Anashe
“Women Today has made a lot of difference. For one, it was being able to come out of the house. That was the first step. To have the opportunity to come and meet with other women and hear their stories. It was amazing.
“Women Today invites speakers to share information with us so when you are in need you have the right information. Many of us including myself didn’t know opportunities. We were feeling left behind and our confidence was really low coming to a new country. But Women Today encourages women to push themselves to do better.
“I see a lot of women now who have come through Women Today who attribute their confidence to the experience. You see some of them at university. They didn’t see themselves as women who could achieve something. Even though they’re from abusive relationships they found they have choices and can make something else for themselves. It’s amazing to see. You feel, ‘I have helped women achieve this’.”
Angela
Women Today have helped because I was new in the country and didn’t have papers. I didn’t know anyone. When you leave whatever country you come from the perspective is everything [in the UK] will be beautiful and fine. But then you arrive and reality sets in. Everyone is busy. Money is different. You don’t have anyone to talk to and don’t know where to do go to do anything.
Just having ladies who they were open to conversation helped with anxiety and feeling lonely. Anything can be a conversation – where to buy shoes, vegetables. They have been so helpful. I also went through domestic abuse. I spoke with Locardia to know I could do something about it. Where I come from its one of those situations where its [gendered violence] ok. I was reassured that this isn’t the case and that gave me back the confidence I’d been losing.
At Women Today they make you feel like family. Everyone makes you feel like a sister. Especially when you’re here without a family. I ‘ve felt like I’m a sister within the organisation. With that comes the love they give, the respect for opinions.
Nandi
I am a survivor of domestic violence and abuse. I have been experiencing that for a long time. I was really struggling. I had lost all hope. I felt so lonely. At some point I felt like giving up.
Now I’m seeing things differently. Women Today gave a listening ear to me. They were there for me all the time. They empowered me by giving me my voice. They were an advocate, able to speak on my behalf. They stood up for me. They supported me in applying to a house where I’m really safe. Now I have a very good network and I’m a very happy woman now.
I’m now getting education. I’m studying office administration. That’s something I never thought I could do, but because of their support it made me feel I was capable. I feel very much empowered. I’m able to talk to other women and show them nothing is impossible: I found a way out.
Cynthia
I was brought here by my mum. I’d been struggling with my health and fitting in. I began helping at Women Today, attending workshops like cooking lessons, and helping women who’d just come to the country.
It’s been really helpful with my personal confidence. I’ve got a job at Teesside University because of Women Today. If it wasn’t for them my confidence wouldn’t be where it is right now. This has a positive impact. In meetings I’m able to lead briefings and events. I’m able to adapt because I’m more confident, and able to stand on my own two feet without relying on people. I’ve managed to make friends and meet people in the same situation as me. It’s been really impactful in my life.
If you’d met me a year and a half ago this wouldn’t have been possible. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, didn’t have direction. Mentally it’s made me more aware of myself and my feelings and how I can approach things and to have a support system that has made me a lot stronger mentally. It’s been a sense of relief and community where we can step away from the hardships of the world.
Tsitsi
During covid times I was 65 and I was lonely and in a bad space. I said, ‘I wish I could die’. Sometimes when you are on your own you think everybody doesn’t like you. But someone said you can talk to this lady Locardia [at Women Today] and Locardia tried to find out what was the problem and give me some encouragement. And she insisted I am more than. She gave me hampers for food and helped at my house.
With them talking and introducing me to other members of Women Today it made me feel that I am important. They would call me on my birthday. They made me a fuss. They brought be a cake. I have more friends now and they invite me for a cup of tea or lunch. And when they’re having any functions they make sure I’m included. They always call.
I just want to appreciate the way they handle things and way they help women in need. Sometimes you feel you’re on your own and then you meet people who accept you as you. I’m really pleased.