Give Your Best allows refugees across Britain to select their own clothes from items donated by the public.
Basma Kamel started the process of claiming asylum in the UK in February 2020 after a harrowing experience of female genital mutilation in Egypt. When she arrived, all she had was winter clothing with her. “When the weather started to get hot during the summer, it was the pandemic and I couldn’t find cooler clothing,” Basma remembers. Currently, asylum seekers receive £40.85 each week to pay for things like food, clothing, transport, period products and toiletries.
“I started writing to refugee support groups who tried hard to find some options for my size,” she says. A refugee support organisation told Basma about an opportunity to choose her own clothes for free through Give Your Best. “Having the chance to choose was such a great feeling,” she says. “Being able to pick what I want to wear, clothes that suit my taste and style, allowed me to feel dignified and normal again. I felt like an equal human being.
Many women seeking refuge in the UK have said to Escobar that they are never asked about what they want. “Over time, you internalise that and believe you just have to accept what you are given,” says Escobar. “But that’s not true. We all deserve to have choice.” In a recent fashion show held by Give Your Best, women who have “bought” clothing through the platform strutted and even danced down the catwalk smiling ear to ear.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
London Marathon 2022: Running for charity 'a chance to give back'Two marathon runners tell BBC Newsbeat about overcoming the odds to compete in the London Marathon.
Read more »
London Marathon 2022: Running for charity 'a chance to give back'Two marathon runners tell BBC Newsbeat about overcoming the odds to compete in the London Marathon.
Read more »
Pregnant Scot could be forced to give birth in Spanish prisonSeven-months pregnant Jamielee Fielding from Livingston is serving four months in prison for failing to pay a fine.
Read more »
Make your braids, twists and faux locs last longer with these 5 expert hair tipsKeep your box braids, faux locs and twists looking fresh a little while longer with these tips.
Read more »
I tested the Sonos Sub Mini with all 3 Sonos soundbars, and here's what I thoughtA good upgrade, if you give it some extra oomph
Read more »
Beth Mead: Our fight for girls' football in schools has been pushed back, but we won't give upIn an exclusive interview with i's Sam Cunningham, the Arsenal and England star talks Euros glory, her mum's terminal cancer diagnosis and equality for the next generation
Read more »