This is Ana - My Journey of Resilience and Building Community in Belfast
Finding a Home in Belfast
I’m Ana Chandran, a 49-year-old woman of Indian heritage, born in Malaysia. My journey to Belfast began over two decades ago when, at 24, I left Malaysia seeking a better life. Back home, I faced discrimination as part of an ethnic minority, and I longed for a place where equality was enshrined in law. I chose the UK because I admired its culture and commitment to fairness. "I wanted to live and work legally in the UK as I loved the western culture and wanted to work and live in a country that made sure equality was enshrined as law," I remember thinking.
My husband and I first settled in London, where we lived and worked for eight years. On a whim, during a return trip from Malaysia, we stopped over in Belfast. That first evening, strolling through Belfast City, we fell in love with the city. The warmth of the people and the sense of community captured our hearts. "It felt like a place where we could call home, work, and one day raise a family," I thought. We’ve lived in Sandy Row ever since, surrounded by brilliant neighbours who make us feel secure and supported. When our son started school here, I knew Belfast was truly our home.
Facing Challenges and Chasing Dreams
Settling in Belfast wasn’t without its struggles. My husband found work quickly, but I couldn’t land a job like the Team Manager role I held in London. So, the first job I took up was a waitress and later moved to a call centre. I found it hard to progress in the call centre despite working really hard and achieving outstanding results. This motivated me to pursue a degree and in my spare time, studied for a Law Degree through the Open University for five years. That degree opened doors to the legal industry, but it also exposed me to a new challenge: subtle workplace discrimination. At first, everything seemed great, but then I felt belittled - comments designed to chip away at my confidence. It was tough, and I left that job feeling shaken but determined not to let it define me.
That experience fuelled my resolve to make a difference. In 2019, I founded the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy (BAWA) to prove my worth and create a space for others. "I wanted to prove to those that had bullied me that they were wrong. I was not a failure, and they shouldn’t judge me by my skin colour or background," I told myself. BAWA empowers Asian women by addressing gaps in support, promoting wellbeing, and advocating for victims of hate crimes and discrimination. From just six members, we’ve grown to over 400 women in six years, united by a vision to promote inclusivity while celebrating our differences.
Defining My Identity
Growing up in Malaysia, I was seen as an Indian woman. Here in the UK, I identify as an Asian woman with Indian heritage, born in Malaysia. I’ve connected with Black women who’ve faced similar discrimination in their careers because of their skin colour. "Like many other women of colour, my experience of racism is less about what I have experienced on the street. It has come from what I experienced within institutions, within workplaces," I’ve realised. In Sandy Row, I’ve never faced hate or racism - my neighbours embrace us. But in the workplace, I heard things like my English wasn’t good enough or my legal submissions would "bore the judges." Those words were meant to break me, but I stood up, called out the racism, and kept going. Now, I volunteer my legal skills to help others who can’t afford a solicitor, supporting them to stand up against discrimination.
Through BAWA, I’ve created spaces for women to connect, thrive, and escape their challenges. We run workshops, cultural events, and advocacy services. For example, when Bangladeshi women were assaulted and felt let down by local police, we stepped in to advocate for them. In another case, we supported a man diagnosed with stage 4 cancer whose employer stopped his pay. We fought to reverse that decision, easing his burden during a tough time.
Bringing People Together
I believe in building bridges across communities. At BAWA, we’ve organised events like a Diversity Day at Hope Street car park, where women from Asian, African, Chinese, Catholic, and Protestant backgrounds came together to share food and performances. "It wasn’t about one culture, but about showcasing local cultures and how other cultures can both enrich and be enriched," I explained. We also join the St. Patrick’s Day parade to celebrate Belfast’s culture while sharing our own, believing it strengthens our community.
During the pandemic, BAWA raised funds for PPE for a West Belfast care home and donated over 1,000 food packs to the Belfast Homeless Services. Before the pandemic BAWA donated 120 kilos of non-perishable items to the South Belfast Food Bank in six months. These efforts were our way of giving back to Belfast, especially when the community needed it most.
Rising Above Stereotypes
I’ll never forget being told in 2017 that my English wasn’t good enough to be a solicitor - that my submissions would bore judges. Fast forward to 2025: I’ve completed over 200 submissions, and the judges aren’t bored.
“I don’t let other people’s insecurities define me. I am a strong, smart woman,” I remind myself.
Belfast’s humour and complexity make it a special place. Living here has taught me to see people as individuals, not labels. “I have friends from across the community, and I see people as people - not as a colour. What matters to me is that we do the right thing and work on relationships so we can get along,” I believe.
Sharing Our Truth
To counter misinformation, I want people to understand the reality of legal immigration. My husband and I came here legally 24 years ago. We were not entitled to public funds until we got our indefinite leave to remain. . We’ve worked hard, contributed financially, and given our time to Belfast. Migrants who come to live and work here go through a vigorous checks. It also cost a migrant approximately £3000 for a 5 years work visa.
"It’s important that we tell this crucial story of how we’re contributing to the local community of Belfast, and we must keep talking," I urge.
A Belfast for All
My story is about turning pain into purpose and building a stronger, more inclusive Belfast. Through BAWA and my advocacy, I hope to show that our differences make us richer, not divided. The "This is Me" campaign gives me a chance to share this truth: when we listen, connect, and support each other, we all thrive. Belfast is my home, and I’m proud to contribute to its vibrant, united community.
“We’ve shared stories and cultures as well as fed the homeless, fought for cancer patients. We’ve also stood up for Bangladeshi sisters who were victims of a racist crime.”
One city. Many stories.
Meet the people behind the stories.
Real voices, lived experiences, and the moments that shaped them.