Women's centre could be 'true visionary's' legacy

A centre for the empowerment of women in Bradford could be the legacy of a "true visionary" from the city.

The death of Bana Gora, co-founder of the Bradford-based Muslim Women's Council, was announced on 1 May.

The organisation, which describes itself as "committed to empowering women and strengthening communities", now wants to fulfil her ambition of opening a multi-purpose centre to support its work.

Saadia Mushtaq, office manager at the Muslim Women's Council, said: "Bana wanted to make sure that women had a chance to be the best in their lives. That's what we want to carry on with as her legacy."

The Muslim Women's Council has already purchased the building they hope will become the multi-purpose space, a former Chinese restaurant on Saltaire Road in Shipley.

On the inspiration behind 52-year-old Gora's idea for the centre, Mushtaq said: "I think she had seen a lot of women suffer in the work that she had done over the years, but she also saw the potential.

"It wasn't just about building a centre, it was about creating an opportunity for future generations as well, and providing that dignity and as many opportunities to come through this centre."

The organisation wants to raise £150,000 for the first phase of the project, which would see a kitchen and café opened, with profits put towards future phases including an extension.

If successful, they hope the centre could open next year.

Mushtaq said: "I think the centre is needed to empower women in the community, to provide a safe multi-purpose space so that we can run our sessions here, provide a space for women to network, get to know each other and develop themselves and their skills.

"It isn't just for Muslim women, we do want to encourage women from all walks of life to come and create those relationships."

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