About Us
> Our History
From two women with a vision,
to a lifeline for thousands
The power of willingness, passion and belief - since 1998.
How It Began
Established in 1998 by local Bangladeshi women.
Shantona was founded to provide a separate, safe place for women, children and young people in the Bangladeshi community. What started as two women seeing a need in their local community - and working hard to address it together - has now grown into a staff team of over 20, supporting women, children and families with a range of issues and advocating for BAME communities across Leeds.
Shantona is at the heart of Harehills, where our multi-cultural organisation responds to the needs of local people and local issues. And that will never change.
1998
The year it all began
2
20+
26+
Founders
Staff today
Year strong
our journey
Milestones along the way
Shantona is born
Two local Bangladeshi women see a need in their community and create a safe, separate space for women, children and young people.
Genderwise Project
Nahid coordinates the UK side of "Genderwise", a transnational European project on gender equality, with 8 partners across the EU.
Best Women's Centre
Two Shantona receives the A1 Business Excellence Awards for "Best Women's Centre", celebrating the quality of its services and its outstanding community work, supporting women, children and families.
GSK IMPACT Award
Shantona receives the A1 Business Excellence Award for "Best Women's Centre", celebrating the quality of its services.
DVA Quality Mark Level 2
Domestic QM level 2 awarded in June 2021 and renewed 2024 - Shantona Women’s Centre in Leeds holds the Safer Leeds Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) Quality Mark Level Two. This certification highlights their high standard of culturally diverse, trauma-informed support for South Asian and minority communities experiencing domestic abuse
Locality Award November 2024
The Shantona won the prestigious Transforming Lives Award at the national Locality Awards. This award honors community organizations that go above and beyond to support local residents and make an undeniable impact on their communities
Awards & Achievements
Recognised for tireless dedication
The team's work has steered Shantona to numerous accolades - locally, nationally and internationally.
Locality Award
Transforming Lives Award at the national Locality Awards. This award honnors community organizations that go above and beyond to support local residents and make an undeniable impact on their communities
2024
A1 Business Excellence Award
“Best Women’s Centre” – recognising the quality of Shantona’s services.
2015
Domestic QM level 2 awarded in June 2021 and renewed 2024
Safer Leeds Domestics violence and abuse (DVA) Quality Mark Level Two.
2021&2024
Leeds Young Film Maker’s Golden Owl
A production from Shantona’s Hope Film Project was honoured by Leeds City Council.
2016
