The Women of the Future Podcast: Fatima Zaman

It’s hard to find enough superlatives to describe the force of nature that is Fatima Zaman.

A Muslim woman of British-Bengali descent, Fatima is a next-generation counter-extremist.

Growing up in Tower Hamlets, she was just 13 years-old when she witnessed the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London; during which her school doubled-up as a evacuation centre for the injured and dying.

Citing it as an event that completely shaped her personal narrative; after graduating Fatima was recruited by Ghanian diplomat Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, to join his Foundation in 2016.

As part of her work Fatima leads a programme called Extremely Together. The campaign aims to counter violent extremism in local communities both in the UK and globally, as well as inspiring and engaging the next generation of leaders.

She also spent a year as scholar in residence with former President of the United States Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at their Foundation in the United States.

Fatima is due to head-up the Under 30 UK delegation to the G20 this year, focussing on global citizenship and multiculturalism for young people.

In addition, she has the accolade of being the youngest recipient of the Asian Women of Achievement Chairman’s Award.

Please note, our interview was recorded before the Coronavirus outbreak.

-------

For more information on the Women of the Future Programme and initiatives, please visit: www.womenofthefuture.co.uk

For more information on the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, please visit: www.awaawards.com