Showcasing Our Membership: Lyn at South East and East Asian Women’s Association

In a recent WRC ‘Bitesize Session’ about racism, we were grateful to hear from Lyn, representing the South East and East Asian Women’s Association (SEEAWA), about the impact of the recent racist violence over the summer on her organisation and their service users. In this blog series, we are showcasing the amazing work carried out by our members. Despite the deeply challenging events that took place over the summer, Lyn and the South East and East Asian Women’s Association continued to support their service users whilst calling for wider change and acknowledgement of intersecting issues. 

Impact  

Lyn notes the extensive impact of the racist violence, both physically and emotionally, on their organisation, their service users, as well as the local community more widely. In particular, she mentions the re-traumatising nature of the violence and how memories of past experiences were triggered by the uproar which compounded the emotional impact.  

“The violence and unrest that swept across various cities in the UK during the summer not only brought destruction but also heightened fear and uncertainty, especially within marginalised communities. Many of our service users, particularly women of colour and those from immigrant backgrounds, found themselves caught in the crossfire. One woman was assaulted in Westminster, a pregnant woman from Hull was punched in the belly and one butcher was hit on the head out of nowhere – they are all Filipinos. 

Several of the women we support have shared how the riots brought back memories of previous trauma or added to their ongoing struggles. These events have left them feeling unsafe in their own communities, worried for the well-being of their families, and in some cases, physically displaced. For some, the riots further deepened the social and racial inequalities they face daily, and the violence has amplified their feelings of vulnerability. 

The local community, as a whole, has been left struggling to heal from the division and destruction caused by these events. People now question their safety, and the once secure spaces feel fraught with tension.” 

Understanding the Unrest 

As many of us in the sector are aware, the racist violence that took place over summer did not come out of nowhere and that racism in the UK is deeply entrenched in society. Lyn contextualises the events from over the summer and draws up an understanding of what happened as it relates to wider systems of oppression.  

“We understand the unrest this summer as a manifestation of deeper issues—systemic racism, economic inequality, and social disenfranchisement. While the immediate triggers of the violence may have varied, the underlying frustrations stem from long-standing social issues that have been neglected or insufficiently addressed. Many individuals, particularly those from ethnic minority groups, have been pushed to the margins, feeling invisible and unheard. 

It’s crucial to recognise that while the violence itself cannot be condoned, it often emerges from a sense of desperation when concerns about racial justice and social equity go unanswered.” 

Response 

With women, particularly women of colour, feeling even more unsafe in the aftermath of the far-right threat, women’s organisations were at the forefront of the response to dangers experienced by their service users. Organisations such as SEEAWA played a crucial role in reassuring and supporting women throughout this time. 

“As an organisation, our first priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of our service users. We provided immediate emotional support through crisis befriending sessions and we ensured awareness in accessing emergency services like call 999 specially for those directly affected. Additionally, we worked closely with local community groups to assess the broader needs of women who were displaced or at risk during this turbulent time. We reached out with Newham Council to hold a webinar about anti-racism and hate crime. We invited 50 people to an Away Day in Brighton to reclaim our safe spaces. 

We've done discussions within our community, creating safe spaces where women could share their fears and experiences, while helping them process the events in a supportive environment. It was important for us to advocate on their behalf like this event - ensuring their voices were heard in conversations about community recovery and rebuilding.” 

The Role of Specialist Organisations Tackling Racism 

Lyn notes the importance of her organisation being diligent with regards to addressing racist violence and racism in general as service users sit at the intersection of gendered and racial oppression.  

“Organisations like ours have a critical role to play in addressing racism and supporting those affected by its many forms. Our approach focuses not just on being there for them like providing support to victims, but also on addressing the root causes that contribute to racial tensions and violence. This includes advocacy, raising awareness about systemic inequality, and pushing for long-term solutions that prioritise racial equity and justice. 

We work to empower women of all South East and East Asian backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and providing resources to help them navigate challenges related to race, identity, and socio-economic status. Additionally, we partner with other community organisations to build stronger, more resilient networks that are better equipped to handle racial issues and provide a united front against discrimination.” 

A Collective Women's Sector Response 

Finally, Lyn reflected on her hopes for the women’s sector to respond and act collectively to tackle racism. She mentions that we know intimately just how interconnected issues of race are with the issues faced by women and girls.  

“It is essential that the women’s sector comes together to form a collective response to these incidents of violence and racism. By collaborating, we can amplify our voices, share resources, and create a stronger impact in our fight against inequality. Together, we must advocate for policies that not only address the immediate effects of violence but also tackle the structural issues that perpetuate racism and discrimination. 

We can also play a role in educating the broader public about the intersection of gender and race, and how violence disproportionately impacts women of colour. A united women’s sector can push for better protection, resources, and long-term support for those who have been affected by the unrest.” 

Final Thoughts from Lyn 

“The aftermath of the riots reminded us of the importance of standing together as a community. While these events have been devastating, they have also underscored the urgent need for change. As an organisation, we remain committed to advocating for racial justice, supporting the women we serve, and contributing to the broader fight against systemic racism. Only through collective action can we hope to build a society where everyone, regardless of their background, feels safe and valued.”