Over 70 women from across Leeds, from all walks of life, came together yesterday morning. They worked together to identify the priorities to make Leeds the best city for women and girls.
The Forum was organised by Women’s Lives Leeds and is part of Leeds City Council’s Equalities Assembly. The Forum is the city’s platform for women and girls to come together to discuss issues they face.
The conference room at the Leeds Church Institute was packed out with women of all ages, representing themselves and organisations, to discuss and prioritise the issues that women and girls experience.
Group activities took place to give attendees the opportunity to put forward any areas they felt need addressing in the city. With over 30 items on the list – ranging from employment and safety, to empowerment and education – everyone was then asked to pick their top 3 priorities.
This activity took place alongside a networking opportunity, giving women the space to meet other women working to empower women and girls.
Viv, an attendee explained “In all my years in Leeds, I have never been to an event where there are so many women coming together to make sure voices are heard! And I only knew 1 woman in the room, what a fantastic opportunity to meet others!”
The result of this activity identified the top 3 priorities for women in Leeds as: Employment, Violence Against Women and Safety. These issues will now be tackled by the Forum going forward.
The group also elected a Chair and Deputy Chair for the Forum, who will take on duties for the next year. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Sue Ryder Wheatfields has taken on the role of Chair, and Marvina Newton, CEO of Angel of Youths will be her Deputy.
Women were extremely complimentary of the event and gave positive feedback, such as “Loved being part of this event, really inspiring!”
Jeannette, Project Manager of Women’s Lives Leeds who organised the event said “It was great to see so many women of all different backgrounds come together and discuss what needs to be done to support women and girls in the city. The event was fully booked, and many more wanted to attend, we will have to organise a bigger venue next time! I can’t wait for the next Forum to keep this excellent momentum going!”
If you are interested in hearing more about Women’s Lives Leeds or attending the next Forum, which will take place in June, you can join their mailing list by emailing camille@leedswomensaid.org.uk or ringing (0113) 380 4796.
You can visit their website www.womenslivesleeds.org.uk or follow them on social media – Twitter @leeds_women and Facebook: Women’s Lives Leeds.
This post was written by Camille Thomas using our Create an article for South Leeds Life page.
