As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme: “Let’s inspire inclusion”. The theme underscores the importance of ensuring that women from all backgrounds and cultures have a voice and are fully represented in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

Through the support of The National Lottery Community Fund, numerous projects have been empowered to inspire inclusion, amplify voices, and bring positive change within our communities.

In this spirit of inclusion, we wanted to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of National Lottery funded, women-led projects across Scotland.

African Women’s Network: Amplifying voices & building confidence

Imagine standing in front of a crowd, your voice trembling with uncertainty, but your message resounding with power and conviction. This transformative experience is at the heart of the African Women’s Network, a National Lottery funded organization dedicated to empowering and strengthening the collective voice of African women in West Lothian.

They have now ran two events in Bathgate celebrating diverse cultures in their community, integrating both Scottish culture and African culture.

Eunice, the CEO of African Women’s Network, encapsulates the essence of their mission:

“At African Women’s Network, we work to empower and strengthen the collective voice of women and women of African origin. Some of the women involved in organising our project were given opportunities to speak at our recent event and to stand in front of a crowd. We worked with them to help them gain confidence so that they were able to find their voice.”

Through organising community events and workshops, the African Women’s Network provides a platform for women to embrace their identities, share their stories, and bring about positive change. By nurturing confidence and courage, they pave the way for inclusive leadership and representation.

Trojan Women: Fostering hope through drama

For refugee women in Stirling, the Trojan Women project is more than just a series of drama workshops—it’s a lifeline of hope and healing. With the support of National Lottery funding, this project offers a safe space for women like Nidaa, a Syrian refugee, to explore their creativity, express their emotions, and rebuild their lives.

“The Trojan Women Project workshops gave me a lot of positive things.” Nidaa told us.

“It was almost unbelievable how much happier it made me, how much psychological comfort it gave me. To be listened to. I began to feel much better and hopeful and look forward to the future.”

Through the power of storytelling and performance, Trojan Women empowers refugee women to reclaim their narratives, find solace in community, and envision brighter futures. By encouraging creativity and resilience, this project embodies the essence of inclusion.

Wise Women: Advocating for safety and empowerment

In the fight against oppression and inequality, Wise Women stands as a beacon of resilience and resistance. As a feminist organisation dedicated to advancing women’s rights, they utilise National Lottery funding to spearhead initiatives that promote safety, independence, and empowerment for women in Glasgow.

One previous service user, Deborah, has since been employed by the organisation and been working there for two years. She now delivers their Confidence Building courses and Personal Safety Courses.

She said: “I am always learning new things and my passion to help other women keeps growing. I feel lucky to be where I am and to work with some amazing women.”

From women’s safety walking tours to confidence-building workshops, Wise Women confronts systemic challenges head-on, offering support to those with complex needs, including homelessness and survivors of violence. By amplifying marginalised voices and challenging societal norms, this project fosters a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

Tea in the Pot: Empowering change, one cup at a time

Tea In the Pot, supported by National Lottery funding, offers a vital drop-in service for women in Glasgow and its surroundings, addressing challenges from poor mental health to bereavement. Caroline, a beneficiary, shares how Tea In the Pot gave her the confidence to tackle community issues, like the lack of public toilets in Govan.

Caroline said, “If you have little children or if you have health issues like me, having no public toilets can stop you from going out. The ladies at Tea in the Pot gave me the confidence to do something more about this issue – I had written up a piece about it, but they encouraged me to take it further. I managed to get the toilets in the shopping centre reopened. Seeing that I had managed to make a change gave me some of my confidence back – without them I would never have done that.”

Tea In the Pot isn’t just a support centre; it’s a place for change, empowering women to advocate for themselves and their communities. By providing a nurturing environment this project gives women the confidence they need.

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