Meet The Founder/Director: 

Dr Aysha Ahmed is an award-winning, leading expert in the field who has devoted her career spanning over three decades to understanding and addressing the complexities of domestic violence and abuse, and domestic abuse within the Bangladeshi and South Asian communities.

She is a social work professional, an academic researcher and a trainer.  She is a visiting lecturer and teaches in the Social Work Undergraduate and Master's programmes. She leads and facilitates training for professionals working with women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse, children safeguarding and diversity and prejudices. 

Dr Ahmed holds a PhD in Domestic Violence and Bangladeshi women in the UK, and her research has profoundly influenced AASHA’s approach to training. Her deep understanding of the cultural, social, religious and legal barriers faced by survivors has guided AASHA's development of tailored training programs that resonate with both survivors and the professionals who support them.  

Dr Ahmed’s vision for AASHA is rooted in the belief that with the proper support and training, professionals can be powerful allies in the fight against domestic violence and abuse, bringing “hope” and healing to those who need it most.

Dr Ahmed has collaborated with SOAS-University of London and affiliated projects, such as Project dldl/ድልድል, and with Statutory organisations on research and improving frontline practice. Her contributions to the field are recognised through her involvement in training professionals and collaborative research initiatives addressing domestic violence and abuse, religion, migration, cultural appropriateness and sexual abuse in domestic violence when working with Bangladeshi women and children.

Dr Ahmed is an active advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, continuing to be involved in various initiatives, such as UN Women UK, the G100 mission millions and Higher Educational services as a participant and advocate, as well as presenting her research at national and international conferences on domestic violence.

She is an independent researcher and has co-authored and published articles on domestic violence attitudes and responses in the UK for minority and migrant communities. Dr Ahmed continues to explore research on domestic violence and the interconnectedness of extended family, cultural and religious impact of violence on women in communities.