A London-wide network aiming at amplifying the voices of all women in the capital’s local authorities was launched on March 7, a day before International Women’s Day.
The London Boroughs Women’s Network includes hundreds of local council members.
Tower Hamlets Council has led the network’s development to collaborate between London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation.
The network, launched at an online event on Monday to mark International Women’s Day, aims to support female employees, deal with gender inequalities in the workplace, and break taboos around women’s health.
Although 56 per cent of all London borough staff are female, they experience issues regarding career development, health, care responsibilities, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women.
The network will be a platform for discussion, providing a solid basis for supporting women in London while aiming to make the capital a safer place for all women and girls.
The event featured speeches and Q&As with Dame Stella Manzi, Chair at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, and the Bloody Good Period charity, an organisation fighting for menstrual equality.
Will Tuckley, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council and current sponsor of 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 efforts.”
Jenny Rowlands, Chief Executive of Camden Council and incoming co-sponsor said: “I am so happy to be part of the London Boroughs’ Women’s Network – a space for us to celebrate the diversity of women’s experience and achievement, and reflect on our shared commitment to gender equality and the work still to be done to further equality in London and in local government.
“I am proud to lead a network where we can create a platform for women from across local government in our city to be heard, to make change and to work together for a more gender-equal world.”
