Women's Commission

Women's Commision_Webbanner

We are striving to cultivate a strong, inclusive, and fair borough. Which addresses inequalities through our work and has a workforce which reflects the community. Our vision is clear, but we know there are significant challenges facing our residents, particularly women. We are committed to tackling them.

Whilst we have seen progress, the experience and outcomes for Women in Tower Hamlets still differs significantly and detrimentally from their male counterparts. We know that women in Tower Hamlets don't have equality of opportunity in work, public, social or family life.

Our mission

Empower women by creating comprehensive and innovative services that champion their rights, well-being, and self-determination.
Provide women with the tools, resources, and support they need to overcome challenges, achieve their full potential, and lead lives marked by independence and dignity.
We recognise that women's empowerment is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Our mission is to deliver a diverse range of services that address the needs and aspirations of women from all walks of life.

Our objectives

Develop a comprehensive understanding of how the lived experience and chances for women in Tower Hamlets differ significantly and detrimentally from those of their male counterparts.
Tackle barriers to equality faced by women and girls in every area of their lives. Particularly in areas of health, community safety, community leadership and employment.
Progress the equal treatment of women and girls at a national and local level.
Work towards the balanced participation of women and men in decision making in Tower Hamlets.
Empower women and girls across sectors, institutions, and organisations.

Areas of focus

The Women’s Commission will focus on the following key areas:

Health

Including key health inequalities such as maternity care and how we address women public health disparities and improve healthy life expectancy.

Employment

How we support more women into work. Potentially including a review across our women, particularly from underrepresented groups. How can the workforce to reflect the community ambition enhance this.

Women’s safety

How will we ensure that women are supported to feel safe, and their perception of safety is Improved.

Community leadership

Previous work focused on underrepresented groups has shown a key driver is encouraging and supporting those from these communities into positions to leadership. Whether in schools, community groups, magistrates, governors or even becoming councillors. This could be a great way of identifying barriers to empowering women to get involved. This makes it about what we can support women to do themselves rather than having to rely on others in positions of authority to do for them.

Resident engagement sessions outcome

The Women's Commission will conduct several resident engagement sessions. This will provide residents with the opportunity to voice their experiences and insight into the different services for women they access across our borough. In this consultation process, it is important to gather information to ensure women's voices and concerns are represented in policy.

Outcome

The Commission will produce an agreed Women's Strategy, with a specific time limited and practical action plan for its delivery. Which will ensure women feel empowered to fulfil their potential. The actions will aim to deliver the following outcomes:

Women in Tower Hamlets have equality of opportunity in work, public, social, and family life, and are empowered to fulfil their full potential.
Institutions prioritise the advancement of gender equality to achieve an inclusive, cohesive, thriving and representative Tower Hamlets.
The findings influence local, sub-regional and regional leaders who have significant influence on Tower Hamlets. Particularly in the development of policy and strategy practices and the allocation of resources.