Benash humbled by MBE in King’s Birthday Honours
A University of Bradford midwifery academic says she is humbled to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026.
Benash Nazmeen, Assistant Professor in Midwifery, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to charity and healthcare.
She co-founded The Association of South Asian Midwives (ASAM), which supports marginalised midwives and raises awareness of barriers faced by diverse communities.
Benash said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition for services to charity and healthcare.
“As the granddaughter of a village midwife, I often reflect on the generations who came before me and the opportunities they did not have. This honour feels particularly meaningful because it represents not only my journey, but the journeys of many others.”
Benash, a specialist advisor with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Midwifery, Leadership, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added she continues to work on improving the equality of healthcare for all.
She said: “I have had the privilege of working alongside communities, healthcare professionals and partners committed to improving equity, representation and support for those who have too often been overlooked. This recognition belongs equally to the people who have trusted us with their stories, challenged us to do better and worked with us to create change.
“I hope it serves as a reminder that leadership comes from every community and that when people feel seen, valued and included, positive change is possible.
“While I am grateful for this honour, my commitment remains the same: to continue working alongside communities and colleagues to improve outcomes and opportunities for women, people accessing maternity services and their families."
The University wishes to congratulate Benash on receiving the honour.