Representing Grassroots Women’s Organisations at Parliamentary Drop-In
The Smallwood Trust recently had the honour of participating in a Parliamentary Drop-In event hosted by the Women’s Budget Group at Westminster. This unique gathering, set against the backdrop of Parliament Week, provided an invaluable platform to advocate for women’s organisations and amplify the vital work being done to tackle gendered poverty and systemic inequality.
Bringing Civil Society Voices to the Fore
The event, held in collaboration with MP Yuan Yang, brought together around 20 organisations representing diverse facets of women’s advocacy. Positioned among other influential groups including our grant partners Women in Prison and Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), Smallwood had the opportunity to share its perspective on the critical role grassroots organisations play in bridging societal gaps exacerbated by years of austerity.
The primary message Smallwood delivered to attending MPs was clear: women-led organisations in civil society have been pivotal in addressing the fallout from policy decisions, yet they remain underfunded, unseen, and exhausted. Smallwood’s representative, Gendered Poverty Learning Programme Manager Rutendo Ngwena, emphasised the need for increased funding to sustain these organisations, which are essential to supporting women on the front lines of pressing social issues.
Collaborative Power in Action
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration across different areas of expertise. From financial wellbeing and economic abuse to justice system reforms, the gathering demonstrated that meaningful change for women requires diverse specialisms working together towards a common goal. Smallwood’s partnerships with organisations like the Women’s Budget Group exemplify this ethos, as they combine financial support with insights from experts to drive impactful change.
By standing alongside funded partners, Smallwood could not only discuss its work but also point to tangible outcomes. This collective presence created a dynamic energy in the room, showcasing the interconnected efforts to address barriers faced by women and the critical need for systemic change.
Building Connections for Future Impact
The Drop-In provided a significant opportunity to engage MPs directly. Rutendo identified several MPs interested in connecting with grassroots organisations and these relationships could offer vital opportunities for such organisations to gain recognition and support at a decision-making level.
Amplifying Insights from the Frontline
The event also marked an opportunity to spotlight Smallwood’s Gender Poverty Learning Programme, now entering its third and final year. This initiative has been instrumental in understanding what works best to tackle gender poverty and translating insights into actionable change. As Smallwood continues this work, a key focus will be on sharing learnings and encouraging more conversations to inspire broader support for women’s organisations.
Looking Ahead
The Parliamentary Drop-In was a crucial reminder of the collective strength within the women’s sector and the importance of platforms that amplify these voices. Smallwood remains committed to advocating for the sector, highlighting the transformative work being done, and amplifying the vital need for women’s organisations to receive the funding and recognition they deserve.
As we look to the future, Smallwood is eager to build on the momentum from this event. By continuing to share learnings, fostering partnerships, and connecting grassroots organisations with policymakers, we aim to drive meaningful progress in advancing gender equality and financial security for women across the UK.
For more on our work or to explore opportunities for collaboration, please contact us.
