Rokhsana Fiaz: Mayoral candidate could make history

If Rokhsana Fiaz were to become the Mayor for Newham, she would not only be the first female BME directly elected Mayor in the UK, but also, we think in Europe too .

Fiaz’s work, which spans over 20 years and includes covering local community projects, working with national NGO’s, and since 2014 serving as local councillor, place her in a good position to challenge Robin Wales who has served in that position since 2002.

At present Faiz sits as a member of the council’s audit board and strategic development committee, where she has repetitively inserted her concerns that community voices be heard.

She stated, “I’m putting myself forward for this because I want to offer a fresh start for this council and a new ambitious alternative for Newham.”

Alongside her political success, Fiaz is widely involved in charitable causes. She once served as the Chief Executive of an international charity supported by UNESCO that promoted intercultural dialogue through art and cultural education, and was a prominent staff member of the 1990 Trust. She also served time as the executive director of a charity working to build bridges between Muslim and Jewish university students to tackle anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

Fiaz’s experience in public affairs paired with her active engagement with minority groups provides her with unique experience for the position. In 2009, she was awarded an OBE for her work on race, faith, and identity.

OBV’s Director Simon Woolley stated,

I’ve known Rokhsana for over two decades, and in all of that time she has remained consistent: She cares about communities, and is passionate about challenging inequalities. But beyond that steely determination to get things done, she is able to greatly connect with all the people she seeks to serve.”

We wish her the best of luck in her history-making endeavours.