As you may be aware, Global Connects support a range of charities and social causes in our local communities. One of our longest-standing relationships is with the Scottish Minority Ethnic Sports Association (SEMSA). Founded in 1996, SEMSA have a range of programmes and initiatives that support people with minority ethnic backgrounds in Scotland to access sports and exercise opportunities. Considering Scotland’s changing landscape, they aim to bring together old and new Scots through inclusive sports to bridge gaps between different communities. SEMSA work to, “challenge and tackle inequality, racism and discrimination in the field of sport,” including working alongside Glasgow City Council to bolster diversity initiatives for local people.
The SEMSA International Women’s Day event on Sunday 9th March was led by the SEMSA IWD Committee, and we were lucky enough to hear from Mridula Chakraborty, Kamaljeet Minhas and Sheela Mukerjee about their experiences as South Asian women in demanding careers and working to boost inclusivity within their local communities. Many women volunteered their time and effort to make the event possible. The event also included a range of inspiring speeches from trailblazing women in politics, including Ballie Annette Christie (Chair of Glasgow Life), Mary Montague (Provice and Labour Councillor for East Renfrewshire) and Pam Gosal (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP). We were treated to Punjabi singing and dance performances, invited to engage with SakoonMind mental health charity and served a healthy dose of channa, samosas and naan.
Celebrating International Women’s Day was particularly important to me as a black woman in Glasgow. On Saturday 8th March, I attended the Latino Dance Project’s Mujeres (Women) celebration in Glasgow and enjoyed a range of folk tales and dance styles from Latin America, Africa, India, Albania and more. We also had the opportunity to support local women artists and learn more about supporting Latin American climate initiatives which affect indigenous communities. I left feeling more connected to my local communities and empowered to drive change. I would recommend that everyone check out their local community forums and events websites, and talk to friends about events in and around their neighbourhood to celebrate national and international holidays.
SEMSA have a range of different events to participate in and enjoy throughout the year for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Global Connects would encourage anyone to join the warm and welcoming SEMSA community, try something new and celebrate with their local communities in the process!
