In Your Shoes - Parven Kaur

Parven is responsible for all communications, PR, social media, events, and content creation, among other things at DIWC. Part of her role requires the creation, management and growth the centre’s presence through blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other strategically relevant online properties. She also builds relationships with industry journalists; creating, executing and measuring media campaigns. Established in 1969 Dundee International Women’s Centre (DIWC) addresses the needs of women with an emphasis on those from black and minority ethnic communities. DIWC promotes and create opportunities for social, political and economic inclusion and for the advancement of education and employment.

What does she love best about her job - 'The Women! Staff, volunteers and members that comes into the centre make this place a wonderful environment to work at'

On Saturday 12th November, DIWC hosts its second annual “Bite & Blether” luncheon. During last year’s event 100 women from all ethnicities came together to celebrate multicultural women living in Dundee. This year’s event at the Old Steeple will include talks from women who have flourished from the support received at the centre, and a candid look at the challenges they have overcome.

Monday

DIWC welcomes women and girls from over 80 countries to help them achieve their personal goals, reach their full potential and prosper in their community. I spend the day confirming plans for the week’s learning and social activities and updating our social media channels, so our women know the opportunities available this week.

Tuesday

We recently started a new hashtag campaign that shares the stories of the women who come to our centre. Over 150 women from 80 countries regularly attend DIWC, each overcoming their own challenges to build a life in Dundee.  #womenofdundee will share these stories with the wider community, and today I will work with some of our women to help them tell their story.

Wednesday

Our on-site Rise & Shine crèche enables our women to learn and socialise, knowing their children are well cared. The crèche also provides mobile childcare for weddings and other events.  This popular service requires a lot of planning, and on a Wednesday I will review the childcare requirements and make the necessary arrangements (I always try to make time for play with these adorable children too!)

 

Thursday

The centre is my second home.  When I moved from Indonesia my husband worked long hours at Ninewells hospital and I felt isolated in my new environment. I’ve made many friends at DIWC, and on my day off on a Thursday I like to attend the centre to socialise and learn new skills. The cooking classes are my favourite – with so many nationalities there is always an interesting dish cooking!

Friday

The centre is open for half a day on a Friday, providing the opportunity to plan our activities for next week. I provide an end of week report that summarises the number of attendees to our classes and a digital report that shows our website analytics.  After that, it’s the weekend and I often spend time with the friends I have made at DIWC.