Sikh Women in UK face violence: survey

The British Sikh Report-2017 tabled in the UK Parliament states that violence against Sikh women are rampant in the country. The report looked at the wider social and economic issues affecting Sikh wo
Sikh Women in UK face violence: survey

 CHANDIGARH: The British Sikh Report-2017 tabled in the UK Parliament states that violence against Sikh women are rampant in the country. The report looked at the wider social and economic issues affecting Sikh women in Britain.


When asked about the most important issues affecting women, over 70 per cent males and females felt it was violence against women. However, the survey did not elaborate the type of violence—be it domestic violence, rape or bullying.

The other issues as reported by over 50 per cent of respondents were sexism, mental and physical wellbeing, unequal pay, and racism.

According to the 2011 census, the UK has 84,000 Sikh residents. Inputs were gathered from 2,000 respondents with equal men and women. Another 40 per cent wanted secure employment and affordable housing. Given the central role played by gurdwaras within the Sikh community, there is a growing demand for them to provide additional support specifically for women, the report states, adding that 84 per cent of respondents felt that female mental health support should be provided in gurdwaras.

While 79 per cent wanted free education and training for women, 78 per cent wished there was better leisure and social activity provision, and 77 per cent wanted parenting support. One area that had less support was women-only spaces in gurdwaras, with only 30 per cent of respondents considering such spaces to be necessary, added the report. 


The report added that there was a difference between the genders when it came to views regarding the ban on Sikh marriage for mixed faith couples. In total, 62 per cent females and 47 per cent males viewed the ban on interfaith marriage negatively.

The report stated that one in 10 Sikhs regret how they voted in the EU Referendum. Since the referendum, 13 per cent said they were victims of hate crimes.

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