By Erik Dawson and Alexander Hodgkins-Jones
Members of the Shama Women’s Centre met the Duchess of Cornwall at a royal visit to Leicester Market today (FEB 11).
The women’s advocacy group were invited to have a stall in the market today, in which they showcased a range of products made in the centre, including baskets, jewellery and embroidery.
Shama Women’s Centre was founded in 1985 by a group of women from Leicester with the aim of empowering local women from different backgrounds to become socially, educationally and economically active.
They do this by providing counselling, childcare and opportunities to complete courses in areas such as customer services, business administration and IT skills.
Henna Patel, a member of the centre, said: “I feel very privileged that Prince Charles and Camilla have come to see our charity.”
Camilla visited the market with Prince Charles today, and stopped to talk at the centre’s stall.
Henna said: “I haven’t slept all night; I’ve been quite excited to meet someone important.”
Yasmin Nathani MBE, Chair of Shama Women’s Centre, was pleased about how much Camilla supported the charity.
“She commented on the fact that we do a fantastic job, and she was saying that the work we do is very good so the visit was really positive.”
The women’s centre is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and has invited Camilla to join its celebrations.
Khudeja Amer-Sharif, the Head Co-ordinator of the organisation said: “She (Camilla) told us to write to her office, so hopefully she will take up that opportunity.”
