I am really pleased to share that the items that both Georgie Wemyss and I shared of our times as members of Women Unite Against Racism with London Borough of Tower Hamlets local history library and archive back in 2019 are now available to search online, this collection is uncatalogued at the moment, however a box list is available in the description. Please contact staff to arrange access to view items by appointment.
Women Unite Against Racism (WUAR) was formed in September 1993, and the group rose to shed light on the subject of sexism in the anti-racist movement. It was considered that one of the mainstream movements failings was that it did not provide a voice for a vulnerable sector in the community – black (Asian, African and Caribbean) women. The problem identified, which the group sought to address, was the fact that the anti-racism movement was predominantly white and male led. Racism in East London was national news from September 1993 when the fascist British National Party (BNP) won a seat on Tower Hamlets Council. BNP councillor Derek Beackon was defeated six months later in the local elections of May 1994. The news which featured showed images and interview with community leaders, all of whom were male. Questions were raised ‘But where were the women?’
Nurjahan Julie Begum