How These 5 Communities Are Creating Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls
Women and girls across the United Kingdom face abuse and inequality each day. Domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, and workplace inequalities are some of the most significant issues affecting them in communities across the U.K.
Areas must come together to address the needs of women, girls and other marginalised groups who need support.
The following five communities are leading the way in helping women and girls in crisis nationwide. You can take inspiration from them and consider implementing initiatives like these in your neighbourhood.
Gender Inequality in the U.K.
Great Britain is a developed nation but still ranks in the 20s of the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index. Many women are still in conventional gender roles and are less than one-third of Parliament members.
Research shows that women and girls that also belong to ethnic minorities are more likely to experience discrimination and exclusion than whites. Women of all ages and shades experience domestic abuse, with nearly 7% of women in England and Wales facing it.
A survey of women across the U.K. found that 97% experienced a form of sexual harassment, compared to 16% of men. The problem is so severe that movements encourage playgrounds and parks to consult women about making the areas safer for them and their daughters.
1. London
Women@thewell is a London-based charity that provides a safe space for women and girls in the community. It provides nutritious meals, places to shower and do laundry, and a closet to get weather-appropriate attire. The organisation offers holistic therapies for people who experienced violence and addiction and also provides resources for people working through immigration and other legal barriers.
Rights of Women is a London-based organisation helping women navigate the legal system. Women Who Code educates them to achieve their dream careers in technology.
2. Lanarkshire
Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire is a domestic abuse centre offering confidential support to women and girls in the community who faced or are experiencing domestic abuse. It offers support groups where families can lean on one another as they recover from physical and mental trauma. The group also provides professional guidance and art workshops to help women achieve a better tomorrow.
North Lanarkshire has the North Lanarkshire Violence Against Women Strategic Group, which works with volunteer and statutory officials to create a better environment for women and girls dealing with injustice and abuse.
3. Glasgow
The Supporting Sexually Abused Young (SAY) Women is a Glasgow organisation offering shelter and support to survivors of rape, childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault. It hosts five apartments and a two-bedroom flat. It also provides group sessions aimed at helping young women process their experiences and seek positive new relationships with others in the programme.
Glasgow annually reports efforts to support minorities. Recently, it implemented initiatives to protect Black women from bias in the workplace and help those in business. The Glasgow Violence Against Women initiative works to identify and eliminate local threats to women and children and provide education about gender inequality.
4. Rhyl
The North Wales Women’s Centre in Rhyl provides a trauma-informed environment for women and girls who experienced abuse. It offers courses that help survivors process their emotions, build confidence and pursue healthy relationships.
In 2022, Rhyl adopted an initiative to aid women in the criminal justice system. The efforts support those who are struggling and help them move forward on a positive path.
5. Carlow
Carlow Women’s Aid offers support to local women who experienced domestic violence. It provides outreach, counselling and accompaniment to court appearances. It also coordinates refuge accommodations for women who don’t have anywhere to go.
The community recently adopted the “Ask for Angela” initiative across the U.K. Women or girls in crisis can go up to employees at a bar or social establishment and ask for someone named Angela to indicate they need help.
Creating Safe Spaces for Women and Girls
Women and girls are vulnerable in the U.K. and elsewhere, but the right steps enable communities to empower them to leave crisis situations and move toward a positive future. Know that you can turn to these organisations or refer a friend in need.
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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.
