I am the Founder and CEO of the Zinthiya Trust, a charity working to prevent violence against women and within families in Leicester and Leicestershire. I have over 20 years' experience of working with women fleeing violence, including those who are affected by violent conflict, and in designing and developing services aimed at women and girls fleeing abuse. My research focus is on developing a community-led solution to prevent violence against women and girls, as I strongly believe that communities can be a part of the solution as well as the problem.

I have undertaken a range of activities such as raising awareness in the media about violence against women and girls, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women. In addition, I published a book chapter that discusses the cultural forms of abuse faced by women from ethnic minorities. I have also undertaken a survey to identify some of the barriers faced by women coming forward to access support services or to report, and I am developing a campaign around these issues. The Zinthiya Trust won the social impact award in the BIZX 2021.

I would like to thank the following for assisting me:

Women's Development Forum Sri Lanka

Women's development centre - Monaragala

Women's Development centre - Haguranketha,

Sambal Foundation- Sri Lanka

We Nepal

Women Can Nepal