Women and Girls - #EmbraceEquity
Last week, ahead of International Women's Day, we held our first Networking Event of 2023 focusing on the theme Women and Girls: #EmbraceEquity.
We welcomed a panel of speakers from local organisations that support women and girls across Newcastle and Gateshead and also heard moving performances of poetry and music from local artists. If you weren't able to join us on the day we recommend checking out these amazing organisations and artists this International Women's Day.
A brilliant performance from neo-soul vocalist Georgia May set the tone for relaxed yet inspiring morning of discussion and networking around the current challenges for organisations supporting women and girls.
A panel discussion welcomed:
- Elaine Slater, Chief Executive of Tyneside Women’s Health and Connected Voice Trustee, supporting women’s mental health issues.
- Sally Hamilton, Community Safety Team at Newcastle City Council, working to tackle violence against women and girls.
- Mymona Bibi: ESOL Teacher, poet and workshop facilitator, representing Brown Girls Write.
- Joanne Joplin: Chief Executive Young Women’s Outreach Project, supporting young women across Gatsehead age 11-19.
- Helen Boyd: Centre Manager at Smart Works Newcastle, employability charity providing women with confidence coaching and clothing. 72% of women they support have got the job.
We were also delighted to have the following exhibitors:
The Millin Charity, The Girls Network, Success4All, The National Lottery, Smart Works, Connected Voice Volunteering and Newcastle Women’s Aid
The morning closed with performances of poetry from Brown Girls Write and a group creative task writing feedback about the event in the form of a haiku. Here's what some of the attendees had to say:
Listening to words, voices of women and girls, connected, we learn
Women gathering, celebrating lives lived, going back inspired
This session is great, women of colour embraced, equity today
