A Journey of Transformation and Empowerment
English For Ladies, a London-based platform that helps women from diverse backgrounds improve their English skills, is celebrating four successful years of empowering women. Founded by Qendresa Bedra in 2021, this initiative has already helped hundreds of women overcome language barriers, build their confidence, and achieve new opportunities.
Qendresa’s own personal journey inspired the creation of the platform. Originally from Kosovo, she moved to the UK in 2006. Despite holding a degree in teaching and English teaching qualifications, she found it difficult to communicate in everyday English. She recalls, “When I first came to the UK, I felt invisible. I had studied English for years, but real-life conversations were completely different. I could read and write, but when people spoke to me, I didn’t know how to respond. I avoided speaking altogether, and some people even thought I had a speech problem.”
Qendresa’s determination to overcome these barriers became the foundation for English For Ladies. Her personal struggle inspired her to support other women facing similar challenges.
The Birth of English For Ladies
The idea for English For Ladies began to take shape in 2019 when Qendresa returned to the UK to seek medical care for her daughter. During this period, she encountered many women experiencing the same language challenges she had faced years earlier.
“I saw so many women who were silenced by their fear of speaking English. It reminded me of how isolating it can feel,” she says. Motivated to help others, she founded the platform in 2021 during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without prior business experience and balancing the care of her daughter, Qendresa sought advice from a business coach to turn her vision into reality.
“I was navigating unfamiliar territory, but I had a clear vision,” Qendresa explains. “I wanted to empower these women to thrive, not just survive. With the right support, they could gain confidence and seize opportunities.”
Practical Learning for Real-World Success
One of the key elements that sets English For Ladies apart is its focus on real-life communication. The programme prioritizes speaking skills, encouraging women to start using English from day one, rather than focusing solely on textbook grammar. This approach is designed to boost confidence and help women engage in everyday conversations.
One of the standout success stories of the platform is Kristina, a hairdresser who struggled to communicate with her clients due to language barriers. She was on the verge of quitting her career when she joined English For Ladies. By tailoring lessons to her specific needs, Qendresa and her team helped Kristina regain her confidence, secure a new job, and restart her professional life.
Since its inception, the platform has helped hundreds of women, including those from vulnerable backgrounds, such as trafficking survivors. Qendresa shares, “Seeing these women find their voice and confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.”
Recognition and Future Goals
Qendresa’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, she participated in a prestigious leadership programme and was invited to deliver a speech at London’s oldest church in honour of Mother Teresa, a deeply meaningful moment for Qendresa as a fellow Albanian.
Looking ahead, English For Ladies continues to expand its offerings. The platform now provides a range of services, including a membership programme, the intensive “English Every Day for Ladies” course, and a new year-long initiative called Roadmap to Fluency. Each programme is carefully designed to create a supportive, community-driven environment where women can gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in both personal and professional life.
Empowering Women for a Brighter Future
Qendresa concludes, “English isn’t just a language. It’s the key to freedom, opportunity, and connection. My own struggle with language was once my greatest weakness, but it has now become my purpose. I want every woman to believe in her ability to overcome challenges and achieve her goals.”
As English For Ladies celebrates its fourth anniversary, its mission to empower women continues to grow. The platform stands as a testament to the transformative power of language and the impact it can have on women’s lives.