Herstory – Brij Gandhi

Coined in the 1970s, ‘Herstory’ was a term used to reclaim space for the female groundbreakers of the era left out of the history books. Fifty years on, Colourful Heritage presents a series of talks delving into the lives of women who have transformed the South Asian community in Scotland for the better. Breaking moulds and shattering stereotypes, juggling careers with children, family and marriage, these discussions will uncover the unique stories of pioneering women in their very own words.

This week, join Colourful Heritage’s Project Officer, Saqib Razzaq for coffee and conversation with Brij Gandhi MBE. Originally from India, Brij Gandhi migrated from Kenya to Glasgow with her two sons in 1984. Once here, she dedicated her life and career to community work, running interfaith groups and building experience in youth counselling. In 1993, she founded the Meridian Black and Ethnic Minority Women’s Resource Centre. The first of its kind in Scotland, the centre provided help to women in need on issues such as benefits, housing, education and employment for 16 years. Since then, she has overseen a number of major roles promoting racial equality in Scotland and was the first South Asian woman to be awarded an MBE.