Rabina Khan – known to us in Tower Hamlets as Cllr Khan, Member for Shadwell and Cabinet Member for Housing and Development – was named Hero of the Year at the European Diversity Awards on 2nd October.
The award was given to Rabina in recognition of her achievements in promoting equality and diversity in her working life – as a writer and film producer; in her political life – as a ward councillor and Cabinet Member, and in her personal life as a mother of three children and well respected member of the local community.
It may come as news to many in Tower Hamlets that Cllr Khan had a working life before she was elected to the Council in 2010, but she was actually a pioneer in the creative arts – her own production company, a novelist and broadcaster. What we are more familiar with, since she veered into local politics, is the Cllr Khan who, despite the harassment and abuse she has been through, has taken on and overcome challenges to the point where she has won huge admiration from her supporters and even grudging respect from many of those who have sought to undermine her. A woman of principle when it matters (standing up for local Labour Party members’ rights to select their own candidates without political interference), she embraces pragmatism where necessary to make sure people are housed now and housed well rather than waiting for a perfect solution to come along a lifetime later.
BBC newsreader Jane Hill, who hosted the ceremony, explained the ethos of the awards, saying: “The European Diversity Awards recognise excellence in the areas of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, culture and religion across Europe. They are unique in recognising all aspects of diversity across the whole of Europe and celebrate the best across both the corporate and campaigning aspects of diversity.”
Rabina was chosen from a shortlist of eight including ITN’s Managing Editor Robin Elias and comedian and actress Francesca Martinez. This year’s judges include Baronness Doreen Lawrence, herself a former winner of the award, a range of leaders and diversity professionals from banks and businesses and Labour MEP Michael Cashman. Other winners at the Diversity Awards included BBC Newsnight presenter Evan Davis.
A statement from the European Diversity Awards said: “Rabina Khan is a truly inspirational Muslim woman who has dedicated her life, both personally and professionally to creating an inclusive and equitable society for all. Her particular focus has been on challenging perceptions of Muslim women and advancing the integration of Muslim women into mainstream society across Europe. She has achieved this through writing, producing and directing a number of ground breaking films including The Good Wife and Shrouded. She has also written a number of novels and short stories highlighting positive role models of Muslim women as well as working with the police and criminal justice system to create greater understanding of the complex issues at play for Muslim communities in Europe.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Rabina Khan said: “I am hugely honoured, humbled and grateful to be recognised at the European Diversity Awards. At a time when there are many who seek to sow division in our societies, the European Diversity Awards is a testament to how much more can be achieved when we stand together.
“If my work can encourage other women, particularly mums, living ordinary lives in Britain and across Europe, to get involved in politics and public life more generally, and act as positive role models to today’s generation of Muslim women, then that will be my greatest achievement.”