Rahima Begum (Bengali: রহিমা বেগম; born 22 May 1984) is an English human rights activist who is the co-founder of international human rights organisation Restless Beings, and an artist and researcher.

Rahima Begum
রহিমা বেগম
Born (1984-05-22) 22 May 1984 (age 39)
NationalityBritish
EducationMA Postcolonial History, Literature and Theory
Alma materUniversity College London
Occupation(s)Human rights activist, researcher and artist
Years active2007–present
TitleCo-founder and co-director of Restless Beings
Spouse
Mabrur Ahmed
(m. 2013)

Early life edit

Begum attended Plashet School until 2000 and then attended Seven Kings High School.[citation needed] She graduated with an MA in postcolonial history, literature and theory from University College London.[citation needed]

Career edit

Begum worked as a researcher,[1] illustrator and freelance artist.[2] In October 2007,[3] she co-founded Restless Beings with academic consultant Mabrur Uddin Ahmed (born 1983).[1] Restless Beings is an international[4] grassroots[1] human rights organisation and registered UK charity[1][5][6] that supports marginalised communities across the world. The organisation occupies the space between activism, advocacy and academia.[7][8]

Begum has been outspoken and passionate about human rights from a young age. She has worked across the community from co-hosting and speaking at women's rights events, championing arts and human rights across the British Bangladeshi community, alongside work with media. She has mobilised civil society and spearheaded several national and international campaigns. In addition to this, Begum has consulted various think tanks, NGO/INGOs on how to better serve vulnerable communities as well as offered her assistance on policy shifting research projects. She is a panel expert, and has lectured on human rights both domestically and internationally (Berkeley California, LSE, University of Columbia, NYU, Dhaka University, University of Malaysia amongst many others).

Her work leading Restless Beings with Mabrur Ahmed and support for the persecuted Rohingya community in Burma as well as women's rights in Kyrgyzstan received particular praise[9] and attention of the international media and world opinion.[8][10][11]

In May 2014, Begum was interviewed by Nadia Ali on BBC Asian Network about the Rohingya migrant crisis.[12]

Personal life edit

On 27 August 2013, Begum married Restless Beings co-founder Mabrur Ahmed.[citation needed]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Choudhury, Nilima (6 June 2011). "Third anniversary of Restless Beings charity". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  2. ^ "Rahima Begum". Consent Campaign. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  3. ^ Shahid, Omar (28 November 2011). "Review: Restless Beings, Human Writes 2 @ Rhythm Factory". Omar Shahid. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  4. ^ "A Voice's value". Your Local Guardian. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  5. ^ "2013 British Bangladeshi Power 100 unveiled". The Asians. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  6. ^ "2013 British Bangladeshi Power 100 unveiled". Tazakhobor.com. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  7. ^ Baynes, Mark (21 December 2010). "Nominations for British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 still open". Love Wapping. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ a b "British Asians make valuable contribution in developing society". The Asians. 18 May 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  9. ^ Rivers, Daniel (January 2013). "Emerging Influence – Community recognition for RestlessBeings". Restless Beings. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  10. ^ "Restless Beings Talk #Rohingya Crisis on Revolution". Reprezent 107.3FM. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  11. ^ "Revolution". Reprezent 107.3FM. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  12. ^ "Social Activist Rahima Begum". BBC Asian Network. 24 May 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2015.

External edit