Baroness Manzila Uddin

Baroness Manzila Pola Khan Uddin is a Member of the House of Lords, where she sits as a non-affiliated peer. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 1998, becoming the first Muslim and Bengali woman to be granted a life peerage in the United Kingdom. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a community and social worker in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, with a focus on housing, youth, and education.

She specialises in social policy, community cohesion, women’s rights, race relations, and disability inclusion. Her work in these areas has been reflected in her contributions to parliamentary debates and public policy discussions, both nationally and internationally.

She studied at the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University), where she trained in social work. Her educational background laid the foundation for her early professional roles in social services and community engagement.


Baroness Uddin has focused on advancing the skills and empowerment of Asian women in Britain, including co-founding the Jagonari Centre in 1987. She holds roles with several organisations, including the St Katharine’s and Shadwell Trust, the EOP Implementation Committee, and parliamentary groups on international students and the metaverse. She has also contributed to national discussions on extremism and foreign policy and was shortlisted for Female Peer of the Year in 2009.
 

Baroness Uddin’s professional approach is rooted in inclusive policy-making and community-led development. Her work continues to focus on social justice, equality, and advocacy for marginalised groups across both parliamentary and civil society platforms.

Baroness Manzila Pola Khan Uddin was born on 17 July 1959 in Rajshahi, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). She moved to the United Kingdom in 1973 with her family at the age of 13 and grew up in East London. 


Uddin attended Plashet School in East Ham and later pursued a degree in social work at the University of North London, now London Metropolitan University, where she trained in social work between 1988 and 1990. This educational foundation led her to work in various community roles, focusing on social services, youth, housing, and women's health in Tower Hamlets and Newham.
 

In 1990, Uddin became the first Bengali woman to be elected as a Labour councillor in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and she served as the Deputy Leader of the council from 1994 to 1996. Her work in the community continued to thrive as she co-founded the Jagonari Centre in 1987, Britain's first purpose-built education and training centre for women, which aimed to empower Asian women. Uddin's advocacy for women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice grew during her years in local government and activism.
 

Uddin’s political career reached a milestone in 1998 when she was appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords by Prime Minister Tony Blair, becoming the first Muslim and Bengali woman to sit in the UK Parliament. As a member of the House of Lords, Uddin became an outspoken advocate for social cohesion, women’s rights, race relations, disability inclusion, and community empowerment. 

Her work included chairing several government task forces, including one focused on preventing extremism, and she led campaigns for the eradication of forced marriages. She also contributed significantly to policy debates related to women’s rights, international relations, and national security.
 

Throughout her career, Uddin held key roles in numerous organisations and parliamentary groups. She served as Chair of the National Commission on Muslim Women from 2018 to 2022 and was the former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women, Peace, and Security. She was also a board member of Autism Speaks and a non-executive director at Carlton Television London.

Uddin worked with a variety of organisations, including the St Katharine’s and Shadwell Trust and the EOP Implementation Committee, and has been involved in shaping national and international policies, particularly on issues affecting minority groups.
 

In recent years, Uddin has continued to influence both parliamentary and civil society platforms, focusing on neurodiversity, digital identity, and international student issues. She has chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Metaverse and Web 3.0, and co-chaired several other groups including those focusing on cyber security and AI. Uddin’s activism, especially in the areas of peace, security, and social justice, has continued to guide her work in the House of Lords and beyond.

In 2024, Uddin became the Chair of the Women's Commission in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, further cementing her role as a leader in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women. She also works part-time as the owner of Naami Perfume. Her efforts continue to focus on advancing the skills of marginalised groups and advocating for systemic changes to improve social justice and equality. Baroness Uddin remains deeply committed to the causes she championed throughout her life, working tirelessly for the empowerment of women, racial equality, and a more inclusive society.

Baroness Manzila Uddin's vision is centred on creating a society where equality, inclusivity, and social justice are at the heart of policy and practice. She is committed to empowering marginalised groups, especially women and ethnic minorities, by advocating for their rights and providing opportunities for social and economic advancement. Uddin believes in community-led development, where individuals are equipped with the skills and support needed to shape their futures. Through her work in the House of Lords and various organisations, she strives to break down barriers to equality and create a more cohesive and fair society for all.

Baroness Manzila Uddin has been recognised for her significant contributions to social justice, women's rights, and community development. In 1998, she became the first Muslim and Bengali woman appointed to the House of Lords, highlighting her impact on advancing women's and disability rights. In 2009, she was included in The Guardian's Muslim Women Power List, acknowledging her influence in advocating for Muslim women's rights. Additionally, she was shortlisted for Female Peer of the Year at the Women in Public Life Awards in 2009, further recognising her leadership in public service. In 2013, she was nominated for the Muslim Woman of the Year award at the British Muslim Awards, reflecting her ongoing commitment to empowering Muslim women.