As the founder of Karma Nirvana, UK’s first specialist charity for victims of honour based abuse, Indian origin Jasvinder Sanghera has transformed her personal experiences into a driving force for change. Having survived a forced marriage herself, she has helped changed lives for countless individuals grappling with similar challenges. With her support, they have reclaimed their voices and have been able to break free from the shackles of oppression.
The charity not only supports and empowers victims but also runs the national honour based abuse helpline, produces important data, and trains frontline practitioners. Sanghera and her team have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for change, aiming to create a society that recognizes honour-based abuse as a form of domestic violence – a goal that remains elusive but not impossible.
Although Sanghera acknowledges her parents’ sacrifices, who left India for the UK with dreams of a better life, a marriage arranged by them spiralled into a forced one for her. Later, the tragic loss of her sister, Robina, who took her own life in the wake of familial shame, became the catalyst for Sanghera’s mission to create Karma Nirvana.
Jasvinder Sanghera’s memoir, Shame released in 2007 became a ‘political weapon,’ as described in the House of Lords. A Times Top 10 Bestseller, it shed light on the harrowing issue of forced marriage, stirring the conscience of society and influencing leaders. Former Prime Minister David Cameron credited her work with changing his perspective on this critical issue, which ultimately led to a legislative change – the establishment of a specific UK criminal offence for forced marriage in 2014.
Through her advocacy, Sanghera has supported the courageous men and women who bravely combat abuse, often at great personal risk.
Sanghera’s commitment to justice and advocacy has not gone unnoticed. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for her services to victims of forced marriage and honour-based violence and was elevated to a Dame Commander (DBE) in 2024.
