Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) charity is set to ignite a transformative dialogue with its conference, “Unlocking Doors: Sustainable Solutions to the Housing Crisis for BME Women with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF),” on March 14, 2025, at the Royal Society of Arts.
A first-ever event aims to tackle the escalating housing crisis disproportionately affecting BME women, who are increasingly locked out of essential government benefits and housing support.
Since 2024, 86% of the women that AWRC has supported were affected by NRPF.
As the nation grapples with a worsening housing emergency, AWRC’s conference promises a convergence of experts, advocates, policymakers, and survivors, all united in pursuit of innovative solutions for BME women facing NRPF.
Among the featured speakers is Dame Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, who will shed light on the national landscape for NRPF survivors and the urgent need for policy reform.
Additionally, Pragna Patel, a celebrated women’s rights campaigner, will deliver a powerful keynote on the intersection of housing justice, anti-racism, and advocacy.
The conference will give a voice to NRPF survivors themselves, providing them a platform to share their harrowing experiences and the stark barriers they face in securing safe housing. This Survivor Panel aims to motivate action and spotlight the crucial need for change and is joined by a Partner Panel consisting of other led by and for organisations.
Attendees can expect engaging workshops designed to inspire collaborative discussions and develop actionable strategies to reshape housing policy for NRPF survivors. Participants will be empowered to amplify their advocacy efforts and forge connections with like-minded individuals committed to enacting meaningful change.
Sarbjit Ganger, Director of AWRC, emphasises the urgency of this initiative, explaining: “The housing crisis disproportionately impacts BME women, especially those with no recourse to public funds.
“This conference is a call to action – an urgent opportunity to dismantle systemic barriers and build collective solidarity among advocates. Together, we can break down the barriers to preventing access to safe and secure housing and ensure all women, regardless of immigration status, have a safe place to call home.”
She continues: “AWRC invites policymakers, service providers, community advocates, and members of the public to join this critical conversation. Help us drive change and explore sustainable solutions to ensure every woman has access to safe and secure housing.”
