Jobeda Ali | Fairknowledge | Cineforum.co.uk

"A lot of my work is centered around training, be it film, media or enterprise and I am now combining them all through the innovative Cineforum format: www.cineforum.co.uk.

The impact is usually that young people and women from marginalised communities will enter more mainstream education or employment, as opposed to occupations that are about their minority-ness. Often I find that this is achieved through the simple insight of showing how accessible mainstream society is..."

The key is to recognise that the influences of these communities can be very limited and low aspirations are a result of lack of knowledge rather than any innate lack of ambition. Although putting together projects can be hard, it doesn't take much sometimes to make the impact we desire.

Although to a degree I am broadening the lives of the women and young people that I work with, increasingly I think my greater impact is more as a role model. Many young women, and sometimes older ones, tell me that I have made them see things differently, that I have given them some new insights to consider. This can range from suggestions that mentors don't have to be limited to our own demographics to deciding to take on more ambitious aspirations. Because this is becoming more prominent, I am now considering that I need to employ more women innovators in all my projects so that we can expand that particular impact.

There are two categories of networks that work for our company (www.fairknowledge.co.uk). One is women's organisations, where impact is easily discussed and potential partners and supporters may come on board because they believe in what you are doing. I find that in mainstream networks dominated by men, it is harder work to get buy-in because they are more interested in processes and definitely more competitive, rather than cooperative.

Secondly, networks that are directly involved in my work at the time, so I would choose networks and events where people are attending because of very specific outcomes they desire and regardless of gender, these networks are much more conducive to getting the support I require.

More on Cineforum

Do you want to co-create a POSITIVE VISION of the future?

Cineforum on Climate Change: The Road to Ecotopia – December 4th 2009

The top thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs in the climate change sector will be convening in London on the eve of the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen, to create the definitive vision of the future that we should be working towards.

A Cineforum is a collaboration hub that blends cutting edge climate science, leading business thinking, creative learning techniques and cultural elements such as film, photography and art. This innovative conference approach will help you to identify and shape your own part in creating paradigm shifting strategies and solutions to combating climate change. The goal of the Cineforum is to create a positive vision of a truly sustainable future, packaged as a film and shared in Copenhagen during The UN Climate Summit: we’re calling the film DESIGNING ECOTOPIA. Our delegates will also create a Road to Ecotopia Wall, which will be exhibited throughout COP15 and will present the roadmap for realistically achieving Ecotopia. This will also contain 10 Truly New Ideas and 10 Live Collaborations initiated by Cineforum delegates. All outcomes will feed into the Presidential Climate Action Project, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this seminal event.

Ogunte has a free ticket (worth up to £395) for a member who sends in the best question that is currently not being asked in the climate change sector.

Book your ticket or find out about the speakers, films and workshops at www.cineforum.co.uk