To mark International Women’s Day, the North East network for Women in Social Housing (WISH) brought together housing professionals from across the region to celebrate the achievements of women and raise money for local charity, Oasis Community Housing.
The event was successful in raising over £7.5k for Oasis Community Housing. This provides vital funding needed to support vulnerable women experiencing homelessness in the North East.
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and tenaciously challenges bias. The theme this year is Balance for Better and their aim is to help people notice its absence and celebrate its presence.
Last year, a group of women launched the WISH network to support, encourage and connect women who work in housing and construction across the region.
WISH is a network that aims to encourage more women to choose careers in housing and construction, to address career progression for women already in these sectors, by encouraging success and challenging stereotypes, and works towards highlighting the issues of diversity and gender inequality.
Caroline Gitsham, Chair of the North East WISH Board, said: “WISH delivers an engaging calendar of informative and entertaining events for our members, but at our heart, we are here to tackle issues around diversity, to support more women into leadership roles and to create a safe network of peers, to build confidence and break down barriers.
“We believe a balanced world is a better world and we were delighted to be able to host an event on International Women’s Day that not only was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the region, but it also gave us the chance to raise money for a fantastic cause. We chose to support Oasis Community Housing because they deliver much needed services for women facing homelessness across the region and our aim is to tackle some of the big issues we are facing in society today. This is just the start of the year’s events for us and we urge you to visit us online for more info.”
https://www.wishgb.co.uk/our-regions/north-east
Oasis Community Housing exists to reignite a hope and a future for everyone facing homelessness.
Crystal Hicks, Head of Business Development at Oasis Community Housing, said: “Oasis Community Housing are delighted that WISH North East have decided to fundraise for our charity at this event. We have been supporting homelessness and vulnerable women in the North East for over 30 years and demand for our support is ever increasing. The funds generated at the event will enable us to continue to provide these vital services for the year ahead.”
Family Fund Business Services sponsored the WISH event, Simon Haddock, Business Development and Relationship Manager, said: “Family Fund Business Services work in partnership with the housing sector to provide fulfilment to maximise funds across the country. As a result, we have the opportunity to be a part of exciting and forward thinking organisations, like the members of WISH.
“We are proud to sponsor the WISH event on International Women’s Day and support Oasis Community Housing. It’s great to be a part of a movement that champions the success of women across the sector. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to the work of Oasis Community Housing and the exciting plans that WISH have for the coming year.”