.
Riley added: "Investigations continue in terms of how they came by their death and the inquest is therefore adjourned to allow for completion of those investigations. I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who knew and loved them."
A YOUNG couple from Croydon were among those killed in last week's devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, it has been confirmed.
Vaibhav Patel, 29, and his pregnant wife Jinal Goswami, 27, died when their flight crashed just moments after takeoff on June 12. Goswami was seven months pregnant with the couple's first child, reports said.
The pair had travelled to Gujarat to celebrate their baby shower with family and friends. Their close friend Nirav Patel, who had known Vaibhav for over a decade, spoke of his shock at the news.
"The couple were in Ahmedabad to celebrate their own baby shower. It was on the 5 June. She was seven months pregnant. They were very happy," he told the BBC.
Patel and Goswami, who had been married for four years, had recently moved to Croydon from Southampton, where Vaibhav had previously worked at a Papa John's restaurant in Portswood.
His former manager described him as a "true gentleman" who "worked very hard and was a family man".
Nirav remembered his friend as someone who "always supported his family and friends", adding: "Vaibhav did not have a father, so he was the big son supporting the family back in India."
The funeral for both victims was held in India on Monday (16), with grieving relatives and friends gathering to pay their final respects.
Croydon Business Association expressed condolences over the tragedy, saying the incident had "profoundly affected the victims, their families and the wider community".
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner was bound for London's Gatwick Airport when it crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude just 17 seconds after liftoff and slammed into a medical college hostel.
The disaster claimed 241 of the 242 people on board, plus at least 30 people on the ground. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Only one passenger survived - 40-year-old British businessman Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who was seated near an emergency exit and suffered serious injuries.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across both India and the UK, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters worldwide in a decade.
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Smoke rises following an Israeli attack in Tehran on June 18, 2025.
ISRAEL launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities on Thursday, while Iranian missiles damaged an Israeli hospital, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its campaign until Iran's nuclear programme is destroyed. “The tyrants of Tehran will pay the full price,” he said.
Defence minister Israel Katz said the military had been ordered to increase strikes on strategic targets in Tehran. He said the goal was to eliminate threats to Israel and undermine the “Ayatollah regime.”
Netanyahu has said Israel’s offensive could bring down the Iranian regime, and that the country would take all necessary steps to remove the “existential threat” posed by Tehran.
Over a week of Israeli strikes has targeted Iran’s military leadership, damaged its nuclear infrastructure, and killed hundreds. Iran's retaliatory missile attacks have killed at least two dozen civilians in Israel.
Israel’s military said it targeted the Khondab nuclear site in Arak overnight, including a heavy-water research reactor. Heavy-water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons.
Iranian media reported that two projectiles landed near the facility. No radiation threat was reported.
The Israeli military also said it struck a site in the Natanz area, which it described as housing equipment for developing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says its programme is peaceful. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran said Israel had violated international law by attacking its nuclear sites and added there were no casualties because the areas were evacuated.
Missiles damage hospital in Israel
On Thursday, several Iranian missiles struck populated areas in Israel, including a hospital in the south, according to an Israeli military official.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it was aiming at Israeli military and intelligence sites near Soroka medical centre in Beersheba. The hospital confirmed damage.
This marks the first time in years of conflict that Iranian missile attacks have killed civilians inside Israel. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv as missiles were intercepted. Some made direct hits, according to Israeli media.
Emergency services said five people were seriously injured and dozens hurt across three locations. People were trapped in a building in a southern Tel Aviv neighbourhood.
A number of embassies in central Tel Aviv were located close to the impact zone. Buildings were also damaged in nearby Ramat Gan, a commercial area.
Emergency workers were helping residents, including children, after windows were shattered and buildings damaged by the blast.
“It’s very scary,” said Yaniv, 34, who lives nearby. He said his apartment tower shook from the explosion.
Regional conflict widens
The conflict between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about the involvement of other world powers and wider instability in the Middle East.
Oil prices rose after news of the Israeli strikes, amid concerns over potential disruptions to crude supply.
Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, Israel has been fighting on multiple fronts. It has targeted Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Yemen’s Houthi group with airstrikes and assassinations.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, president Donald Trump declined to confirm whether the US would join Israel’s campaign.
“I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said.
Trump also said Iranian officials wanted to come to Washington for talks. “We may do that,” he said, adding “it’s a little late.”
Trump has said the conflict could end if Iran agrees to strict limits on its nuclear programme. Iran has said it will not negotiate while under attack. Talks scheduled between Washington and Tehran were cancelled last Sunday.
Germany, France and Britain are now planning to meet with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday in Geneva, according to a German diplomatic source.
Trump has made varying statements, from suggesting diplomacy to floating the idea of targeting Iran’s supreme leader and calling for Iran’s surrender.
A source familiar with internal discussions said Trump’s team is reviewing possible US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
However, the idea of US military involvement has caused divisions among Trump’s supporters, with some urging him to avoid another Middle East conflict.