Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Miss Birmingham finalist opens up about struggle with anxiety

By Reena Kumar

A Miss Birmingham finalist has spoken about overcoming adversity through modelling and is hoping to inspire other Pakistani girls to follow in her footsteps.


Aqeelah Sajad, is the only Asian woman who will compete in the finals of the competition next month after battling through five rounds.

Hoping to impress a panel of judges, she will be in with a chance of competing for Miss England if she is crowned Miss Birmingham.

The 23-year-old hotel worker spoke to Eastern Eye about her struggle with anxiety and growing up with an abusive father.

From a very young age I grew up with an abusive father- which pretty much destroyed me," Sajad said.

Every day the police would come down, he was physically abusive to my mum and she raised me as a single parent. She has taken care of me and supported me through all my difficult times.”

The model, who studied tourism and business management at university, was also bullied at school and has spent years suffering from panic attacks and social anxiety.

I pushed myself everyday to get to where I am today, gaining a degree was something which I achieved for my mother. It was a struggle for me as I have fought anxiety and other issues every day. In primary school up until college, I had girls picking on me, calling me names and making comments about the way I dress.

Over the years I’ve had panic attacks and social anxiety, and continuing with my daily life is a struggle in situations where I’m communicating with people, socialising with friends and family, and going to work.”

When she started working after finishing her degree, the graduate said her confidence grew and her anxiety slowly began to subside.

I thought why not give modelling a go. I’m doing it to prove to myself that I am capable and anyone can follow their dreams. Now people who thought I wouldn’t be able to do anything will see I am capable of doing well, you just have to try hard. I am extremely proud of myself to say I am now a finalist for Miss Birmingham 2017.”

Sajad, who is also raising money for the charity Beauty with a Purpose, which helps under privileged children around the world, is hoping to inspire other Pakistani women into the industry.

Most (Pakistani) girls are not allowed to go forward but my family and my mum especially have been really supportive. It’s really important to show that there’s nothing wrong with taking part in this. It has been great, I’ve got to meet a lot of finalists which has been fun. Maybe in the future you will see more girls taking part.”

Miss Birmingham will take place on May 21.

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less