On 7 March 2005 the Southwark Muslim Women's Association (SMWA) celebrated its 25th anniversary and honoured Bollywood Dance Teacher, Honey Kalaria, with a gold medal for being a positive role model for Asian women. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport - the Rt Hon Tessa Jewell MP gave the keynote speech. She added, 'the association (SMWA) has shown that Muslim women have much to offer the country. It is now well overdue for Muslim women to become a members of parliament and I am sure that SMWA is well on its way to producing the right candidate'.

SMWA is a voluntary organisation that was set up 25 years ago by Zafar Iqbal its present Director. Their vision was to empower Muslim women and children to such an extent that they developed the confidence to take a positive and proactive part in the life and work of the nation. The organisation offers educational classes for children, luncheon club for the elderly, women in work classes, child care, health care, advisory support and guidance. It has now become a beacon service provider funded by Southwark Council and the LSC of London.

Bollywood Dance Teacher, Honey Kalaria, was awarded a gold medal for service to the community and, for being a positive role model for all Asian women in Britain. Honey has championed the cause of women for many years and has become a successful business women with more than 14 dance academies to her name, teaching more than 1500 children every week. Honey said, 'It is a great honour for me since it has been awarded by Asian women. SMWA has always championed the cause of Muslim women and I have been delighted to lend them my support over many years'.

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