Wahida Shaffi has over 20 years’ experience of working with diverse communities from across the UK.
She completed her MA in international politics and security studies at the University of Bradford, Department of Peace Studies. Since then she has gone on to facilitate, deliver training, complete research, develop and manage programmes and produce films on a wide range of issues related to equality, diversity, participation, gender, conflict and interfaith both locally, nationally and internationally including in Sri-Lanka, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Romania and Pakistan.
Before becoming the national Director of the Catalyst Programme, she was the West Yorkshire Coordinator for Near Neighbours where she oversaw Catalyst Programmes in the North of England and the Midlands. She has also held the position of National Women’s Programme Lead with the Christian Muslim Forum where she pioneered their national women’s programme conducting research & exploring the issues affecting women of faith across the UK.
She is currently developing a national youth focused programme of work on a freelance basis as well finalising the last phase of her Churchill Fellowship exploring faith inspired peace building initiatives in India, Pakistan and Nepal.
Wahida is a qualified Social Worker, Vocational Assessor and Trainer and author of Our Stories Our Lives: Inspiring Muslim Women’s Voices, published by Policy Press.
Female Deputy Lieutenant Badge
