Raising the self-esteem of BME women

Birmingham and Solihull Learning and Skills Council commissioned My Time CIC to undertake this research project on behalf of the Empowerment and Engagement Sub-Group of the Equal Engage Partnership. The research was undertaken in Partnership with Sparkbrook Women’s Centre, The Bangladeshi women’s Employment resource Centre and the Bangladeshi Women’s Association.

The Research involved the measuring the self-esteem of women attending two My Time self-esteem courses delivered at Sparkbrook Women’s Centre in Sparkbrook and the BWERC in Small Heath, Birmingham. The Home Office Funded the Sparkbrook course, and the Job CEntre Plus Ethnic Minority Programme funded the course at BWERC.

The project has indicated a need for community based, specific sector programmes for women, especially women from BME communities. All participants have reported an increase in their confidence and self-esteem and that they feel better informed to go out into the community in the knowledge that they will be perceived as worthwhile to the wider community. The course has enabled some previously very isolated individuals to meet others and make friendships increasing their confidence alongside gaining a qualification.