Professor Dame Robina Shah honoured with 3D statue

Professor Dame Robina Shah is one of only 25 women in Engand and Wales to have a living 3D statue of her created as part of the ‘put her forward’ initiative.

Robina’s statue was unveiled in Manchester Central Library by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Lord Mayor of Manchester and Deputy Mayor of Stockpport at a ceremony on 24 February. Following its exhibition at the library it will become part of the permanent collection at Mancheter Town Hall when it reopens.

At the start of 2018, only 158 of the 925 public statues in the UK were of women, and of these only 25 were of non-mythical, non-royal women. The put her forward project was a collaboration between Heritage Open Days and artists’ group non zero one that set out to double this figure.

From June to July 2018 the put her forward team travelled around the country asking the public to nominate women they found inspirational. Hundreds of nominations were gathered through workshops, online nominations and live interviews.

Robina was nominated in recognition of her personal and professional achievements and her ability to compassionately engage with people from all walks of life. During 2018 she was appointed High Sheriff for the County of Greater Manchester by her Late Majesty, The Queen and her statue is dressed in the High Sheriff’s uniform.

In 2003 Robina was awarded am MBE in the late Queens Birthday Honours list for services to Children with Disabilities. In 2023, Robina was awarded the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to patient care. Robina is the first woman of colour in Greater Manchester to be awarded this accolade.

Born in Manchester and an alumnus of the University, Robina is a Professor of Medical Education and Psychosocial Medicine in the School of Medical Sciences. She is also the Director of the School’s Doubleday Centre for Patient Experience. She is an Honorary Fellow, Royal College of General Practitioners and Past President of the Society and Medicine Section at the Royal Society of Medicine.

Robina is an established academic/author with a diverse professional and public service portfolio spanning more than 25 years. She has been shattering stereotypes from an early age through ground breaking research and published work in medical education, disability hate crime and health care policy. She has held several prestigious leadership roles in the NHS, Department of Health, Ministry of Justice and World Health Organisation. She is also passionate about ‘Football for All’ and is a member of the FA Council, Deputy Chair of the Disability Football Committee and Past Non-Executive Director of the FA Women’s Football Board.

She said: “I feel very humbled to be recognised in this way and I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all those who have supported my life’s journey.

“Support from my family, friends, and colleagues has been incredible, however, the contribution of patients, carers, and service users over decades has been exceptional. Their willingness to share their lived experience has shaped, influenced, and continues to transform how we deliver health and care services for all our people. It has been a team effort and this accolade is for all of us.”