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By KLTV Newsdesk –

Mayor-backed initiative hailed as a powerful force for equality, influence and regional change

More than a thousand women and allies have united across West Yorkshire to amplify their voices, support professional development and help shape regional decision-making.

The Women of West Yorkshire Network (WoWY), launched in October 2023 by Mayor Tracy Brabin alongside her Inclusivity Champion Fatima Khan-Shah, has now passed the 1,000-member mark, firmly establishing itself as a significant and influential regional community.

A platform for influence and connection

Open to anyone committed to gender equality, the network provides a vital platform for sharing ideas and contributing to policymaking on key issues, including transport, climate change and economic growth.

Its membership spans a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels, from chief executives and business leaders to academics, charity representatives and community organisers.

What unites them is a shared ambition to make West Yorkshire a fairer region with equal opportunities for all.

‘A movement of change’

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Surpassing a thousand members is a fantastic milestone and an amazing testament to the energy, talent and determination of women and allies across our great region to deliver change.

“Through this innovative network, we’ve committed to bringing together women and girls to make our lives better.

“We’ve held sessions on careers, caring, entrepreneurship, health, safety, education and much more in between.

“This feel-good network meets online and in person and is part of our mission to create a movement of change to support the women of West Yorkshire. Join us. All welcome.”

Building confidence and collective power

Fatima Khan-Shah, West Yorkshire’s Inclusivity Champion, highlighted the network’s role in connection and empowerment.

She said: “This incredible community is all about connecting women together and building their confidence, both in life and in work.

“Whether you’re a CEO, a community organiser or just a member, WoWY will give you an important platform to connect and promote your work, a direct line into regional policymaking, and a support system from which to learn new skills and draw your strength from.

“Reaching 1,000 members shows the power and influence of our growing collective voice, and the best thing is – we’re only just getting started!”

A year of impact

Over the past year, the WoWY Network has played a key role in shaping regional priorities and championing women-led initiatives.

This includes hosting consultation events to inform flagship strategies such as the Climate and Environment Plan, the Local Transport Plan and the £7 billion Local Growth Plan, ensuring women’s voices are embedded in devolved decision-making.

The network has also delivered a major networking event attended by more than 120 members, led by the Mayor’s Business Advisor, Mandy Ridyard, offering insights and opportunities to help women start and scale their own businesses.

Other highlights include providing a platform to launch the country’s first-ever Women’s Safety Unity, championed by Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Alison Lowe OBE during International Women’s Day, and empowering female entrepreneurs through a panel at the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival focused on investment and growth.

In addition, the first WoWY Festival was staged at Bradford’s new Darley Street Market on Yorkshire Day, attracting nearly 2,000 people and showcasing members’ enterprises to the city.

Shaping the future

Looking ahead to 2026, members will be invited to contribute to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy.

This will help inform delivery across its £2 billion Integrated Settlement, covering areas from transport and policing to adult skills and business support.

Benefits of joining the network include access to events and activities, opportunities to hear from inspirational business and community leaders, a direct line into key policy decisions, and the chance to grow personal and professional networks with like-minded people.

Voices from the community

The network’s 1,000th member, Kerry Noble, Head of Faculty at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “I have just joined the group and I am looking forward to working together to create an inclusive community.

“I would like to see members of the group from different religious, business and cultural backgrounds come into my academy and speak to students.

“This is particularly important because of current community trends with misogyny reported in the latest West Yorkshire crime figures.

“Having women speak about their lives and the things that impact them can hopefully create a more inclusive environment where we are all seen as equal; it can also motivate our female students to realise their full potential.”

Women and allies can find out more and get involved with the Women of West Yorkshire Network by visiting:
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/the-mayor/women-of-west-yorkshire/

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