I will not be silenced for telling the truth

Despite women coming in all shapes, sizes, colours and persuasions – culture, religion, race, preferences – we still get criticised if we don’t toe the line.

- SAIRA KHAN

And as an Asian women, I get it in the neck from all corners!

I am very lucky to have been given a public platform over the last 20 years, and I have used it to shine a light on what it is like to be a British Asian woman growing up in this country.

And this is where it gets very confusing for many people.

For some in the Asian community, I have made uncomfortable viewing, as I have talked openly and exposed some of the cultural practices that exist behind closed doors that have negatively affected me and many other women like me.

For example, I have discussed forced marriages, hymen reconstruction, “honour” crimes, the dangers of first cousin marriages in Pakistani communities, child marriages, child abuse and domestic violence.