London, UK — 10 March 2026

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC) proudly welcomed community members, civic leaders, partner organisations, and supporters to its 29th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration, held on Saturday, 7 March 2026, at the Performance Hall of Willesden Green Library. The event brought together 49 attendees from across Brent’s diverse communities for a warm, vibrant, and uplifting evening honouring women’s achievements, celebrating Bosnian cultural heritage, and recognising nearly three decades of BHCAC’s contribution to local community life. Guided by this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the celebration highlighted how generosity, compassion, and women’s leadership strengthen families, inspire young people, and help build thriving, inclusive communities.

Celebrating the Power of Giving

Master of Ceremonies Naya Medjedović opened the programme with a powerful reflection on the transformative impact of generosity, noting:
“When we give—our time, our kindness, our skills, our solidarity—we do not lose. We expand possibilities. And when we give to women, we gain stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter, more hopeful future for everyone.”

Representatives from Brent Hubs, Sufra NW London, and the Saafi Organisation were also in attendance, underscoring the strength of partnership and the shared commitment to community development. The event was supported in part by Brent Council’s Celebrating Diversity 2026 Fund.

Honouring Culture, Heritage, and Nearly Three Decades of Leadership

BHCAC Chair Zaim Pašić formally opened the evening with a tribute to the organisation’s long-standing legacy, remarking: “Tonight we celebrate 29 years of women leading, strengthening, and inspiring our community.”

Pašić then performed the beloved Bosnian sevdalinka “Emina,” creating a powerful moment of shared cultural pride and reconnecting guests with the rich Bosnian heritage that continues to inspire communities in Brent and across the UK.

Leadership, Empowerment, and Artistic Expression

The evening featured inspiring contributions from local leaders and artists who highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, solidarity, and cultural identity.

• Cllr. Mili Patel, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, commended BHCAC’s enduring role in the community, noting:
  “BHCAC stands as a remarkable example of women’s leadership, resilience, and collective strength. What you have built is a powerful legacy of compassion, dignity, and mutual support that continues to inspire us.”
• Cllr. Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture, spoke about Brent Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community networks and creating opportunities that empower women across the borough.

Guests were also deeply moved by two powerful spoken‑word performances:

• Sandra Saldanha – “Strange Creature”
• Semira Jakupović – “Only a Woman Can Do That”

Their poetry explored profound themes of migration, identity, resilience, and the intergenerational strength carried by women—echoing the spirit of the evening and the values at the heart of BHCAC’s work.

BHCAC Women’s Leadership Awards 2026

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the BHCAC Women’s Leadership Awards 2026, recognising women whose compassion, service, and leadership have made an enduring impact on both the Bosnian community and the wider Brent population.
Awards were presented by Cllr. Mili Patel and BHCAC Chair Zaim Pašić.

2026 Award Recipients

• Ramiza Heder – honoured for her pioneering role as one of BHCAC’s first trustees and for her lasting contribution to the Bosnian community.
• Parinoush Nasehi Taheri – recognised for her compassionate leadership and dedicated support for individuals injured during the Bosnian War.
• Chanita Lawrence – celebrated for outstanding leadership and service to the Brent community.
• Cllr. Mili Patel – acknowledged for exceptional leadership and her service to the Brent community.

In accepting the award, Cllr. Patel remarked: “I’m deeply proud and honoured by the nomination for BHCAC’s Women’s Leadership Award. I accept it with deep gratitude and humility.”

Community Iftar: A Celebration of Togetherness

Coinciding with Ramadan, the evening concluded with a warm and heartfelt community Iftar that embodied unity, reflection, and a deep sense of shared belonging. Chief Imam Sedin ef. Šahman (Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UK) delivered the ezan—the call to break the fast—and led a prayer for unity, gratitude, and peace, creating a powerful moment of spiritual connection.

Children received Eid gift bags, continuing the cherished cultural tradition of generosity and inclusion. Guests also enjoyed a photographic retrospective showcasing BHCAC’s International Women’s Day celebrations over the years.

In another beloved tradition, every woman was presented with a beautifully wrapped floral gift by trustees Meho Jakupović and Sadik Eminić, honouring women’s enduring contributions to family and community life.

The evening drew to a close with group photographs capturing shared pride, joy, and the strong community spirit that defined the gathering.

Gratitude to Volunteers and Supporters

BHCAC extends its heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers and supporters whose dedication, energy, and generosity made the celebration possible—truly embodying the spirit of “Give to Gain.”

Special thanks to:

• Dževad Dizdarević – pre‑event support and logistics
• Naya Medjedović – Master of Ceremonies
• Amar Duratović – audio‑visual and technical support
• Elma Pašić Agović – guest reception and registration
• BHCAC members and British Bosnian Youth London (BBYL) Group – for their enthusiastic support throughout

Their collective efforts ensured a warm, welcoming, and seamlessly coordinated event for all attendees.

