Representation of GEM
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Unfortunately, for Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) communities, their stories, cultures, and contributions are often overlooked or excluded from critical conversations and opportunities. This lack of representation not only deprives society of diverse perspectives but also perpetuates inequalities in leadership, decision making, strategies, and policies.
Representation matters because it brings to light the rich, diverse experiences and insights of GEM communities. When these voices are included, we gain a fuller understanding of the world and can make better decisions that benefit everyone. By amplifying GEM voices and celebrating their unique contributions, we work towards a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Race
Race shapes our lives from the moment we are born, often determining how we are seen, treated, or included in society. It can lead to misrepresentation, erasure, and discrimination. At PEP, we are passionate about changing that narrative. We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Our aim is clear: to drive the representation and leadership of Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) communities. This isn’t just a task, it’s a necessity.
PEP itself was born from over a decade of dedicated work in advancing GEM representation. After countless projects promoting this cause, we knew it was time to create a dedicated space where expertise, innovative ideas, and leadership could come together. That’s what PEP is today: a platform for advancing GEM opportunities and making sure that race, rather than being a hurdle, becomes something to be celebrated and uplifted.
Take our ‘Knowing You, Knowing Me Project’, for instance. We started this initiative because we saw the historical gaps in documenting GEM family histories. It wasn’t just about missing pages in a book; it was about entire narratives that were lost or never recorded. By involving local children in creating family trees, we began to fill these gaps. This wasn’t just about creating a piece of paper, it was about preserving and celebrating race, heritage, and history by making sure that GEM communities could see themselves reflected in history, not omitted by it.
Our CEO has also seen up close how race can create significant barriers in professional environments. Through her work as an executive within the NHS, she’s gained a deep understanding of the challenges GEM communities face. This insight has been invaluable in her current non-executive role, where she passionately advocates for greater GEM representation. Drawing on her lived experience, she actively works to influence decision-making and policies that break down barriers, creating more inclusive and equitable environments in both professional and healthcare settings.
Faith
We deeply respect and cherish the diverse faith traditions within GEM communities across the UK. Faith is central to who we are and vital for our sense of identity. It is more than just a personal belief, it’s the cornerstone of our communities. By promoting collaboration between different faith groups, we build a stronger, more inclusive community. Familiarity with diverse faith traditions encourages a better understanding and respect, helping us all grow together.
We recognise the vital role that faith groups play in addressing community issues. Our involvement in the ‘Honest People, Real Talk’ campaign underscores this commitment. By engaging with young people and encouraging interfaith dialogue, PEP has tackled key neighbourhood concerns. Partnering with Raza Jamia Masjid, we shared our insights at “The Big Conversation,” a dynamic event that brought together over 200 attendees, including local council members, the Mayor, and other key figures. This event highlighted our effort to tackle community challenges through meaningful faith-based collaboration and dialogue.
Our CEO has also made it a priority to infuse respect for faith into PEP’s wider mission. Through her involvement with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) board at the Lancashire Football Association (LFA), she’s actively working to improve faith representation in sports. A major focus has been on tackling the underrepresentation of Muslims in football. By partnering with faith organisations and local mosques, she aims to encourage greater participation among young Muslims through initiatives such as Together and Active Future and Active Lancashire’s Active Madrasah Initiative. With 92% of young Muslims attending Madrassah each evening, integrating physical activity into these settings is vital for their well-being. Research also highlights a significant gap, with only 22% of Muslims meeting the recommended activity levels compared to 32% of the general UK population. This underscores the need for these initiatives to enhance physical activity and improve sports representation for young Muslims. This commitment goes beyond meeting requirements; it’s a genuine effort to make a lasting impact.
Culture & Heritage
We’re passionate about bringing the real stories and traditions of Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) communities to light. We know that culture and heritage are at the heart of who we are, connecting us to our past and shaping our identities. When these traditions are left out or misrepresented, it’s a huge disservice to the communities they belong to. Often, misunderstandings come from simply not knowing enough, and we’re here to make sure that GEM cultures are seen and celebrated for what they truly are.
One of our standout projects, the ‘Taste of Rossendale’, was a passionate project that spanned two years. This exhibition journeyed through East Lancashire, showcasing the dynamic evolution of food and self-care through the ages, shaped by historic events, migration, and the NHS. We didn’t stop there, our project also featured a lively cookery book and engaging information leaflets, created with the help of local children who explored a century of culinary history. Their research added a rich layer of insight into our cultural evolution. We also crafted a foraging map and documented changes in townscapes, revealing the flourishing cultural diversity of our communities. The Taste of Rossendale brought thousands of people together, leaving a lasting legacy by deepening appreciation for GEM cultures and preserving their impact on local heritage.
Our projects have been all about engaging and uplifting local GEM communities. We believe in the power of involvement, creating a sense of pride and ownership in their cultural heritage. Over the years, we’ve made it a point to celebrate events like Eid, Christmas, and Refugee Week, welcoming the wider public to join in the festivities. These events were vital for encouraging mutual understanding and appreciation between different cultures. Through all our efforts, we’re not just preserving traditions, we’re making sure they’re celebrated and appreciated in their true form. Our celebrations drew in hundreds of participants and sparked the interest of different members of the local community eager to get involved.