Published: 08 May 2024
About the award
The awards, founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 1999, celebrate the valuable and important contribution of phenomenal Asian women across the UK and across industries.
Speaking about receiving this recognition, Ban said: “I was very humbled to be shortlisted. Having attended the awards previously to support another St George’s colleague, Dr Ayesha Ahmed, who was nominated in the Humanitarian category, I was aware of what an honour it is to be shortlisted and to be part of such a significant celebration of the impact that Asian women make in the UK.”
She explained further:
I have been nominated in the Public Service category in relation to my work on inclusive healthcare practice and education. This relates to work I have undertaken in my GP role to champion equitable primary care for patients and my work at St George’s on inclusive education and tackling discrimination in healthcare education.
- Dr Ban Haider, Senior Lecturer in Primary Care and Associate Dean for Culture and Development -
A passionate advocate
Ban was nominated by Dr Vanessa Ho, Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at St George's, who she has worked closely with in her role as Associate Dean for Culture and Development.
In her nomination, Vanessa highlighted a range of initiatives Ban has led on to challenge inequity. These include co-chairing the Race Equality Action and Engagement Group, helping to set up a programme for allyship and advocacy training for students and re-developing the staff Prevent Duty training to avoid perpetuating bias and stereotypes.
Ban has also been involved in the Athena Swan charter for gender equality. Vanessa also shared that her input into the Inclusive Education Framework and innovations within the curriculum have been instrumental to the embedding of an intersectional and inclusive ethos.
Beyond St George’s
Outside of St George’s, Ban is a General Practitioner in a South West London practice where she advocates for communities and amplifies the voices of others. She has collaborated on the development of national guidance for medical schools and universities to tackle sexual misconduct and promotes inclusive medical education through work with the Medical School Council EDI alliance.
Her commitment to equitable healthcare education also extends beyond the UK, where she has been involved in recent initiatives to support medical schools and students in areas affected by conflict.
Valued allies
Reflecting on her career so far, Ban said:
The work that has had the most meaning to me in my career has involved advocacy for my patients, students and colleagues. I have learned so much by practicing cultural humility and recognising the barriers that people face, in order to support them to overcome these challenges and humanise their healthcare and educational experiences.I would like to thank all the members of the St George’s staff and student community who have tirelessly committed their time and energy to inclusive practice, in all the forms that this takes. I feel hugely optimistic that we will continue to demonstrate great work in this area and have impact on the wider communities that we engage with.
- Dr Ban Haider, Senior Lecturer in Primary Care and Associate Dean for Culture and Development -
Sharing her plans for the award ceremony in June, Ban said: “I am very excited to be attending with my amazing colleagues who have been integral to this work and valued allies in challenging oppression, Dr Vanessa Ho and Margot Turner.”
Congratulations Ban on this well-deserved recognition and good luck at the forthcoming awards ceremony.
Find out more about the Asian Women of Achievement Award 2024 here.