Basirat Razaq-Shuaib has been featured by
19 YEARS OF CREATING SOLUTIONS
Basirat Razaq-Shuaib “The Nurturer” is a leading voice in parental well-being and the advocacy for inclusive education in Nigeria. She is a researcher, inclusive education specialist, children’s author and global speaker who has dedicated herself to addressing the critical issues of mothers’ emotional well-being and the exclusion of children with developmental disabilities from education in Nigeria.
Through her founding of The Blooming Mum Program exclusively for mums and The Winford Centre for Women and Children, Basirat is providing education, emotional well-being and welfare support services to give mothers as well as children with developmental disabilities and their families the chance to achieve positive outcomes and reach their full potentials.
With expertise spanning across Africa and the UK, covering industries such as finance, education, and non-profit management, Basirat’s multi-sector experience is unparalleled. She holds multiple degrees and certifications, including an M.Sc. in Finance and Investment from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom and she is currently a PhD candidate in disability and inclusive education at the University of Cambridge.
Basirat has authored 3 children’s books two of which promote disability inclusion, empathy and kindness. Her first book won the 2020 British Council ELTons Special Commendation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and has been published in 4 languages (English, Spanish, German and Portuguese). In a bid to amplify children’s voices and fore-front children’s led stories, Basirat also co-authored a book called “The Tooth Monster” under a pen name with her two amazing children.
Basirat is the first Mansion House scholar in Nigeria.
A LITTLE ABOUT HOW I GOT HERE
My journey in the financial services sector in Nigeria began in 2004 and was filled with promise. But things took a difficult turn when I moved to the UK and decided to start a family. The health issues and emotional struggles I faced living alone in a foreign country were overwhelming, and I struggled with feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and resentment for myself and others.
In 2015, a close family member moved back to Nigeria with a child who had special needs. Seeing the struggles they faced in finding a school that could accommodate their child’s needs broke my heart and made me deeply concerned. I couldn’t stop asking myself, “What if this was me or my child, what would I do?”
Then in 2017, I made the difficult decision to resign from my job as I was about to be made the CFO of the bank where I worked. I started living in the past thinking, “I remember when I was…” I wanted to be a supportive wife and mother, but I felt like I had to BE THE SACRIFICE for those I care about. I was filled with shame and resentment, and I wish I had found help to navigate those feelings.
My experiences have inspired me to dedicate my work to supporting mothers’ emotional well-being and addressing the exclusion of children with disabilities from education.
Today, I’ve accomplished so much because I said ENOUGH! and dared to create the changes I wished to see. My struggles have shown me the difficulties of exclusion, balancing work and family life, and the emotional toll it can take. I now have a deep understanding of the importance of support, compassion, and inclusivity, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Following on social media
Educators, Children and Families supported
Children’s books published
A FEW OF MY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Winner 2020 British Council ELTons Commendation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- First Mansion House scholar in Nigeria
- Founded The Winford Centre for Children and Women-a United Nations Global Compact partner organisation
- Published 3 books. My first book – “I am not naughty- I really really mean it” has been translated into 3 international languages (German, Spanish and Portuguese).
- Founded The Blooming Mum Program – dedicated to helping mums navigate the complex emotions of motherhood.
- Convener of the Special Education Needs and Inclusion Conference (SENICON) which focuses on addressing the issue of education inequity for children with neurodivergent conditions.
ALSO WORTHY OF NOTE
I speak internationally on the subjects of women’s emotional well-being and inclusive education and have been featured on several platforms including:
- British Council- Keynote address
- The World Literacy Summit
- Guaranty Trust Bank Annual Autism Conference
- The Accessibility Group’s Roaming Henry podcast
I have been named as one of the women leading SDGs and UHCs in Nigeria and one of the top 100 impactful women in development.
I am passionate about imparting knowledge and creating equal opportunities to facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Simplifying seemingly complex concepts is my superpower.