Driving force for equality who has empowered thousands of women is recognised by the University of Leicester

A charity leader described as the ‘voice for the voiceless’ has been honoured by the University of Leicester for empowering thousands of women in the city.

As CEO of the Shama Women’s Centre, Khudeja Amer-Sharif has been a driving force for equality, working tirelessly for women from under-represented communities who face inequalities.

Her achievements were recognised today (Wednesday 15 July) when she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of Leicester, at a graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall.

Khudeja started working with the centre 14 years ago and expected to be there for a matter of weeks. Now, as CEO, she leads a 20-strong team to deliver an invaluable service which supports thousands of women to gain confidence, qualifications and become emotionally and financially resilient. 

Thanks to the Centre’s work, local Asian and Black women, who might otherwise experience isolation due to cultural barriers, have become active and valued members of the community by accessing a range of culturally conducive services.

Shama Women’s Centre works in partnership with the University of Leicester Law School’s Legal Advice Clinic; providing much needed family and immigration support to vulnerable victims of abuse.

Reflecting on her award, Khudeja said: “I am honoured and humbled to have received the honorary award from the University of Leicester. I have been a resident of Leicester since the year 2000, working with diverse communities that face inequalities, being their advocate and voice.

“As CEO of Shama Women’s Centre, I have also been able to realise my passion in the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders; by nurturing links with the University of Leicester to provide volunteering, placement and research opportunities for its students, empowering them to take on leadership roles and projects that provide real work-related opportunities linked to their studies and career prospects.

“I am particularly proud of the impact of the monthly law clinics delivered by the University's Law students have. They continue to provide legal advice and practical support to vulnerable women, who are often victims of abuse, who would otherwise not have the financial means to do so.

“Receiving this honorary doctorate will build upon our shared values and bring about positive change in the communities I serve.”

Khudeja has been active in the voluntary sector for more than 30 years, drawing on her experience as a caregiver and interpreter for her mother. In her early life, she was singled out as the only Muslim Asian girl in her school and later became a survivor of an abusive arranged marriage.

A single mother of three, Khudeja broke through the glass ceiling in the corporate banking sector before securing a senior leadership post as head of external relations and marketing at a local further education college, pioneering award-winning services and financial investment.

She subsequently set up her own consultancy which successfully bid for £1.5 of funding to set up training centres. Khudeja utilised her passion for diversity and inclusion as a specialist diversity advisor for the Department for Work and Pensions and a community advisor for the Office of National Statistics. She has also championed health inequalities through various strategic lay roles regionally and nationally in the NHS.

In her youth, Khudeja had dreamed of studying at university, an ambition she achieved in 2012 when she graduated with an MBA (Distinction) from De Montfort University (DMU) as a mature student. In 2022 she was appointed senior lecturer and senior research fellow at DMU, and more recently appointed as Pro Chancellor.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, said: “Khudeja’s story is incredibly inspiring. She has shown true strength and determination to overcome traumatic personal setbacks to build an impressive and meaningful career.

“A true Citizen of Change, Khudeja is a shining beacon of hope for so many thousands of women here in Leicester, who have been supported by the Shama Women’s Centre. She has also worked with and empowered so many of our students, as part of her role with our Law School. I am delighted to see her accept this well-deserved award from the University.”