NASIMA Islam, Founder and Chair of WISH Foundation, received Highly Commended recognition as a finalist at the BBC Radio London Make a Difference Awards 2026 recently.
The recognition celebrates her commitment to supporting vulnerable and isolated women, migrants, refugees, families and local residents across East London.
Through WISH Foundation, Nasima provides food support, English language sessions, community coffee mornings, practical assistance and opportunities for women to build confidence and skills.
The charity is developing the WISH Digital Hub to help women who face digital exclusion, language barriers, financial hardship or limited access to technology.
The Hub will support women to use computers, manage emails, complete online forms, access public services, search for employment and stay safe online.
Demand has already been significant. More than 120 people attended the Hub’s enrolment event, with 87 women registering for digital support.
Nasima Islam said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, but this achievement is not mine alone. It belongs to every woman who trusted WISH Foundation, every volunteer who gave their time and every supporter who believed in our work.
“My greatest reward is seeing a woman gain confidence, learn a new skill and feel that she is no longer alone.”
Nasima’s work has also been recognised through the Tower Hamlets Civic Awards 2025 and the Tower Hamlets Volunteer of the Year Award 2026, and INTERNATIONAL Women’s DAY CIVIC Awards 2024.
WISH Foundation UK is now seeking partnerships and support to expand its Digital Hub and ensure that vulnerable women are not excluded from education, employment opportunities or essential online services.
