Rahima Begum Explained

Rahima Begum
Native Name:রহিমা বেগম
Native Name Lang:bn
Birth Date:1984 5, df=yes
Nationality:British
Education:MA Postcolonial History, Literature and Theory
Alma Mater:University College London
Occupation:Human rights activist, researcher and artist
Years Active:2007–present
Co-founder and co-director of Restless Beings

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.

Early life

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

Career

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

On 27 August 2013, Begum married Restless Beings co-founder Mabrur Ahmed.

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Choudhury. Nilima. Third anniversary of Restless Beings charity. The Independent. 6 June 2011. 1 November 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141101023742/http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/06/02/third-anniversary-of-restless-beings-charity/. 1 November 2014. dmy-all.
  2. Web site: Rahima Begum. Consent Campaign. 1 November 2014.
  3. News: Shahid. Omar. Review: Restless Beings, Human Writes 2 @ Rhythm Factory. Omar Shahid. 28 November 2011. 1 November 2014.
  4. News: A Voice's value. Your Local Guardian. 27 March 2014. 1 July 2013.
  5. News: 2013 British Bangladeshi Power 100 unveiled. The Asians. 28 January 2013. 1 July 2013.
  6. News: 2013 British Bangladeshi Power 100 unveiled. Tazakhobor.com. 28 January 2013. 1 July 2013.
  7. News: Baynes. Mark. Nominations for British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 still open. https://web.archive.org/web/20141101020942/http://lovewapping.org/2013/12/nominations-british-bangladeshi-power-inspiration-2014-open/. usurped. 1 November 2014. Love Wapping. 21 December 2010. 1 November 2014.
  8. News: British Asians make valuable contribution in developing society. The Asians. 18 May 2010. 1 November 2014.
  9. News: Rivers. Daniel. Emerging Influence – Community recognition for RestlessBeings. Restless Beings. January 2013. 1 November 2014.
  10. Web site: Restless Beings Talk #Rohingya Crisis on Revolution. Reprezent 107.3FM. 7 August 2012. 1 November 2014.
  11. Web site: Revolution. Reprezent 107.3FM. 7 August 2012. 1 November 2014.
  12. Web site: Social Activist Rahima Begum. BBC Asian Network. 24 May 2014. 1 July 2015.