Rafaat has spent her entire life dedicated to the cause of empowering and educating women from BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee) and disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 1989, after an already distinguished and varied career as a teacher, presenter, researcher and politician, Rafaat founded JAN Trust to provide education and support to grassroots disadvantaged women. Rafaat had noticed that without key skills such as English language and knowledge of the UK system and culture, many women in London were finding it difficult to fully participate in the local community or mainstream society, and found themselves isolated and lonely. She saw that women’s social, economic and civic exclusion leaves them vulnerable to abuse.

Over the past two decades, JAN Trust have educated, equipped and empowered over 50,000 women and young people to actively improve their own lives and that of their community. By equipping women with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to challenge barriers to inclusion and self-fulfilment we help ensure long-term, sustainable, grass-roots change.