On Saturday 8th March, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme? Accelerate Action - emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
Individuals, businesses, charities all mark IWD in different ways, and impactful organisations and groups across the world deliver an array of effective strategies, resources, and activities.
This week’s soundbite comes from last week’s Freedom Project graduation, with Assia and Adetutu sharing their experiences of training at Mustard Tree, as well as their plans for the future - take a listen at the top of the page.
Here’s some other examples of how Mustard Tree helps Accelerate Action.
Forging women's economic empowerment
Maximising individual income is one of our core services, and has allowed Hema to take a big step towards independence - having recently gained employment after graduating from Mustard Tree’s Freedom Project:
I came to Mustard Tree to discuss my willingness to get into work, but I was taking care of my family and didn’t know where to begin - being at home for so long made me feel so lonely.
I started coming to the art and textiles classes to meet new people - I found a community here and started to feel a change in myself.
I joined the Freedom Project with my focus back on gaining employment. I started training in the Community Shop to learn new skills. With constant encouragement and motivation, I eventually attended a work placement - then was offered a job!
- Hema, Freedom Project Trainee.
Hema has now started her new job with a local construction firm, and still attends the art drop-in to keep in contact with her community.
Addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women
Mustard Tree supported former nurse Bev through a crisis, helping to restore her confidence and self-esteem after falling on hard times - by offering training and financial support.
“Even though I worked all those years in the NHS, this is the kindest, most caring place I’ve been. It’s like a family.”
- Bev
Bev - who now volunteers at Mustard Tree’s Community Shop - said it was “nice to give something back after they helped me out”.
You can read more about Bev’s story during the BBC’s visit last year, or look back at our previous newsletter.
Providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
As well as the Freedom Project training placement, Mustard Tree offers free and accessible courses and classes to help participants improve English speaking skills.
Through structured classes such as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and more informal English Conversation sessions - Mustard Tree is a safe and welcoming environment to learn - for both women and their children.
Promoting creative and artistic talent of women
Sometimes our biggest successes shine through our creative programmes. Drop-ins such as art, textiles and creative writing present an opportunity for women of all backgrounds to come together and express themselves in various ways.
Once in a while, we showcase artwork created in the drop-ins at our regular exhibitions - make sure to subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to find out about our next event.
Supporting women into leadership and decision-making
None of this would be possible without a strong leadership team, led by our CEO
, Head of Services Fiona and Head of Operations Lindsey.
From our front-line services to vocational classes, women make up a vital part of our fabric, help drive us forward and keep us working to our values of Belief, Partnership, Dignity, Opportunity and Diversity.
Sophia’s Summits
Just before the New Year, we received a surprise Instagram message from seven-year-old Sophia:
“Hi, I'm Sophia (7) and I'm helping to raise money for your charity. My dad took me to Manchester to see a pantomime. On the way back to the car I noticed the homeless on the streets and it made me really sad. I've decided to walk all the Wainwright fells in the Lake District and raise as much money as I can for you! I will really try my best. Love from Sophia.”
Sophia has summited 4 of 214 Wainwrights so far, and we are incredibly grateful for every step she has taken! You can follow Sophia’s progress at @sophia_wainwrights, and help her hit her £900 fundraising target by donating to her GoFundMe page here.
Thank you to Sophia, and to all the women and girls in our lives who make Mustard Tree a special place to visit, train, work and volunteer.
Join our Movement
Thank you to all our supporters who give us hope each and every day. If you believe in our approach to combatting poverty and preventing homelessness, would you consider donating £5-a-month to help fund our training and support services?
To those who have already joined our movement for change by giving to us monthly - THANK YOU! Please help us get the word out by sharing this newsletter with family, friends, colleagues and community members.
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