Represent Women

Represent Women is a non profit advocacy organisation in the North-East and Tees Valley, dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and girls in the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. It was established to address the decline in support networks and funding, and to ensure that the needs of women and girls are heard and met. They are actively engaging with local organisations to identify challenges and successes in the sector and change systems to better support the sector and the women they uplift.

The organisation’s mission is to advocate for women and girls organisations in policy and funding decisions, addressing the significant funding imbalances. In 2021, only 1.8% of grants were awarded to the women and girls’ sector. Represent Women promotes inclusivity, anti-racism, and intersectional feminism, aiming for a thriving, well-funded sector with a strong, unified voice in decision-making. They seek meaningful recognition for the contributions of women and girls to the economy and society.

The team is led by a steering group from local women’s organisations, and managed day to day by Erin Parker Leonard, the Director of Policy and Advocacy, and Joanne Armstrong, the Member Support, Marketing, and Communications Officer. Currently hosted by Tyneside Women’s Health with oversite from Elaine Slater, Represent Women aims for self-governance and charitable status by 2025. 

For more information or to get involved, you can contact them at hello@representwomenne.org.uk.