Women unite for power
EVENT LOOKS AT CULTURAL ASPECTS TO HELP WOMEN INTO LEADING ROLES
THE Power of Women was on display last weekend as women from all walks of life joined together to support their journey in leadership.
More than 150 women attended an event at the University of Huddersfield for workshops and panel discussions exploring the cultural aspects that can support women from a range of diverse backgrounds into leadership roles.
Speakers included Dr Erica Mapule McInnis, clinical psychologist director of Nubia Wellness & Healing; Joanne Bartholomew, chief officer of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing; and Fleur Butler, the chair of the Power of Women and the Conservative Women’s Organisation.
Joanne said: “Saturday’s event was an opportunity for women to give back to other women. Be that supporting them with their well-being, showing them the art of the possible or opening their mind to other ways to be successful.
“It was a privilege to be part of an event that was designed to share and support women as they move through life.
“I know a lot of women made connections that will help them going forward, be that in providing information, a listening ear or supporting them in more tangible ways.”
Co-ordinated by two local community activists, Linda Johnson, partnership manager at KNH, and Kimberley Bedeau-White, director of Positive Stepz CIC, who also used the platform to launch a new community initiative, Nia Collective Group (NCG).
Linda said: “The feedback has been really positive and the success of the event shows there is a massive need for women, particularly black women, around empowerment and leadership.
“Nia, roughly translated from Swahili, means ‘purpose’. It is a personal call for women to discover their purpose. Find your passion and then you will find your purpose.”
The event drew to a close with a poetry recital by 12-year-old J’Nyia Dennis. A raffle raised more than £100 to support Claudia Batholomew, 19, who is raising money for improved hygiene facilities at Akumoah Achampo Special School in Nkawkaw, Ghana.