‘The cost of living crisis, women’s safety and poor investment in the caring economy remain key areas of focus for us’
Happy New Year to all our members and women in Bristol. I’d like to wish you all the best for the year to come. I know it’s going to be a tough one for many women, as the very real impact of the cost-of-living crisis is felt.
The start of a new year creates a time for reflection on the achievements, unexpected twists and occasional disappointment of the past twelve months and an opportunity to look forward to new or renewed focus and commitment in the coming year.
Refreshed mission
2022 was a year of development for us – with new staff, trustees, two new co-Chairs and a refreshed mission and set of values. Having done much ‘forming, storming and norming’, the Bristol Women’s Voice team are looking forward to a year of strong performance in 2023 – as sadly the work we do is still much in demand. The cost-of-living crisis (which is hitting women hardest), women’s safety and poor investment in the caring economy remain key areas of women’s inequality in Bristol and beyond and key areas of focus for us.
Working together
In awareness of the challenging context presented by current events and attitudes, in 2022 we also clarified our values and our approach, recognising that our mission – to create a movement which unites all women in Bristol to campaign together, access information, power and peer support, to make women’s equality a reality in Bristol – is only achievable if we work together.
Inclusive approach
Our approach and attitude to the work we do are enshrined in our values and we have also clarified our membership policy and trans inclusion position statement for the first time in writing, although it’s worth noting that the actual position hasn’t changed. All who identify as women are welcome to join our fight against misogyny.
At 50.1% of the Bristol population, we know that women hold diverse views and opinions across a range of issues, and we are not always looking for consensus. Our intention is to hold space for respectful conversation and challenge, as in this way lies growth and partnership in the fight for women’s equality.
Women-only times at Welcome Spaces and directory of services
As we head into what is likely to be the coldest period of the year, we are continuing our work to reach out and connect with Welcome Spaces in 2023, offering guidance and training on accessibility. This will include facilitating women-only sessions, some of which will be run by and for disabled women only. Following the recommendations of our City Listening Project, our partnership project with WECIL – Disabled Women Take Action – was set up to address the lack of women-only disabled-led spaces where people can access peer support and discuss the issues that matter to them most. We are also finalising a directory of women’s support services to assist women’s access to the support they need and to support organisations and workers to effectively signpost. We’ll be launching this in the spring.
Continuing our call for change
In 2023 we will continue our work with transport companies and the council to lobby for urgently-needed improvements in women’s safety on public transport in Bristol and will continue to hold the police to account and act as a critical friend via the Women’s Independent Advisory Group. We will also continue to support and work with women’s organisations, our members and other allies across the city to renew and strengthen our call for change.
Flagship event
Finally, we are so pleased to be hosting, once again, Bristol’s flagship International Women’s Day event, at City Hall on Saturday 11 March. New this year are sports activities on College Green, a post-event Women’s March and an evening event! The programme is being worked up by a steering group of talented and committed volunteers. As ever, it’s women like you who make so much of what we do possible.
Join us
If you’re not already, please become a member and be part of the change. You’ll gain access to monthly updates about our work and information about opportunities relevant to women across Bristol. You’ll also receive invitations to our members’ events through which you can help shape our agenda and connect with other women. We are always looking for volunteers to support our capacity to reach out to women in marginalised communities as well as to help run International Women’s Day events. Find out more and sign up