For general enquiries, contact:
info@bhcac.org.uk 

London, UK — 20 January 2026

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC) is proud to celebrate a powerful milestone in its mission to empower the next generation. On Saturday, 17 January 2026, the newly formed Youth Action Group — created through the British Bosnian Youth Engagement Initiative — successfully delivered its first youth‑designed and youth‑led event: an energising and welcoming Youth Games Night that drew in young people from across London and surrounding areas.

This event was far more than an evening of games — it was a statement of leadership, unity, and cultural pride from young British Bosnians who are stepping forward to shape the future of their community.

A Night That Brought the Community Together

Hosted at the BHCAC premises in Willesden, the Games Night attracted over 27 enthusiastic attendees, a remarkable turnout for a debut event. Laughter, conversation, and friendly competition filled the room as participants connected through a mix of classic board games, energetic party games, and multiplayer video games. New friendships formed over Risk and Camel Up, rivalries surfaced on Mario Kart, and curiosity and nostalgia were sparked by the uniquely charming Balkan‑opoly.

Warm drinks and traditional refreshments from BHCAC in house Café Džezva added a homely touch, turning the evening into a vibrant blend of culture, entertainment, and community spirit.

Youth Voices Guiding the Future

What made the night truly impactful was not just the fun, but the purpose behind it. Throughout the evening, the Youth Action Group collected valuable insights from attendees on their interests in Bosnian history, culture, and heritage, as well as their preferences for future activities.

These findings will directly shape a one‑year youth programme — designed by young people, for young people — ensuring that the next phase of this initiative reflects their hopes, passions, and ambitions.

This is youth empowerment in action: young British Bosnians not only participating, but leading the way.

Community Leaders and Volunteers Behind the Momentum

BHCAC expresses heartfelt gratitude to Chief Imam of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in the United Kingdom Sedin ef. Šahman, whose support and encouragement were instrumental in bringing young people together during the earliest stages of this initiative. His belief in the potential of the youth helped spark the momentum that continues to build today.

We proudly recognise the dedicated Youth Action Group whose creativity, teamwork, and leadership turned vision into reality:

Amar Duratović, Naya Medjedović, Amir Jalisi, Ilyas Jalisi, Maryam Adil, Hanna Jalisi

Their hard work resulted in an event that exceeded expectations and set a high standard for what is to come.

A Turning Point for the Next Generation

The success of the Games Night is more than an achievement — it is a turning point. It demonstrates what happens when young people are given ownership, trust, and space to lead. The Youth Action Group is already developing a rich, meaningful, and culturally grounded one‑year programme that will deepen community connection and celebrate the heritage of British Bosnians.

This is just the beginning — and the future looks bright, creative, and driven by youth leadership.

For general enquiries, contact:
info@bhcac.org.uk

London, UK — 29 December 2025 — Building on the momentum of its recently launched British Bosnian Youth Engagement Initiative, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC) is proud to announce the first youth‑designed activity aimed at strengthening cultural connection, participation, and leadership among young British Bosnians.

The Initiative, unveiled at a well‑attended consultation event on 8 November 2025, marked a renewed commitment to supporting the next generation through meaningful engagement and opportunities for involvement. One of the most significant outcomes of the launch has been the formation of a dedicated Youth Action Group — a team of young British Bosnians eager to shape the direction of future community‑driven programmes.

On 13 December 2025, the newly formed Youth Action Group held its first online planning meeting, where members came together to discuss ideas, develop priorities, and outline activities that would encourage wider youth participation. The discussion was energetic and solution‑focused, reflecting the group’s shared commitment to fostering unity, creativity, and a sense of belonging within the community.

“This Youth Action Group represents a milestone for our organisation,” said Zaim Pasic, Chair and Founder of BHCAC.
“Seeing young people take ownership of community activities is inspiring. Their voices, ideas, and leadership are vital to building a vibrant future for British Bosnians.”

Youth Action Group Announces First Activity: BHCAC Youth Games Night

As the first major action emerging from their planning session, the Youth Action Group is delighted to present the BHCAC Youth Games Night — a welcoming and informal gathering created specifically for 18–30‑year‑olds.

The event aims not only to bring people together for an evening of fun but also to create space for young British Bosnians to connect, collaborate, and influence future initiatives.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: BHCAC, Rear of 108 High Road, London, NW10 2PP

What the Event Offers

• A mix of board games, card games, and party/video games
• An open invitation to bring personal favourite games to share
• A friendly space to meet peers and expand community connections
• Snacks, refreshments, and authentic Bosnian coffee

The evening has been intentionally designed to foster social connection and provide a relaxed environment for young people to express their ideas, meet new friends, and feel part of a wider network.

Registration Now Open

To ensure the best possible experience for attendees, including planning for seating, refreshments, and games, the Youth Action Group is encouraging participants to register in advance.

🔗 Registration Form: https://forms.gle/oomQZbENSEHE7NZt9

For general enquiries, contact:
info@bhcac.org.uk