Creating space for conversations about women’s safety
Working in partnership with Essex County Council and the University of Essex, this project explores attitudes, experiences and perspectives around women’s safety through a series of creative workshops designed to encourage honest conversation, reflection and learning.
Drawing on theatre, facilitated discussion and participatory activities, the workshops create supportive spaces where participants of different ages can explore their own experiences, challenge assumptions and consider how attitudes towards women have changed over time.
The project forms part of Essex County Council’s wider Women’s Safety Programme and informs both evaluation and future policy recommendations.
My Role
Design and facilitate creative workshops across Essex.
Use theatre and participatory methods to encourage dialogue and reflection.
Create supportive, inclusive spaces for honest conversations about sensitive topics.
Gather and analyse qualitative insights from participants.
Produce evidence and recommendations to inform policy and future practice.
Work collaboratively with policymakers, academic institutions and community partners.
Impact
The workshops created opportunities for people to explore complex issues in a respectful and non-judgemental environment, encouraging reflection, dialogue and a deeper understanding of different perspectives.
The project generated qualitative evidence for Essex County Council’s Women’s Safety Programme. Participants described the workshops as engaging, moving and deeply enriching, showing how creativity can create the conditions for honest conversations, deeper understanding and meaningful reflection.
What I’m Learning
Creativity has a unique ability to open conversations that can otherwise feel difficult to begin. When people feel supported, listened to and actively involved, they are far more willing to explore complex issues with honesty and empathy.
This project continues to reinforce my belief that meaningful engagement is about more than gathering evidence. By combining creativity, research and thoughtful facilitation, it becomes possible to generate insights that inform better policy, stronger relationships and lasting change.