In our International Women’s Day series, we explore the theme of #InspireInclusion. Here, Sarah Lee, Co-Chair of Islington Giving, sheds light on the impact of amplifying the voices of women and other underrepresented groups, the impact of women-led organisations, as well as her courageous role model, Nina Bawden.
What role can funders like Islington Giving and Cripplegate Foundation play to inspire more inclusion across their grants and programmes, particularly for women and / or underrepresented groups?
Sarah Lee: We need to consciously consider how can we be more inclusive in every aspect of our work – from our governing structures to how we make decisions on what and who we fund – so that IG and CF can amplify the voices of women and other underrepresented groups within our community and beyond.
“We need to consciously consider how can we be more inclusive in every aspect of our work – from our governing structures to how we make decisions on what and who we fund.”
Who/can you tell us about a woman (perhaps a woman in Islington or in your area of work) that you are inspired by and why?
Sarah Lee: Walking around Islington I frequently walk past a house with a green Islington People’s Plaque dedicated to the author Nina Bawden. Nina is well known as the author of many books for adults and children but is perhaps less well known for her successful campaigning for greater rail safety following the Potters Bar rail crash in 2022, where she was seriously injured and lost her husband. The plaque recognises her achievements as an author and a campaigner and her inspiring determination to bring about change.
“Nina is well known as the author of many books for adults and children but is perhaps less well known for her successful campaigning for greater rail safety following the Potters Bar rail crash in 2022, where she was seriously injured and lost her husband.”
What impact can women-led organisations have on fostering diversity and inclusion?
Sarah Lee: As the phrase goes – “seeing is believing” and having visible, strong women role models leading and setting the tone and culture of organisations to be more diverse and inclusive can be incredibly powerful in inspiring those around them.
