‘Free to be you’: how we’re celebrating South Asian Heritage Month

At E.ON, we’re committed to creating a place of work where everyone has purpose, where we help and support each other to learn and grow and where everyone is welcomed and respected.

As part of that commitment, we’re celebrating South Asian Heritage Month, and we spoke to E.ON colleagues Aneeka and Umayra about their experiences, challenges and how they feel ‘free to be you’.

How did you find growing up as South Asian?

Aneeka said: "I actually had a really positive experience growing up as South Asian. As a child I wasn't aware that the colour of my skin was different to my peers at school and it wasn't something that my parents made a point of. I knew I was different in terms of my believes with me being Sikh, especially because I went to a Catholic primary school, but it never made me feel like the odd one out.

But it's only now as an adult I reflect back and realise that it was partly down to being lucky enough to have a great peer group, but also partly because I never outwardly showcased my culture or heritage at school. I mean why would I want to be the odd one out, especially as a teenager? I realise that I subconsciously took on some of the traits from my parents in terms of blending in and not bringing attention to yourself, based on the stories of their experiences growing up here.”

Umayra said: “Growing up, I went to a school where most of the students were South Asian, so I never knew a life away from my own culture. I was raised in a desi household, influenced by my mum, aunty, and nan, who were all born in Pakistan. I first realised I was a South Asian girl in nursery school.

My best friend had fair skin, and I remember coming home and scrubbing my hands, trying to get the pigment off. I thought maybe my hands were dirty and wanted to look like my best friend. My parents explained that this is what Pakistani skin looks like. Although I was young, this moment is etched in my memory. It seems mad now, but as a child, I didn't know any better.

Growing up in my little bubble, I wasn't exposed to racism until secondary school. I had to travel by bus to my religious school, where wearing a headscarf was part of my uniform. An elderly man once asked if I was on my way to a bank and implied I might have explosives in my bag. The pounding in my heart, the dizziness—it was such a shocking experience. I couldn’t understand how anyone could see me that way. My parents told me to ignore such ignorance."

Has that perception changed as you’ve gotten older, and do you feel "free to be you"?

Aneeka said: “I think now as an adult, I still have that confidence in me as I did as a teenager, but now I fully embrace my culture for what it is. It's also in my control to pick and choose when I want to bring it to the table, whether that's every single day or as and when, there's no right or wrong way to do it.

I was born and raised in the UK so naturally I'm accustomed to way of life here. I speak English and I also speak Punjabi, I love south Asian food and Punjabi music but l also love fish and chips and the "brit-pop" classics!  As an adult, I now appreciate and truly believe I have the best of both worlds and that's something I would never change.”

Umayra said: “My uncle started a comedy show called Desi Central, but I was only able to attend once I turned 18. Growing up with the influence of these shows and being able to relate to the jokes helped me connect deeply with my culture. Sharing laughter with hundreds of people in the audience who understood our shared experiences made me feel a strong bond with my heritage.

In my late teens, I began to embrace my culture again. Social media exposure and awareness of others' ignorance changed my perspective. I fell in love with the clothing, the intricate beading, and the traditional jewellery. The bangles, tikka (headpieces), and jhumka earrings all looked so fancy and beautiful. These elements allowed me to be modest yet confident, just like little Umayra twirling in her living room.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to somebody who doesn’t yet feel they are able to be free to be themselves?

Aneeka said: “I know even as adults, a lot of us can still carry that desire to want to fit in, especially at work when it can sometimes feel like that's the best way to progress etc. But honestly, it's exhausting trying to be someone else and a lot of the time people can pick up on the inauthenticity.

I know it can sometimes be difficult, especially in new and unfamiliar situations, but the best piece of advice I've been given is ‘be yourself, because everyone else is taken’ and at least you know you're being your genuine self, which is something that can never be questioned.”

Umayra said: “If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone struggling to be themselves, it would be this: Embrace your uniqueness. Your heritage, your culture, and your experiences make you who you are, and that's something to be proud of. Surround yourself with people who celebrate you, not just tolerate you. The right people will love you for being authentically you.

And remember, the more you let your true self shine, the more you inspire others to do the same. So wear what makes you feel comfortable, pretty, and confident. Don't let others' judgments dim your light. Shine brightly, and the world will adjust its gaze.”

Free to be you at E.ON

At E.ON, we recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed. One of our many initiatives to provide and promote employment opportunities is the embRace Your Talent programme.

The embRace Your Talent programme is a testament to E.ON's commitment to diversity and inclusion, aiming to provide targeted support, resources, and opportunities for our ethnically diverse employees. Members will benefit from skills enhancement workshops, networking opportunities, inclusive leadership training and resource access.

At E.ON, we’re building an inclusive organisation where colleagues know they’re valued, respected and feel a sense of belonging so they can thrive and be at their best.

To find out more, visit eonenergy.com.