Muslim woman is University of Leicester's MBA Student of the Year 2009
(5 June 2009)

Muslim woman, Munira Panjwani has been named University of Leciester's MBA Student of the Year 2009. In recognition of her work to help other students settle into University life, many of whom come from all over the world, Munira was chosen as Student of the Year 2009. Apart from bringing up three children, running two businesses and taking on an MBA, Munira also raises funds for an orphanage in Malawi, where 30 orphans are cared for in a family environment and, equally as important, receive a full time education.

Munira is eldest daughter in a family of five children, who are first generation Asian immigrants from Malawi, Africa. Her family brought with them their religion and strong adherence to their Asian culture and heritage. For Munira, being female meant an expectation of early marriage and she was not allowed to pursue an academic qualification beyond a basic level of education. She was not expected to have a career of any kind.

Having completed her A levels, and against the advice of her teachers, Munira abandoned her education and prepared for marriage. At just eighteen, she married and began her new life as a wife and mother in Birmingham. Munira was lucky though, her chosen husband was a liberal minded, educated man and she was at least able to pursue a career or sorts. In her first job, her line manager recognised a spark in Munira and, within eighteen months she became the team leader for the West Midlands region Client Liaison Team.

In 1999, her husband’s new job meant a move to Leicester, where Munira found more success as a Sales and Marketing Assistant. As with her previous job, Munira achieved recognition for her hard work and commitment. Sadly, her young son’s ongoing health issues required Munira to give up her hopes of a career to devote her time to helping her son overcome his illness. As his condition improved, she was able to return, albeit on a part time basis to the challenges of the workplace.

Realising that she needed to balance the challenge of work with the vital role of mother, Munira took the plunge and set up her own business. In 2003, Munira launched Occasion Cakes, a bespoke specialist wedding cake company catering to a growing niche Asian market specialising in original creative designs and personal service. Six years on, she now employs one part time member of staff and the company is successful in its area of expertise.

Munira says “My MBA, once completed, will truly be a great asset for me but I believe it’s the beginning of my learning curve which I expect to get steeper while I put my acquired knowledge, expertise and tuition to use. While not everyone has the choice and means to pursue their dreams, we all have an inherent capacity to try which is an embodiment of the human spirit.”