Yorkshire’s BPA Lionesses Empower Women to Lead and Succeed

A new initiative called the BPA Lionesses has emerged in Yorkshire, uniting professional women to empower the next generation of female leaders. Launched from the Business Power Empowering Women Awards 2025 held in July 2025, this initiative aims to provide women with the tools and networks needed to navigate their careers successfully.

The BPA Lionesses is not merely a networking group; it represents a movement focused on solidarity among women in various fields. Led by the BPA Lionesses Consortium, the initiative offers a series of mentoring sessions called “Coffee & Collaborations,” designed to create a safe space for women to discuss the challenges they face in their careers. Participants will address issues like access to finance, leadership barriers, confidence, and cultural expectations, all while fostering peer support.

Andleeb Hanif, Chair of the Business Power Awards and Managing Editor of Asian Express Newspaper, emphasized the importance of this initiative for women, particularly within the South Asian community. “This isn’t just a network – it’s a movement of purpose,” she stated. “We’re all on the same mission here: lifting up other women.” Hanif highlighted that many women in this consortium have faced stereotypes and cultural challenges alone and are determined to create a supportive environment for future generations.

The BPA Lionesses Consortium includes a diverse group of professionals from law, education, health, finance, media, and creative industries, reflecting the rich diversity of Yorkshire’s business landscape. Rizwana Mahmood MBE, a veteran in education, expressed her pride in being part of this initiative. “Being surrounded by such talented, committed, and authentic women is heartening and inspiring,” she remarked. Mahmood believes the consortium will become a catalyst for much-needed positive change in the community.

Building a Blueprint for Empowerment

At the core of the BPA Lionesses initiative is a commitment to intergenerational mentorship. Upcoming sessions will tackle topics such as “Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing,” “Money Matters: Financial Literacy & Independence,” “Leadership & Mentorship Circles,” and “Unspoken Barriers.” Each session is thoughtfully curated to equip women with practical tools and the confidence to thrive in their respective fields.

Rifhat Malik MBE, co-founder of Give a Gift, expressed her dedication to empowering women. “I’ve seen how confidence, opportunity, and support can transform lives – not just for women, but for entire families and communities,” she said. Malik believes that every woman deserves the chance to realize her potential without barriers hindering her progress.

Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE, a solicitor and founder of SKB Law, added her perspective as a South Asian woman in the legal profession. “I’ve seen first-hand how courage, community, and representation can change the trajectory of a career,” she noted. Khan-Bashir feels that being part of the BPA Lionesses Consortium allows her to champion these values in a meaningful way.

Dr Saira Ali, another member of the consortium, described her involvement as both a privilege and a purpose. As a landscape architect and change-maker, she aims to create spaces where people feel valued and connected. “The Lionesses embody solidarity and empowerment,” she stated. “This network offers a circle of trust, collaboration, and growth.”

The BPA Lionesses initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in Yorkshire. By fostering collaboration and mentorship, the consortium aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

For those interested in joining the movement, subscriptions to the BPA Lionesses Newsletter and information about upcoming events can be obtained by emailing: [email protected].