Prakash: A beacon of light for women — Wolverhampton hosts safe-space initiative for survivors of domestic abuse

In December last year, the international humanitarian organisation We Care for Humanity (WCH), in partnership with the Elias Mattu Foundation (EMF) and in association with The Kaur Lab, delivered a powerful and deeply impactful community initiative entitled “Prakash” at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Wolverhampton.

The word Prakash—shared across Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu—means “light,” “illumination,” or “to bring something out of darkness.” The name was chosen deliberately, echoing Wolverhampton’s civic motto “Out of darkness cometh light,” and reflecting the event’s purpose: to provide hope, visibility and empowerment to women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Left to right: Indrani, Meena Patel, HRH Maha Putri, Marcia Williams, Resham.

A safe space for South Asian women

Serice Users and Providers pictured with HRH Maha Putri, Mrs Balbir Seimar BEM, Interim Regional Director WCH and Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen.

The Prakash event brought together service users from across Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands, many of whom were referred by The Haven Wolverhampton and accompanied by Haven representative, Mrs Asha Jally.

The gathering created a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed space for women from South Asian backgrounds to connect, share lived experiences, and access both established and innovative support pathways. Alongside peer discussion and storytelling, the event showcased practical tools for recovery and empowerment.

Programme Facilitators, Left to right: S Sunner WCH West Midlands, Manjit Kaur EMF, HRH Maha Putri, Sahdaish Pall Kaur Lab, Councillor Asha Mattu (Lab, Graiseley) EMF, Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen.

Key programmes delivered included:

The Freedom Programme, overseen by Meena Patel and Marcia Williams, offering structured support to help women recognise abuse and rebuild autonomy.
New, culturally tailored initiatives developed and delivered by The Kaur Lab, addressing the specific needs of South Asian women through education, advocacy and community-led empowerment.

The Kaur Lab is an initiative founded by Sahdaish Pall, an award-winning women’s rights activist and change-maker, whose work continues to challenge systemic barriers faced by minority women.

Voices of courage and mentorship

Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen gave the opening remarks, welcoming the Service Users and congratulating the facilitators.

A particularly moving moment came from Raj Kamal-Nirankari, a woman of South Asian origin who bravely shared her own lived experience of domestic violence. Speaking as both a survivor and mentor, she addressed younger women from similar backgrounds: “For many of us, silence was taught as strength. I share my story so other women know they are not alone—and that there is life, dignity and hope beyond abuse.”

Left to right: Jyoti Chumber, HRH Maha Putri, Mrs Raj Kamal-Nirankari, Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen and Councillor Asha Mattu.

Her testimony reinforced the importance of peer mentorship and representation in breaking cycles of silence.

International solidarity and royal support

The event was attended by Maha Putri Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Royal House of Luzon-Tagalog within the Sovereignty of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, Founder and Chairperson of We Care for Humanity.

HRH explained the significance of the partnership: “We Care for Humanity partnered with the Elias Mattu Foundation and The Kaur Lab because sustainable change happens when trusted local organisations lead, and global networks support. We have delivered similar initiatives in Poland, bringing together Ukrainian and Afghan women fleeing warzones. Prakash follows the same principle—creating safety, dignity and community for women rebuilding their lives.”

Generational experience, left to right: Mrs Raj Kamal-Nirankari, HRH Maha Putri and Social Worker Sudesh Sharma (Ret.).

HRH also expressed her appreciation to The Haven Wolverhampton and Asha Jally for identifying and referring women to the programme, ensuring that those most in need could access support.

During the event, HRH commended Ms Jeet Kaur, founder of Jeet’s Accessories, whose grassroots work—supported through personal dedication and public donations—has provided women with safety tools such as personal alarms and drink covers: “Women like Jeet Kaur remind us that one person, acting with compassion, can protect many. She is an inspiration.”

International voices, local commitment

Also present were women from the international delegation, including Mrs Sabina Stancel of Poland, who reflected on the universality of the issue: “Violence against women has no borders. What I witnessed at Prakash was strength, solidarity and the beginning of healing—and that is something every community deserves.”

Looking ahead: Prakash as a continuing programme

Asha Mattu, Councillor and Chairperson of the Elias Mattu Foundation, closed the event with a commitment to the future: “Prakash cannot and will not be a one-off. Wolverhampton needs safe, culturally informed spaces like this. I thank We Care for Humanity, HRH Maha Putri, The Kaur Lab and The Haven for their courage and collaboration. Together, we are committed to continuing the Prakash programme so that light continues to reach those who need it most.”

Prakash marks the first in a planned series of initiatives to be delivered collaboratively by WCH, EMF and The Kaur Lab—ensuring that women across Wolverhampton and the wider region continue to have access to support, solidarity and pathways out of darkness.