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PUTTING GENDER ON THE AGENDA TO CHANGE THE WORLD

10/03/2004

"I want to bring together influential and inspiring women, living legends who are outstanding in their own fields. Let's see what's possible when they cross boundaries."

Born in Calcutta and raised in London, Zerbanoo was awarded the Nehru Centenary Award for her political campaigning for the under-privileged and dispossessed. She has gained an international reputation as a champion for the rights of women, children and minorities. A former member of the Home Secretary's Race Relations Forum, she has also advised the Liberal Democrats. She is the director of the Asha Foundation, which encourages and supports philanthropy worldwide and works for interfaith, intercultural understanding.

Zerbanoo is also the author of numerous books including: The Golden Thread, Asian Experiences in post-Raj Britain (1990), Dadabhai Naoroji (1992), about Britain's first non-white MP, Thomas Clarkson, and the Campaign against the slave trade (1996), Asian Presence in Europe (1995), and Celebrating India (1998).

The main aim of Zerbanoo's Fellowship is to develop her writing style and all-round creativity. She says:

"I want to bring together influential and inspiring women, living legends who are outstanding in their own fields. Let's see what's possible when they cross boundaries and work together for the wider good."

Zerbanoo will divide her Fellowship into two stages. Firstly, she will conduct research while improving her technological skills. Secondly, she will generate creative material to stimulate international debate amongst outstanding women. She then hopes to interpret shared experience, stories, ambitions and passions and pass these experiences on in the form of literature, international lectures and charitable projects.

To begin the debate, Zerbanoo plans to organise a 'renaissance weekend' where a core group can network as well as set up an Internet chat-room and online gallery for them to exchange experiences and ideas.

Venu Dhupa, Fellowship Director, said: "Zerbanoo is without question a highly driven and motivational figure who has achieved a great deal in her career. Like with all polymaths, she has little time to devote to personal projects. Our Fellowship has literally bought her this precious time to embark on a highly inspirational pathway to enhance a debate and help her achieve her creative potential. The outcomes of her enquiry will, I'm sure, be intriguing and dynamic."