Apsana Begum MP wins prestigious True Honour Special Recognition Award

 

 

Poplar and Limehouse Constituency MP Apsana Begum accepts prestigious award from UK-based women and girls’ charity, IKRWO.

MP recognised for work to end ‘honour’ based abuse by championing legal reform and survivor-centred policy and minoritised and migrant communities in 2025, at prize ceremony in Central London.

On Tuesday 4th March, the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKRWO) announced Apsana Begum MP as a recipient of its Special Recognition Award at their prestigious True Honour Awards ceremony. The event was opened by Brendan Roche KC.

IKRWO’s annual True Honour Awards celebrate those who have taken a stand against ‘honour’ based abuse and other harmful practices,  over the previous 12 months. Award winners are nominated by the public, with winners being selected by a distinguished panel of judges.

Apsana Begum MP was recognised for her professional work to end ‘honour’-based abuse, by being a powerful voice in Parliament championing legal reform and survivor-centred policy including campaigning for a statutory definition for ‘honour’ based abuse. In addition, they recognised her work as Chair of the APPG on Domestic Abuse and Violence to highlight the disproportionate impact of abuse on marginalised communities, including migrant women and those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds – who face multiple barriers due to languages barriers or immigration status.

Celebrating the news, Apsana Begum MP said,

“As a survivor of ongoing post-separation harassment and abuse and as the first hijab-wearing MP representing one of the most diverse areas in the country, it is a true honour to receive IKRWO’s Special Recognition Award.

“Having lived in East London all my life and amidst a surge in racism in the UK, I believe it is important to keep remind that so-called ‘honour’ based abuse can happen to anyone, cutting across all countries, all cultures and all religions and none.

“I dedicate this award to all survivors and victims of ‘honour’ based abuse, from Banaz Mahmod to Suma Begum and sadly, many more.

“As war and conflict rages in the Middle East and beyond, I extend my solidarity to women and children who continue to face unimaginable horror and insurmountable challenges. From Palestine to Iran, Syria to Sudan, Ukraine to Kashmir and much beyond, we must continue to extend our solidarity because our struggles are intertwined.”

The ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament, charities, corporate partners, legal professionals, academics, activists, and individuals from across the country.

Winners included: Matt Mahmood-Ogston (Matt and Naz Foundation); Shamila Dhana (Standing Together Against FGM), Dr Rahaf Aldhoughli (Lecturer in Middle East and North African Studies) and more.