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In 2017, Islington was voted as the worst place for a woman to live.

In a 2017 BBC Radio 4 poll, Islington was voted as the worst place to live as a woman in the UK. High levels of crime, expensive housing, and discrimination in the workplace were cited as key reasons for this.

Domestic violence and abuse are major issues in the borough. Incidences of domestic violence against women are rising, and disproportionately affect women aged 18 – 44, as well as women from marginalised and minority communities.

93% of lone parents with dependent children in Islington are women. And because being a lone parent increases the likelihood of unemployment, household income is often lower than average for lone female parents, making life more difficult.

Celebrating women in Islington

However, Islington is also home to inspiring activities and initiatives to support women in all facets of life. For the past two years, we have held inclusive celebrations of women in Islington on International Women’s Day. In 2018, inspiring women shared stories of how their lives had changed thanks to the generosity of others.

The morning celebration (pictured above) gained national news coverage, featuring on the BBC. You can watch the BBC’s short film about this here.

Partly in response to the survey results of 2017, the local campaign group Islington for Women was established.

How we support women’s wellbeing

Our partners give space, time, and a voice to women who experience difficulties such as abuse and domestic violence.

Abianda empowers gang-affected young women. It offers one-to-one, group work and employment opportunities. Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation supports the lives of women of Middle Eastern, North African, and Asian origin. Recognising the cultural, social, economic and family challenges some of these women face, it offers confidential, friendly help across the borough.

Both London Village Network and The BIG Alliance offer mentoring that helps young women build their confidence.

Giving parents space to help their families grow

The Parent House (pictured above) provides a safe, inclusive space for Islington parents, many of them mothers. It helps to connect them with other parents, and to life-changing activities in the borough. You can read about the transformational effect of this space for local parent Amel, here.

Get in touch

We send out a monthly e-newsletter to supporters and other people who want to find out more about inspiring things happening in Islington. You can sign up to receive this here.

You can also contact us any time using mail@islingtongiving.org.uk

Information sources

  • ‘State of Equalities in Islington: Annual Report 2018’, Islington Council, available here.