Today is the first day of South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from 18 July to 17 August each year, having first been launched in 2019 as a way to celebrate South Asian history and culture.
This year’s theme is “Roots to routes” and explores the rich journey of growth, and the evolving connections we make through generations. South Asian heritage has blended into the British way of life in terms of food, clothing, music, words, and much more. Observing South Asian Heritage Month provides us with the chance to embrace and celebrate the history and identity of British South Asians.
South Asian countries and demographics
South Asia comprises eight countries: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; The Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 1 in every 20 persons in the UK is of South Asian heritage; and 7.5% of the UK population identifies as South Asian.
Challenges facing our diverse workforce
NHS Employers have shared an article on South Asian Heritage Month, within it, it highlights that South Asians have had a huge impact on society in the UK, and in particular in the NHS and healthcare sector. In terms of the NHS, just under 25% of the NHS workforce comprises ethnically diverse groups, and South Asians make up the largest population within this group. The NHS has a higher proportion of staff from South Asia than the wider economy: these staff made up 5.3 per cent (75,473) of the NHS workforce in 2023.
Many South Asian and ethnically diverse colleagues are likely to have faced barriers and challenges that do not exist for everyone. Various world events have led to increased racism towards Muslim and South Asian communities, alongside a continued increase in prejudiced hate crime and stereotyping.
Research conducted by Totaljobs and the Diversity Trust in 2022 highlights inequalities in recruitment processes and employment opportunities. It identified that South Asian women specifically face significant barriers in the recruitment process.