By Sneha Gupta
A candid conversation on women’s wellbeing, from work pressures to long-overdue myth-busting around perimenopause and menopause, brought professionals together this week and underscored the urgent need for spaces where women can talk openly and receive practical support.
The ‘Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing’ session held by the BPA Lionesses at Carlton Junior and Infant School, offered a structured yet welcoming environment for women to reflect on the pressures they face at work and at home.
The panel featured a strong line-up of specialists: lawyer Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE, headteacher and education consultant Rizwana Mahmood-Ahmed MBE, empowerment coach and former world martial arts champion Sobiya Jawaid, and women’s health practitioners Noshina Kiani and Bushra Effendi.
Each brought expertise that addressed issues rarely discussed openly, despite their significant impact on women’s wellbeing and decision-making.
Attendees ranged from senior professionals to women at the start of their careers, creating an atmosphere where shared experience took precedence over hierarchy.
Aqsa Ali, an NHS clinical manager, said the gathering offered an important shift from the typical professional event. “It’s inspiring to see women from different industries speaking honestly,” she said.
“There aren’t many spaces where this kind of conversation happens.”
Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE examined the the challenges of juggling a demanding career alongside busy family life – pressures that are often heightened within South Asian households.
She outlined the importance of setting clear boundaries, and provided achievable steps that help women manage expectations without compromising their own health or professional aspirations.
Rizwana Mahmood-Ahmed MBE spoke candidly about navigating the real-life challenges of patriarchy, sharing elements of her personal journey, as well as reading her published poem ‘I’m Every Woman’, which left the room visibly moved.
The wellbeing segment, led by Noshina Kiani and Bushra Effendi, addressed long-standing gaps in knowledge around menopause and hormonal health. They challenged myths that still influence women’s healthcare decisions.
Empowerment coach Sobiya Jawaid provided a clear analysis of the “mental load” carried by women – the accumulation of responsibilities, invisible planning, and emotional labour that accompanies professional and family life. Her contribution prompted reflection across the room, with many attendees acknowledging the pressures they have unconsciously accepted.
Andleeb Hanif, Chair of the BPA Lionesses, said the response to the session showed a pressing need for these types of environments. “Women tell us repeatedly that they have very few spaces where they can speak openly, without judgment or expectation,” she says.
“At this session, we were inundated with women asking for more – more conversations, more support, more opportunities to connect. It’s clear that creating safe, structured forums like this is an essential part of supporting women’s wellbeing and leadership.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Ilyas Salim for the glorious gift bags, Ennah Hussain for her delicious cakes, AbuBakar Catering, Rizwana Mahmood-Ahmed MBE for the use of her school’s conference room… and of course the incredible BPA Lionesses in making this event happen.”
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