LONDON, UK. December 16th, 2024 - The founder of an organisation that helps women from diverse backgrounds to learn English is celebrating after four years of success in which hundreds of women have benefited from their service.
English For Ladies, a London-based platform empowering women to speak English with confidence, was founded by Qendresa Bedra in 2021. The initiative was born from Qendresa’s personal journey of overcoming profound language barriers after moving to the UK from Kosovo in 2006. Despite holding a degree in teaching and English teaching qualifications in her home country, she struggled to communicate effectively in everyday English conversations upon her arrival.
Qendresa said: “When I first came to the UK, I felt lost. I had studied English for years, but nothing prepared me for how different real-life conversations were. I could read and write, but I didn’t know how to respond when people spoke to me. I avoided speaking entirely and felt invisible. Some colleagues even thought I had a speech problem.”
Determined to adapt, Qendresa decided to face her fears and practice speaking with native English speakers as often as possible. While the process was uncomfortable and humbling, it transformed her abilities and gave her the confidence to embrace life in her new country.
She added: “I realised that perfection wasn’t the goal—progress was. The more I spoke, the more I grew, and I began to see mistakes as stepping stones, not failures.”
The idea for English For Ladies was sparked years later when Qendresa returned to the UK in 2019 to access specialised medical care for her daughter. During this time, she witnessed other women struggling with the same linguistic challenges she once faced.
“I saw so many women silenced by their fear of speaking English,” she recalls. “It reminded me of how isolating it can be. I knew I had to do something to help.”
Driven by this vision, Qendresa launched English For Ladies during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period marked by uncertainty and unique challenges. With no prior business experience and juggling her daughter’s health needs, she turned to a business coach for guidance.
Qendresa said: “Starting the business was daunting. I was navigating uncharted waters, but my passion for empowering women kept me going. I wanted them to see that with the right support, they could thrive, not just survive.”
English For Ladies adopts an innovative approach to teaching. Instead of focusing solely on grammar and textbooks, the programme emphasizes practical, real-life language skills, encouraging women to speak from day one. One of Qendresa’s proudest moments came early in the business when she helped a student, Kristina, regain her confidence as a hairdresser.
“Kristina was ready to give up her career because she couldn’t communicate with clients,” Qendresa explains. “By tailoring lessons to her specific needs, we helped her secure a job and rebuild her professional life.”
Since its inception, the platform has supported hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as trafficking victims. “Helping these women find their voice has been the most rewarding part of my journey,” Qendresa says. “Every success story reminds me why I started.”
Qendresa’s work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, she participated in a prestigious leadership programme and delivered a speech at London’s oldest church to honour Mother Teresa—a deeply meaningful moment for her as a fellow Albanian woman.
Today, English For Ladies offers an array of services designed to cater to different needs, including a membership programme, the intensive “English Every Day for Ladies” accelerator course, and a forthcoming year-long initiative, Roadmap to Fluency. Each programme is crafted to build confidence and fluency through a supportive, community-driven environment.
“English is more than just a language,” Qendresa explains. “It’s a key that unlocks freedom,
opportunity, and connection. My own struggle with language was once my greatest weakness, but it has become my greatest purpose. I want every woman to believe in their ability to overcome and achieve.”
For more information about English For Ladies, visit www.englishforladies.com.
ENDS
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