The London Boroughs Women's Network officially launches today, with an event that will bring together people from across London local government ahead of International Women’s Day.
The new Network is a collaboration between all 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation, created to amplify the voices of all women in London local authorities and co-ordinate action against agreed priorities.
The Network, whose development has been led by Tower Hamlets Council, will support and champion the wellbeing of female staff, tackle issues and inequalities women face at the workplace, raise awareness of - and break taboos - surrounding women's health and work together for a safer London for all women and girls.
56% of all London borough staff are women, but women still face shared concerns including career development, health, care responsibilities, safety, and more recently, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women. The Network will be a platform where these issues can be discussed and will provide a strong foundation to help support women across the boroughs.
Women working across London local government have been invited to attend today’s launch event, which features speeches and Q&As with Dame Stella Manzie DBE and the menstrual equity campaigners Bloody Good Period.
The three London borough chief executives that have agreed to sponsor the network will also attend.
Will Tuckley, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council and current Sponsor for the Network, said:
“I have been honoured to sponsor the London Boroughs Women’s Network since the idea emerged in Tower Hamlets Council. It is great to see female colleagues across all the local authorities in London work together voluntarily and develop the Network so far. I hope the network will serve as a platform for colleagues to deepen their discussion around gender equalities and share ideas and activities. I would like to thank all who helped the development of the Network for their effort.”
Jenny Rowlands, Chief Executive of Camden, incoming Co-Sponsor of the Network said:
"I am so happy to be part of the London Boroughs Women’s network and to be co-sponsoring with Helen. Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, an important time to pause and reflect on gender equality and the struggles women face. Through our network we can give a voice to this year’s theme of breaking the bias and help imagine a gender equal world, starting with our great speakers today.”
Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of Sutton, incoming Co-Sponsor of the Network said:
"I am excited and honoured to be a sponsor and delighted to be part of this event today. I hope that the network will inspire female colleagues across London, and that even more fantastic women will be enthusiastic to work in local government and to pursue successful and exciting careers"
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1) Today’s launch event is sponsored by Matrix SCM and Adecco.
2) The welcome event will take place online at 11.30am-1pm, Monday 7 March. The programme includes a speech by Dame Stella Manzie DBE and Elysha Paige, Bloody Good Employers Manager from Bloody Good Period.