The London Boroughs Women's Network has officially launched, with an event bringing together people from across local government in London that took place ahead of International Women’s Day.
The new network is a collaboration between all of London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation and has been created to amplify the voices of all women in the capital’s local authorities and co-ordinate action against agreed priorities.
Its development has been led by Tower Hamlets Council and will support and champion the wellbeing of female staff.
It will tackle issues and inequalities women face in the workplace, raise awareness of, and break taboos, surrounding women's health and work together for a safer London for all females.
56% of all London borough staff are female, but women still face shared concerns, including career development, health, care responsibilities, safety, and more recently, the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, London Councils said.
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 local government in London were invited to attend the event, which featured speeches and Q&As with Dame Stella Manzie and the menstrual equity campaigners Bloody Good Period.
Commenting, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council and current Sponsor of the London Boroughs Women’s Network, Will Tuckley 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.”
Chief Executive of Sutton Council and incoming Co-Sponsor of the London Boroughs Women’s Network, Helen Bailey added:
" I am excited and honoured to be a sponsor and delighted to be part of this event. 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."
