The driving force behind One Community Scotland has been awarded an MBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours. 

Khadija Coll, who manages the charity has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition for her gender rights campaigning and tireless work supporting ‘New Scots’.  The honours are usually announced in June but were delayed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Khadija said: “I’m honoured and delighted to have received an MBE. I’d like to share this award with all those striving to make Scotland a country where everyone can thrive no matter what their background. 

“This has been a very challenging year, but the One Community champions have worked hard every day to support the men, women and families trying to build a successful life in Scotland. BAME communities have a wealth of potential and talent to offer this country. We all benefit from a Scotland that is equal, fair and diverse.”

Khadija was born in Kenya but moved to Scotland in 1997. Since then she has campaigned successfully on areas such as improved legislation to protect women from female genital mutilation. Her work in this area earned her a nomination for Scottish Woman of the Year. In 2019 she was named Scottish Diversity Champion of the Year.

Khadija is the founder and manager of One Community Scotland. The charity recruit ‘champions’ from within the BAME community to help those new to the country, or in need of support, to overcome any barriers they may face in creating a successful life in Scotland. 

The charity works closely with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), fostering trust between communities and the police to create a safer Scotland. 

Congratulating Khadija on her award SVRU Director Niven Rennie, said: “Khadija’s energy and enthusiasm can overcome any barrier. It’s a privilege to work with someone so dedicated to creating a Scotland which is diverse, vibrant and fair for all. I believe this award shows how valued her contribution is to this country.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Khadija Coll was born and brought up in Isiolo, Kenya. She moved to Scotland in 1997 and became involved in numerous projects which aim to support  ‘New Scots’ and members of the BAME community. In recognition of her work in gender rights Khadija was nominated for Scots Woman of the Year in 2005 and was the Scottish Diversity Champion of the Year 2019.
• Khadija is the founder and manager One Community Scotland. The charity provide support to ‘New Scots’ and the BAME community. The charity works in association with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit fostering trust between communities and the police. You can find out more about One Community Scotland here http://www.svru.co.uk/one-community/
• The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit is a national centre of expertise on violence. Part of Police Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, the unit has adopted a public health approach to reducing violence. The SVRU are a member of the World Health Organisation’s Violence Prevention Alliance. The SVRU believe violence is preventable, not inevitable. Further information on the SVRU can be found at svru.co.uk

Press contact: Claire Stewart Williams, SVRU Communications Manager 07918706545 or claire.stewart-williams@scotland.pnn.police.uk