Jade, a Refugee Council volunteer and refugee, recently spoke at a fringe event at the Labour party conference, calling on the party to do more for destitute women asylum seekers.

I’m a founding member of the London Women’s Refugee Forum which was set up following a joint Refugee Council and Women for Refugee Women course on campaigning for success. We’re a group of women from 10 different countries. Before I came to the UK from Uganda, I had suffered a lot.

Like all members of the London Women’s Refugee Forum, I needed intensive help and support. Sadly, these things are not always given.

Because of my own experiences, I feel determined to help change the system that affects other women like me.

The London Women’s Refugee Forum is campaigning on behalf of destitute asylum seeking women. Through the forum, I’ve been learning about campaigning techniques and ways to influence Members of Parliament. We recently made this short film, which explains why our Forum can be a real force for change.

Speaking at the Labour conference Movement for Change Fringe event, in front of Stella Creasy MP and Kezia Dugdale MSP, was another stepping stone to achieving change.

I told my story to a room full of politicians alongside Rehemah, another member of the London Women’s Refugee Forum, and we received a standing ovation. I was really surprised; I wasn’t expecting that sort of reaction.

I hope it means that politicians will start taking action to improve the lives of asylum seeking women, and making real changes to the system that affects them.