The Active Women Project came to the end of its two years of funding from The Community Fund back in 2003.

The project was established to run courses that would provide a safe space for women to discuss and debate ideas and issues that mattered to them, whilst developing their critical thinking skills.

Spring 2003 Active Women Trainees

with course co-ordinator Jane Ford

Women were encouraged and supported at grass roots level to engage with people and institutions that impacted upon their lives. The course looked at how women could effectively bring about change through influencing things like health, education and the environment.

Over 80 women made use of the project over the two years and five courses were run as well as two network events all challenging the notion that being active and having your voice heard meant chaining yourself to railings.

The courses ran for 30 days and included a 12 day work placement. Placement providers included: Amnesty International, Capability Scotland, Children 1st, Friends of Earth, 2nd Chance to Learn, Microbeacon, Newcraighall Arts Centre, Roundabout Centre, Womanzone, YWCA Lochend and many more.

WOW has learnt a lot from Active Women and hopes to develop the project in the future.