Creating Safe Spaces where Young Women can Grow
Background
We’ve been delivering open-access youth clubs across Greater Manchester for more than 20 years, providing safe places where young people can meet, socialise and learn new skills. A few years ago, some of our regular participants told us they wanted a girls-only space, somewhere they could openly discuss the issues affecting them and feel comfortable speaking up.
Youth Worker Frankie set up some additional sessions at our Crumpsall youth club, working closely with Zainab and some other young women who had taken part in our Green Leaders programme. The sessions were an immediate success with the young women sharing how empowered they felt discussing issues which mattered to them. The group developed the name ‘Women Warriors’ and began exploring campaigns and projects they would work with Frankie to deliver.
Since this moment the Women Warriors movement has exploded, with interest from young women at most of our youth clubs expressing a desire for a girls-only space.
Women Warrior groups:
- Provide a supportive space for young women to discuss shared challenges and experiences
- Empower young women to express their voices through creative and community projects
- Encourage leadership, confidence, and collaboration among young women
- Promote wellbeing through creativity, nature, and peer support
- Support young women to contribute positively to their local communities through volunteering and activism
Expression through recycled materials – Stockport Women Warriors
The Stockport Women Warriors expressed a strong interest in the environment and a desire to help make the world a better place. In response, Youth Worker Frankie developed opportunities to explore common waste materials, including single-use plastic and fast fashion.
This included volunteering at Plastic Shed, a Stockport charity who re-use plastic and create artwork. The Women Warriors helped sort 9 bags of plastic lids that will be used in the creation of a new community mural. One participant commented:
“When we do things with Groundwork, it really feels like we’re making a difference and what we are doing actually matters.”
With the young women inspired by the creativity of Plastic Shed’s murals, their next project focused on textiles.
Frankie facilitated learning around Greater Manchester’s Industrial Revolution, introducing eh role of women and how textile art was a historical method for women to express their experiences.
This exploration inspired the Women Warriors to create a community tapestry.
Each member of the group contributed a piece of material to the mural which held personal meaning, plus additional scrap material from Groundwork’s Working Wardrobe programme were used too.
The end result was a shared artwork that reflects the collective experiences of the Women Warriors, with messages including:
- Empowered women empower the world
- Women belong in all places where decisions are made
- Dream big, start small
“Making the blanket was fun. I felt like I could express myself in a different way”
A Book for Young Women, by Young Women – Cheetham Hill Women Warriors
The Cheetham Hill Women Warriors wanted to create something that would help their community to better understand what it’s like to be a young woman. After brainstorming ideas, the Women Warriors settled on a book written for young women, by young women.
The book focuses on wellbeing and personal growth, drawing inspiration from the changing seasons. Through writing, reflection, and discussion, the young women discuss and share their experiences with each other, exploring themes such as identity, resilience, friendship, and their connection with nature.
The book is ongoing but to date, 10 young writers have contributed stories, reflections and advice
“As a young woman I feel it’s hard to have my voice heard, having the opportunity to speak my truth is something not every person gets to do”
Feeling safe online – Crumpsall Women Warriors
In Crumpsall, the Women Warriors have been sharing their experiences and concerns around social media and misinformation, a challenging topic for many young people today.
The group discussions have helped the group support one another while also learning how to critically evaluate online content and navigate digital spaces more confidently. The discussions have also provided opportunities for peer learning and guidance from Youth Worker Frankie who shared advise on digital wellbeing and media literacy.
By creating a space where young women feel safe to speak openly, the group is helping participants build confidence, resilience, and awareness around issues that affect their daily lives.
“It’s like having a second mum you can always go to for anything & get advice while not being judged & just having someone there to care”