On Tuesday 3rd June 2025, something truly special happened in the heart of Westminster.
In the historic House of Commons, over 100 guests — including 20 incredible young South Asian girls aged 13–18 — gathered to celebrate five years of Inspire Club. What began as a quiet community of women choosing courage over comfort has grown into a movement. And on this evening, we honoured that growth, our collective journey, and the ripple effect we’re creating together.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was unmistakable: one of pride, purpose, and possibility.
The night was hosted by the brilliant Preet Kaur Gill MP, the UK’s first female Sikh Member of Parliament. As a champion of equity and representation, her presence reminded us just how powerful it is to have South Asian women in spaces where decisions are made.
We heard from a phenomenal line-up of speakers who each brought vulnerability, wisdom and fire:
- Harroop Sandhu, EDI consultant and founder of Lead With One, spoke about the deep need for safe, exclusive spaces for South Asian women to grow, be seen, and lead.
- Anjula Devi, author and award-winning chef, reflected on what it means to break barriers while staying rooted in purpose and identity.
- Preethi Nair reminded us of the radical power in choosing yourself, especially in systems that often ask us to stay small.
- Geeta Nayyar elevated the urgent issue of South Asian maternal health, calling for more awareness and action.
- And finally, Preet Gill MP opens and closed the talks with a message of hope, resilience, and the importance of lifting as we rise.
Each of them embodies what Asian Women MEAN Business stands for courage, authenticity, and the power of choosing yourself, even when the path isn’t easy.
Through Inspire Club and our wider work, our mission is clear: to amplify the voices of South Asian women especially those who haven’t always had access to the rooms, the resources, or the recognition they deserve.
We are committed to building spaces where women can be seen, heard, and celebrated — not just for what they do, but for who they are.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening was our Recognition Awards, where we honoured five women from our community who have broken barriers and lit the way for others:
- Jaspreet Kaur (Behind the Netra) – author of Brown Girl Like Me, educator and spoken word artist giving voice to identity and empowerment.
- Anjula Devi – culinary force and cultural educator keeping heritage alive while redefining spaces for South Asian women.
- Dr Nighat Arif – GP, broadcaster, and advocate breaking taboos and championing women’s health.
- Preet Kaur Gill MP – trailblazer and role model showing us all that representation isn’t just symbolic — it’s transformative.
- Kirat Assi a successful marketer and local radio presenter, with a profile in her community and networks, she was cat fished and had to rebuild her life.
Their stories moved the room. There were tears, standing ovations, and so much love.
“You Can’t Be What You Can’t See”
One of the most moving aspects of the night was seeing the youngest women in the room, our 13–18 year old guests — witness this energy first-hand.
They saw women who looked like them, leading with conviction, speaking truth to power, and standing unapologetically in their brilliance.
As we often say: you can’t be what you can’t see. And on this night, they saw what’s possible.
This celebration wasn’t just about looking back — it was about looking forward.
Five years of Inspire Club have shown us that community is everything. When South Asian women support each other, we rise faster, stronger, and together.
Thank you to every speaker, every guest, and every woman who’s ever taken a courageous step in her own growth. You are the reason this movement exists.
Here’s to the next five years — and to every voice we’ve yet to hear.
