Traditionally, women were seen as the homemakers. For women arriving directly from India, working outside the home was considered shameful. 

This changed around the 1970s, when, in order to support the family, women would find work in textile mills, or at home, working on their sewing and embroidery. 

At this time, many more East African Sikhs arrived in England. These women had previously been encouraged into professions such as teaching, and considered working to be normal practice. However, some were disheartened that they could not use their qualifications in the UK, and had to spend their days sewing.

Despite this, they continued with the knowledge that their hard work would provide opportunities for their children to excel academically and professionally.

They encouraged their sons and daughters to earn qualifications and become professionals. 

Their aspirations and sacrifices have led to 58.2% of the UK Sikh population aged 16 to 74 having qualifications equivalent to a degree or higher (source: UK Sikh Survey 2016).

You can read the individual stories of many of these women here.