“I felt isolated so I created a community for 38,000 Indian women”

It was early 2022, another dark day in London. Lovina Shenoy was new to the city, navigating her way through an unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming environment.

“Back in India, you have your family, you have your school friends, you have your college friends, you have your entire support system, and you’re in your comfort zone,” the 39-year-old tells the BBC.

“But when you come to a new country, you’re suddenly just left off. You’re just all by yourself.”

She had spent a decade in Dubai, surrounded by a largely expat-Indian community, and before that, lived in her birth city of Mumbai.

Moving to London for her husband’s new job was an exciting opportunity, but despite being in a city of more than 8.9 million people, it still felt isolating.

Lovina was craving female friendships. She was happy to have the company of her husband and two children, but there was something missing.

“I’ve got my tribe”

“Within a week of moving to London, I realised that the sun starts setting at around 14:00,” Lovina jokes. “I thought, I’m going to end up being really lonely and depressed. I have no friends.”

So she posted an open message on her Facebook account: “Hey, I’m new to London and looking for people who understand what it’s like to be an Indian woman living abroad. Can anyone help?”

The response was immediate. Within hours, dozens of Indian women reached out, offering support and camaraderie. What began as a simple message evolved into a thriving online community that would eventually grow to include over 38,000 members.

“It was like finding a missing piece of myself,” Lovina said. “I felt like I finally had a place where I could be myself without judgment.”

Building a Supportive Network

What started as an informal group of women in London has since expanded to include community events, cultural festivals, and support networks for women facing personal challenges. The group has become a vital resource for Indian women living in the UK, offering everything from advice on navigating daily life to emotional support during difficult times.

“The group has filled in the roles of people in my life,” says Priya Mahajan, a member of the community. “I found a mother in somebody, a grandmother in somebody, a friend in someone.”

One of the most significant challenges the group has faced is helping women who have been displaced from their homes. In one instance, a woman posted anonymously in the Facebook group, revealing that her husband had thrown her out of their home. Nishi Gill, one of the group’s administrators, quickly made contact with the woman and arranged support from Indian domestic violence specialists, helping her find a safe place to stay.

“The group was her first port of call,” says Nishi. “As an immigrant woman she didn’t have the knowledge to approach national charities. But she knew about our group.”

Expanding the Impact

Recognizing the value of the community, Lovina created a secondary Facebook group called the Indian Professionals in London and UK, which is gender-inclusive. That group has more than 53,000 members and has become a valuable resource for Indian men and women living in the UK.

“I created a group specifically for Indian women, not all women, because I have the specific knowledge about the cultural festivals in the Indian community, like Diwali,” says Lovina. “I am relatable for Indian women. I would know how to run a community for women of similar cultural background to me.”

Despite its success, the group has faced some criticism, with some questioning why it does not include men. Lovina has addressed this by creating a separate group for men, but she maintains that her original group is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Indian women.

“We are like the home away from home for the Indian women in the UK,” says Lovina. “I think that’s the biggest support system for us.”

Today, the group continues to grow, with members from across the UK and beyond. It has become a vital part of the Indian community in the UK, offering support, connection, and a sense of belonging to women who may otherwise feel isolated in a new country.