History-making Kirklees mayor Nosheen Dad has been hailed as an ‘inspiring and fearless role model’

A young mother hailed as an inspiration and role model has turned 50^th The Mayor of Kirklees.

Mother-of-two Clr Nosheen Dad, 34, became the youngest-ever mayor, the first Asian female mayor and the first black woman to become the borough’s first citizen.

Clr Dad, who studied politics at the University of Huddersfield and became the first female Muslim President of the Students’ Union, was elected at a mayoral ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall.

With her parents, family and friends watching, Clr Dad was nominated by family friend and long-time councilor Masood Ahmed and seconded by Habiban Zaman.

Clr Zaman said Clr Dad would be a role model for all women who wanted to juggle family life, education and a career.

She added: “Nosheen is a strong Muslim woman who has shaped the course of history with her strength, passion and leadership qualities.

“The first Asian woman to fill this role serves as an inspiration to other women. Its achievement is revolutionary and represents significant progress towards diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.

“Nosheen is an inspiration to women of all ages. She is an inspiring, fearless role model who makes sure all voices are heard.

“I’m really proud of what you’ve accomplished, Nosheen. As a Pakistani Muslim woman from Kirklees breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms, Nosheen’s journey is an inspiration to us all.

“She broke the glass ceiling and showed no insurmountable barrier. She is a beacon of hope and a strong advocate for the local community. We look forward to the incredible work you will do as the first citizen of Kirklees.”

Clr Dad, a Labor councilor for Dewsbury South, said she was “truly honored and humbled” to accept the role. She thanked her parents for “instilling in me a strong sense of social justice, equality and courage in difficult times.”

She added: “Without their unwavering support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today – so thanks mum, thanks dad.

“When my father arrived here in the late 1960s as a migrant worker, someone who could not speak the language, read or write, I don’t think he ever imagined that he would be standing here today at the age of 94 , attending the youngest of the five years. becoming the first citizen of this neighborhood.

“Today, Dad, is as much about you as it is about me. It is your resilience, commitment and dedication to a foreign land that you have dared to call home and raise your family in.”

Clr Dad, who has two daughters aged four and eight months who she described as her ‘biggest achievement’, said: ‘I hope my mandate is an inspirational one to show you can have a career or you can continue to study while having a family.

“As a mother myself, I believe more needs to be done to eliminate gender stereotypes in our society. It is our responsibility to pave the way for the next generation of young women and girls.

“Women are the architects of strong nations and hold the keys to a brighter future.”

Clr Dad’s charity for the year will be Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield, with which he has a personal connection.

“What struck me most about the work of the hospice is the work they do with the rainbow mothers,” she said. “For those unfamiliar with the term ‘rainbow babies’, it is used to describe a baby born after miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of a baby.

“As someone who has two rainbow babies and has unfortunately had to witness family and close friends go through the loss of a child over the past few years, I felt an automatic connection to hospice and the work they do in supporting families and the children. “

Clr Dad, whose husband Shiraz becomes her consort, takes over as mayor from Liberal Democrat councilor Lindley Cahal Burke.

Birstall and Birkenshaw Conservative councilor Liz Smaje has been elected as deputy mayor of Kirklees.