‘Let’s start the year knowing what is possible when we stand firm and unify’

You Make It. Photograph: Ben Sage

Last night Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s new mayor.

Thousands of miles away in the East End of London, I feel elated. Why?

Because his campaign brought so many different communities together as one around a common goal – to make one of richest cities in the world affordable and fairer.

Hate, division and scapegoating vulnerable groups wasn’t part of it. Mamdani’s message is about unity and hope. And he campaigned on the no-brainer of higher taxation for those who can more than afford it.

Asma Shah. Photograph: Ben Sage

Blaming those who have the least has become the go-to tactic for politicians all over the world.

As the cost of living crisis continues to blight futures for many, this is where we find ourselves, entrenched in politics of division, binary and false choices, not to mention barefaced lies.

Oftentimes, vulnerable groups who are the target of blame have had nothing to do with the structures and systems responsible for the glaring wealth inequalities we see today. It’s deeply dehumanising and profoundly disheartening.

In my work supporting marginalised and racialised women in London, I know first hand the most powerful way to create positive change is to back those who have been systematically denied basic privileges – through appropriate resources and the force of community behind them.

Our work builds physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing, not division. It is a proven formula that works and pays dividends for individuals and society alike.

The charity I founded is tiny – for years it was just me. Today with a core team of six, we work with a network of dedicated mentors, coaches and supporters who guide our young women – Londoners from all walks of life who know that being part of what we do changes lives.

For 15 years, You Make It has provided life-changing programmes for young unemployed Black and Brown women who grow in confidence and ability.

They discover the power of community. They claim their rights to the city and – above all – their right to be heard, seen and listened to.

Asma Shah. Photograph: Ben Sage

More than 600 women have come through our doors and we’ve engaged an equal number of volunteer mentors, as well as employers across tech, the arts, legal and finance firms who’ve shared their resources to host in person learning that includes guest speaker sessions, creative workshops, debate clubs and seminars, and host work experiences.

Meanwhile, politics of fear and division are taking a heavy toll on the funding landscape marked by high profile retreats from DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] programmes.

Like New York, London is an immensely wealthy city shadowed by huge disparities in living standards. Yet despite our consistent track record supporting women out of poverty, we receive no government or local council funding.

As an equality and rights-based organisation, we are now having to rely on our grassroots supporters to keep our movement growing. This isn’t the ideal model, but it’s a necessity amid shrinking traditional and corporate funding.

In a world that feels so desperately polarised and cruel, Mamdani’s message and the story of You Make It offer hope.

It shows there are just people out there who understand the importance of togetherness, like the huge majority who voted for Mamdani across the Atlantic.

We know the fight for security, safety and happiness for all is not a zero-sum game – there is enough to go around. You Make It would not exist without this belief.

Let’s start the year knowing what is possible when we stand firm and unify.

Asma Shah is the CEO and Founder of You Make It.