South Asian Heritage Month: Roots to Routes.

Spotlight on Nina Aouilk

This South Asian Heritage Month, we proudly join the national celebration of culture, identity and shared journeys. The 2025 theme, Roots to Routes, invites us to reflect on how our cultural roots shape our paths through life. Where we come from, what we carry with us, and where we are going.

At Staying Put, this theme deeply connects with the journeys of many of the individuals and families we support across the Bradford district. We work alongside individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including many from South Asian communities. Every day we see how cultural identity, heritage and community can offer incredible strength and resilience. At the same time, we recognise that navigating experiences of domestic abuse can be especially complex when layered with cultural expectations, family pressures or fear of shame.

That’s why, this month at Staying Put we’re shining a light on the inspiring story of Nina Aouilk. A British South Asian woman whose journey from trauma to advocacy reflects not only immense courage but also the power of using cultural identity as a foundation for change.

From Cultural Roots to a Route of Empowerment

Nina Aouilk’s early life was shaped by love for her culture and community. But she also experienced challenges that made it difficult to speak out. At just 15, she was forced into marriage. Over time she faced various forms of abuse that left her feeling isolated and voiceless. These experiences were made more difficult by the pressures and expectations within her family and community.

Despite this, Nina found a way through. Drawing strength from her identity and lived experience, she made the brave decision to rebuild her life. Today she is a global speaker, coach and advocate. She is also one of the co-founders of endhonourkillings.org, an organisation that works to raise awareness, support survivors and push for systemic change around honour-based abuse.

Her TED Talk, There Is No Honour in Killing, speaks compassionately and powerfully about the need to listen to survivors and challenge the silence that surrounds honour-based abuse.

Her message is not about criticising culture. It is about creating space for honest and respectful conversations, rooted in empathy and care, so that no one feels silenced or alone.

Staying Put. Supporting Survivors on Their Routes Forward.

At Staying Put, we understand the importance of cultural identity and the unique journeys our clients are on. Our support across the Bradford district is inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. We work with people of all ages and backgrounds, offering non-judgemental support that meets people where they are.

Our teams work closely with South Asian communities, providing practical and emotional support, advocacy and safe spaces to rebuild. Whether through accommodation, one-to-one sessions, community engagement or peer support groups, we walk alongside each survivor as they navigate their own route to safety and healing. Always at their pace and on their terms.

We also collaborate with local partners, grassroots groups and faith leaders, recognising the vital role that trusted community networks play in supporting change from within.

Roots. Resilience. Routes to Change.

This year’s theme reminds us that our roots are important. They give us identity, belonging and connection. But our routes matter too. Whether someone is rediscovering themselves after trauma, finding the strength to speak out or supporting others to do the same, everyone deserves a future shaped by safety, dignity and choice.

Stories like Nina’s show us that change is possible. That cultural pride and survivor empowerment can go hand in hand.

South Asian Heritage Month is a time for celebration, reflection and connection. Let’s continue to honour our roots while supporting safe, empowered and meaningful routes forward for everyone. 💜

#EndViolence #SouthAsianWomen #SupportSurvivors

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