About
About Anira
"Change demands a collective effort, uniting systems and communities to work together towards a shared purpose."
I trained as a journalist. I began a Media degree in Bristol days after 11 September 2001 and in 2016 received a Channel 4 scholarship for an MA in Investigative Journalism at De Montfort University. That training in research, verification and asking who is missing from a story still shapes everything I do, whether I'm writing, working on a programme or carrying out a racial justice audit for an institution.
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Personal
Beyond the Work
I've never believed that life should be limited to one set of interests or experiences.
I love travelling, particularly with my son. I want us to experience different countries, cultures, traditions and ways of life for ourselves. I don't want either of us to see the world only through what we already know or assume that our way of living is the only way.
Some experiences have been particularly special.
Our safari in the Serengeti was incredible. We were in the animals' natural surroundings, on their territory, and we were the guests. I've always felt uncomfortable with the idea of wild animals being kept in cages for human entertainment. Seeing them living freely, rather than behind barriers in a zoo, was how I wanted us to experience wildlife.
Performing Umrah in Makkah and visiting Madinah was something else entirely. Nothing will ever top that experience for me. The significance of being in those sacred places and undertaking the pilgrimage is difficult to put into words. I count it among the most important experiences of my life.
Egypt was fascinating. Exploring ancient civilisations, visiting tombs and discovering the stories behind them made history feel real in a way that reading about it never quite can. Jordan was equally interesting, with its extraordinary history, cultures and traditions. These are just a few of the places we've visited, and there are many more.
I want my son to grow up knowing that there are different ways to live, think and understand the world. I want him to experience those differences, respect them and form his own views. Travelling is as much an education for me as it is for him.
I enjoy adventure too. I've been ziplining and completed a charity skydive. I like trying new things and making memories along the way.
I also love skincare and make-up. My TikTok reflects that side of me alongside my interest in current affairs, representation and social issues. Some days I might be discussing something serious, and on others I might be talking about a product I've tried or somewhere I've visited.
I don't feel the need to separate those interests or explain why they belong together.
My professional work is an important part of my life, but there's much more to me than that. I enjoy learning, travelling, spending time with my son, exploring my interests and experiencing what life has to offer.