About
THIS IS OUR SOCH!
Our Story
With OurSoch, we strive to create a space where South Asian people feel comfortable to speak themselves and share their experience of being a part of the South Asian community. These stories come together to help us understand what it means to be South Asian, and how we can learn from each other.
As people of colour, we are not only exposed to the prejudices of society, but also those that exist
within our own South Asian community. Because of these prejudices, we often forget, as people, we are on the same side. No matter your age, gender, sexuality, ability, we have variations to how we have been affected by our native culture.
We - as a team - came together around a year ago and started developing the website. But we had been friends for a little while before then too.
Gurgina and Sapir met at nursery but only realised this when they became friends in high school (year 12).
Gurgina and Armani met at university and became great friends.
We all got to know each other more through this project and we are excited to see where it leads.
Don’t Forget to Follow
Our page, Our Awaaz, is a safe and welcoming space for you to voice your experiences of being South Asian and living in the diaspora. You have the chance to share your opinion on any issues you believe are ignored and should be voiced. More than likely, someone will relate.
On our Lifestyle page, we feature grooming tips, makeup 'how to’s' specifically for brown skin, fitness, fusion fashion and brands we want to get people talking about.
On the Entertainment page, we share all that is happening in cinema, TV, theatre and music – all those which pay attention to the various components of the South Asian community, as well as poignant pieces that allude to issues which deserve to be spoken about.
Whatever contribution you want to make, on any of these pages, we want to hear it! Get in contact with us, so you can tell your story!
Meet The Team
Armani
"Learn from People"
As a young, South Asian woman living in the diaspora myself, I felt that people in the South Asian community have created barriers against each other. I’ve always had a knack for listening to people’s stories and opinions, and I realised all these experiences interlink and are shared between so many South Asian people. Yet, we don’t talk to each other enough about them.
Being involved in OurSoch, meant that I could work to showcase this relatability. To highlight that these voices shouldn’t be limited to one-to-one conversations. There’re South Asian people, like us, who can learn from people who speak themselves. Through Our Soch, I want South Asian people to feel confident in their own voice and further contribute to a progressive attitude in the South Asian community.
Gurgina
"To embrace our identity"
I had always neglected a part of my identity, and didn’t realise I did as much until I went to university. I realised I wanted to be that person I wish I had around when I was growing up, someone who celebrated and embraced my south Asian culture in social settings instead of neglecting it, as a result of this realisation I wanted to create a community for south Asians and women in particular to voice themselves in this already marginalised society.
Being involved in OurSoch means to be apart of a community that shares, supports and embraces one another and the south Asian culture. I wish to create a community that I had when I was growing up.
Sapir
"In Kindness with power"
I was born in a different country and came to England when I was very young. I felt that I was segregated or had dissolved opinions due to my race or religion, whether that was representation on TV/films or in real life. I didn't always feel like I fit into society. But throughout time, I understood that power and kindness goes hand in hand to solve these issues we see everyday.
Being involved in OurSoch, means I can use my power to enlighten, engage and empower others about South Asians. But also, respectfully reach other races and religions and encourage the world to be positive and considerate of each other. Through OurSoch, I want to slowly reach people in kindness and with power so we can understand and help each other.