She was accompanied by a presentation of the Home Sweet Home exhibition, a series of photographs taken by women asylum seekers to show their everyday lives and experiences.
Natasha said that other issues may seem “closer to home” but that this “affects us all”.
If an asylum seeker is refused asylum they are denied the right to work, benefits and housing and whilst men also go through this experience, Natasha argued that for women their “trauma was compounded” by the trivialised view that the Home Office took of refugee seekers.
Women are also much more likely to have their original decision overturned on appeal, leading to wasted time waiting for a positive outcome.
Natasha introduced three women who shared their stories of life as an asylum seeker in Britain.
Herlinde Lokuke, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, reminded delegates that women seeking asylum have often been tortured or raped and have lost children, their husband or parents. The DRC has been called the “World Capital of Rape”, with violence against women almost systematic.
The Home Office showed continued disbelief at her case, and rejected her appeal twice before she was given leave to remain, which left her feeling as if “years have been lost”.
Becoming involved in Women Asylum Seekers Together London allowed her to “support other women and increase understanding of what we are going through” and show the world the “reality of our life”.
Lydia Besong, a playwright who has been involved in Women Asylum Seekers Together Manchester, is still seeking asylum, and told conference that being imprisoned had reminded her of her time in Cameroon – “the scars are there”.
She said that the public “only hear what the media say”, and she has been able to use writing to improve the experience of asylum seekers in the future, hoping that the message would multiply.
Natasha urged conference to stay in touch with Women for Refugee Women and Women Asylum Seekers Together, via Twitter or Facebook or to join STAR – Student Action for Refugees, and to “remember what you have heard”.
To finish the opening plenary, Sofia Kalu sang an inspiring version of ‘No Matter What’ and a standing ovation got conference off to a flying start.
To watch the videos of the speeches in order see:
Natasha Walter
Herlinde Lokuke
Lydia Besong
Sofia Kalu