Greetings Curry Lovers!
It's been a while. After a slack month in March (or is it just us slacking?) we find April & May will probably be the most hectic on record for Asian activities. This week we focus on the topic of 'Women'. A subject that fascinates both sexes alike. "Where have all the women gone?" we are often asked. The answer is that those who haven't been busy being nominated for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2002 or the EMMA Awards 2002, have probably been at the cinema. But more about that later.

Asian Women of Achievement 2002	Vote Asian for EMMA Awards 2002
There are 37 finalists across seven different Award categories for this year's Asian Women of Achievement Awards including the hugely talented, pioneering Muslim comedienne, Shazia Mirza. read more	Vote Asian for the EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards) Awards 2002. There are some sparkling Asian finalists this year including Nitin Sawhney, Nasser Hussain & Aamir Khan's 'Lagaan'. Read more

Yesterday's success of Jean-Marie Le Pen in the first round of the French presidential elections has confirmed the trend of electoral success by right-wing parties throughout Europe. Something that should concern us all. The news comes in the same week as the CRE launches two new radio commercials to help unite communities in riot-hit towns in the North of England. One of the new adverts expounds on the curry & lager theme. A tactic we wholesomely approve. If you can't win over the hearts and minds of the people, why not just go for their stomachs?

Xenophobia unsettles Europe	"Curry & Lager" Ads
Following yesterday's success of Jean-Marie Le Pen in the first round of the French presidential elections the EUMC has called on political leaders to condemn xenophobia and racism. read more	Two new radio adverts launched today will use the power of radio to promote a very different understanding of race relations in the riot-hit towns of the North of England. Commissioned by the CRE, one advert expounds the curry and lager theme! read more

But, back to the subject of Women. Statistics show that girls are now faring better at school than boys, attaining better 'A' Level results and University degrees. So can someone please explain to us why it is that when entering work, women seemingly end up at the back of the queue? The CRE commissioned research that clearly shows that race can be one of the limiting factors. The EOC on the other hand suggests it might be because women graduates are settling for 15% less at the outset. A factor that the Government hopes to abolish with its Mark of Excellence for Equal Payers.

Race can limit Career Choice say Women	Women are still going cheap
In a new survey, two in three British women believe race can limit career choice. Over 1,100 women were asked for their views - their answers make fascinating reading. Read more	Female students can expect to be earning 15% less than men before they reach the age of 24, according to research commissioned by the EOC and the gap gets progressively wider among older graduates. Read more

Of course, if you are Monsieur. Le Pen then you would expect all women to be in the kitchen and out of the workforce totally, thus creating countless jobs for men. Well, just about the only thing likely to entice us into the kitchen is a man. Andy Varma, Executive Chef at VAMA is launching a series of cookery classes in London. With smouldering good looks, we'd say that the food is not the only thing that's hot in the Vama kitchen!

Simmer down folks (O gawd the awful puns have now appeared)! Men might like to check out the fact the stunner Sarika Sukhdeo won the Miss India Worldwide 2002, snatching the title from our very own Parveen Sian.

Vama launches Cookery Classes in London	UK beaten by South Africa
One of India's most famous TV chef's, Andy Varma is offering you the chance to discover the secrets of Indian cuisine at his restaurant Vama on the King's Road in London. Classes run until 8th June 2002. Read more	Sarika Sukhdeo of South Africa was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2002. 14 girls of Indian origin fought on their beauty, brains and talent with Sarika bagging the top title. She is a certified Health and Beauty Therapist from Durban, South Africa. Read more

The Tongues of Fire South Asian Women's Festival 2002 is in full swing, offering an unrivalled opportunity to catch up films by and about South Asian Women. This year's festival is supported by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding), Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham) and Meera Syal who is currently busy turning 'Anita & Me' her first novel into a film.

Another sensational debut novel is by Pulitzer Prize Winner, Jhumpa Lahiri. 'The Interpreter of Maladies' is a collection of short stories by this young writer who cleverly manages to bring South Asian Literature into the mainstream.

Tongues on Fire Film Festival 2002	Interpreter of Maladies
The 'Tongues on Fire' Asian Women's film festival 2002 is a great celebration of South Asian cinema. This year's festival is supported by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding), Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham) and Meera Syal. Read more	Winner of the Pulitzer Prize 2000, Ms Lahiri's book 'The Interpreter of Maladies' is a debut collection of short stories. With this collection, Jhumpa Lahiri brings South Asian literature into the mainstream. Read more