Annual Iftar and International Women’s Day Event (14 March 2026)
Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA) Celebrates International Women’s Day
Venue: White City Community Centre
Date: 14 March 2026
Executive Summary
The Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA) in London hosted a meaningful and vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day as part of the Association’s third annual Iftar event. The event aimed to strengthen community ties, build trust among community members, and support the integration of newly arrived refugees into local society.
The event brought together more than 280 participants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the values of unity, inclusion, and strong community solidarity.
The event successfully delivered on several key strategic objectives and helped break down a social barrier that had long been considered a challenge within the community. By bringing men and women together in the same space for dialogue and interaction, the event contributed to overcoming some of the restrictions associated with Sudanese customs and traditions regarding social mixing.
Key Results
Total attendance: 280 participants
Evaluation sample: 255 participants
Response rate: 77%
External positive feedback: 23% (through calls and messages)
These indicators reflect a high level of statistical reliability and institutional credibility.
Strategic Objectives of the Event
Celebrating Sudanese cultural heritage by promoting and preserving Sudanese traditions, language, arts, and identity within the community.
Strengthening professional and community engagement by encouraging networking, mentoring, and collaboration, creating a supportive environment for professional development.
Supporting the local economy by empowering business owners, entrepreneurs, and service providers through opportunities for visibility and engagement.
Empowering Sudanese women and enhancing their leadership role by creating opportunities for leadership, participation, and success across social, cultural, and professional sectors.
Supporting and developing young people as future leaders through mentorship, education, and leadership development opportunities.
Reducing social isolation by creating inclusive environments that foster connection, belonging, and mutual support.
Providing safe spaces for young people, ensuring they feel secure, valued, and able to express themselves freely.
Promoting arts and culture by encouraging creative expression through music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts.
Encouraging sports and recreational activities to support physical health and community wellbeing.
Participants
The event was inclusive and open to everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, or cultural background. Participants included:
Residents and families from White City, Shepherd’s Bush, East Acton, Hammersmith, and the W12, W10, W11, SW3, and SW5 areas.
Sudanese refugees and migrant communities.
East African communities.
Arabic-speaking groups.
This inclusive approach contributed to building new relationships and strengthening community trust.
Event Description and Activities
The programme included a variety of activities throughout the day, including:
• Community recreational activities.
• Cooking workshops.
• Open interactive sessions.
• A communal Iftar meal.
The Iftar embodied the following core values:
1- Hospitality. 2- Cultural Understanding. 3- Mutual Respect.
The programme also included:
1- Cultural performances. 2- Community awareness seminars.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Accessibility and inclusion were ensured through:
• Support from Aza Sudanese Supplementary School (North Kensington).
• Multilingual communication.
• A dedicated volunteer team supporting older people and individuals with disabilities.
Evaluation Methodology and Statistical Accuracy
A structured evaluation methodology was implemented, focusing on participants aged 16 and above.
High-Level Civic Engagement
The event was attended by a number of distinguished representatives and community leaders, including:
Councillor Mona Adam (Green Party – Kensington & Chelsea).
Carmen Vazquez (Labour Party).
Fiaz Hassan (Green Party – West London).
Councillor Natalia Perez (Labour Party).
Representatives from the Metropolitan Police.
Their contributions included:
1- Supporting the 2026 Strategic Vision.
2- Delivering official remarks and messages of recognition.
Sudanese Women: Leadership and Empowerment
Sudanese women played a central role in the success of the event through:
1- Planning and coordination. 2- Leading operational committees.
3- Overseeing the Sudanese buffet. 4- Community and diplomatic representation.
5- Delivering professional speeches in English.
6- Contributing to discussions on health and education.
This reflects the vital role of Sudanese women in driving sustainable community development.
Innovation in Community Awareness
The interactive themes included:
1- Sudanese Heritage (History and Geography)
2- Local Citizenship (UK Services and Landmarks).
3- Legal Awareness (Child Protection Laws).
Impact:
1- Strengthening youth engagement.
2- Effectively integrating tradition and modernity.
3- Increasing legal awareness through accessible and easy-to-understand approaches.
Women were also formally recognised in appreciation of their contributions.
Partnerships and Institutional Collaboration
Sudanese Organisations:
1- Sudanese Community and Information Centre in London. 2- Sudanese Community in Haringey. 3- Bani Amer and Habab Association.
4- Sudan Bakra Group. 5- Aza Sudanese Supplementary School. 6- Al-Rahma Community Development.
7- Solidarity Association of Nuba Mountains. 8- Nubian Association. 9- Am Dorman Charity Association. 10- Sudanese Doctors Association – London.
11- Sudanese Lawyers Association – London. 12- Takaful Charity Association – London. 13- Delegations from Manchester and Liverpool.
Local Business Support:
1- Kumbal Financial Services. 2- Sky Cargo Ltd. 3- Doga Coffee. 4- Al Sultan Restaurant.
Regional and International Partners:
1- Community Action for Development and Human Rights (CAD-HR). 2- Eritrean Youth Community. 3- Yemeni Community in London.
4- Eritrean Lowlands League.
This collaboration reflects a strong model of multi-level partnerships and community integration.
Financial Management and Transparency
• Total income: £4,200.99.
• Community contributions: £1,700.99.
• Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Grant: £2,500.
• In-kind contributions: Services and equipment.
This demonstrates a balanced and transparent funding model that combines institutional support with community contributions.
Volunteering
• Number of volunteers: 30 volunteers.
• Hours per volunteer: 6 hours.
• Total volunteer hours: 180 hours.
This reflects a strong culture of volunteering and civic engagement.
Overall Strategic Impact
The event contributed to:
• Reducing social and cultural barriers.
• Strengthening cohesion between refugee and established communities.
• Promoting equality and inclusion.
• Creating a safe and welcoming environment.
"The event was wonderful and exceptionally well organised, with a remarkable diversity of attendees from different nationalities. It also featured participation from representatives of official bodies and both Sudanese and non-Sudanese civil society organisations, reflecting the event’s success in attracting a wide range of community members. The food was varied and excellent, and the overall organisation was of a very high standard. What impressed me most was the involvement of young volunteers, which demonstrated a positive spirit of cooperation and the active engagement of the younger generation. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the organising committee for their clear efforts and outstanding work, and I wish them continued success in future events."
One of the attendees’ comments
★★★★★
Acknowledgements and Appreciation
This success is the result of a collective effort, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to:
• Local leaders and distinguished guests – Your presence significantly enhanced the impact of the event.
• Community members and families – Your participation created a genuine spirit of unity and togetherness.
• Sudanese women – You were the driving force behind this success.
• Partners and supporters – You embodied the true meaning of unity, collaboration, and solidarity.
• Youth and volunteers – You are the future leaders and agents of change.
Community
Empowering East Sudanese through education and inclusion.
Values
Mission
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