Deep Connections: Women's Local Inter-faith Initiatives in the UK
Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN) published an illustrated report based on their research into initiatives around the country which are spearheaded by women and are essentially for women.
The report highlights initiatives by 50 various groups around the country and how their existence are benefitting women of different faiths, ethnicities, and cultures connect, build understanding, sharing learning with each other, being a bridge builder, sharing challenges and insecurities with one another, growing in self-confidence, skill building, and driving social change, etc.
The Deep Connections report by the The Inter Faith Network for the UK, speaks about the importance of Near Neighbour’s work in supporting women in leading initiatives, becoming change makers, and amplifying their voices in the society.
Several of our former Near Neighbours coordinators took part in roundtable discussions and interviews to give breadth of information on our work which is included in the report.
Near Neighbours, Director of Partnerships, Elizabeth Carnelley, talked about how in some areas women had sought out support from NN; in others it had worked with existing initiatives to mentor and help grow them; and in yet others, it had listened to expressions of local need and help projects come into being through grants and mentoring. (Deep Connections report - pg.12)
One example of how over the years Near Neighbours have supported women led initiatives is highlighted by Angelica’s story, who found herself at a storytelling workshop organised by St Katherine Cree with the support of Near Neighbours.
The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree: “Women’s Leadership through Storytelling”
In one of her WhatsApp groups for cleaners in London, Angelica came across a post about a leadership workshop for women. She thought “that’s exactly what I’m looking for!” and went along, even though she didn’t know anybody there. The storytelling and leadership sessions, offered in Spanish for Latin American women working as cleaners, equipped women to share their stories and grow in confidence.
In one of her WhatsApp groups for cleaners in London, Angelica came across a post about a leadership workshop for women. She thought “that’s exactly what I’m looking for!” and went along, even though she didn’t know anybody there. The storytelling and leadership sessions, offered in Spanish for Latin American women working as cleaners, equipped women to share their stories and grow in confidence.
Angelica shared: “It has been a real eye opener for me. I have really enjoyed it. I have been able to be myself… I’ve learnt that I am not alone.”
Dr Claire Moll-Namas organised these sessions to build relationships between women who face similar challenges, provide a place for women to have fun, and teach women how stories can be shared as part of community organising. Ten women between the ages of 40 and 65 participated in the sessions, which included ice breakers, teaching, storytelling, and group feedback.
During the project visit, the evaluator observed: “All of the women participated fully with the workshop and there was lots of laughter and enjoyment. The women were really honest in sharing their struggles and quickly found that they had a lot of common.”
Doris, a participant from Ecuador, said that being involved in the storytelling workshops with other women helped her to learn that “at this age we [women] have a lot of capacity and we can help others. You have a different perspective on life.”
The project organisers are also providing mentorship to the women who have been involved, encouraging them to grow in leadership and take action to improve their communities. Dr Moll-Namas was encouraged to see change in participants like Ivonne, who “comes from being not very self-confident at all, to being able to stand in front of everyone and tell her story.”
For immigrant women who work long hours with little security, the opportunity to relax, share stories, and connect with fellow women has been empowering and transformative.
The project has built relationships and inspired women to continue learning new skills.
Angela reflected: “I have loved meeting these beautiful people and we’re definitely going to stay in contact. This is life, meeting new people. Coming all this way and meeting ladies from different places but all with the same purpose of wanting to improve their lives. I am definitely going to keep in touch and coming to the English conversation classes.”
Participating women have already worked together to plan additional workshops and events.