Pakistan Forum

HISTORY: The Pakistan Forum was set up in 1999 as a way of representing and promoting the interests and cultural values of the Pakistani community both within and beyond the Pakistani community. Although it serves a citywide Pakistani community it is situated in forest fields and tends to work with people living in the NG7 area. The 1991 census indicates that there are in excess of Pakistani people living in the NG7 area.

Over the last 2 years a strong emphasis has been placed on working with the whole family bringing men, women and children together. A range of social events have been organised along with opportunities to learn about our history, heritage, culture and language. It has also tried to promote the welfare of the Pakistani community and to relieve poverty and distress beyond the immediate community.

The forum has provided training opportunities in a number of areas including Islamic studies, Urdu, ESOL and IT as well as running supplementary classes for the children.

It has become obvious that there are nevertheless gender inequalities and issues, in which it is inappropriate for men and women being together. There are issues that can only be addressed by working with women on their own and to empower those women to overcome the inequalities they experience.