Pollokshields charity marks 10th anniversary on International Women's Day
The Glendale Women's Cafe will be working alongside Glasgow Women's Library
Last updated 8th Mar 2023
A café for women in Pollokshields is celebrating its 10th anniversary with several events to celebrate those living in the multicultural area of Glasgow.
The Glendale Women’s Café’s birthday coincides with International Women’s Day today (March 8).
The charity aims to provide a safe space for local ladies to learn, find support and socialise.
Set-up by mums
It was initially set up by mums who “did not ever think” the group would still exist a decade on.
Today – women can access the group for workshops and lessons, social gatherings and support sessions.
Next week, the club will be joining forces with Glasgow Women’s Library to showcase artwork, testimonies, and a timeline of activities from the café’s last decade.
Confidence and empowerment
Nicola Godsal is the project coordinator – she told Clyde News about the impact it makes on the community in Pollokshields: “This is really important to give women confidence.
“Several come into the café and say, ‘I’m just a mum’ and we say ‘no, you’re not just a mum.’
“It’s about so much more than that – people gain skills and go onto employment so actually this is a way to gain that confidence while being supported and feeling empowered.”
'We all need a warm welcome and a hug'
Parveen Mahmood manages the café, and she said: “I think sometimes we all just need a warm welcome and a hug.
“There is a real need in this community for women to have a place like this for their wellbeing, mental health, for socialising and meeting friends.
“We have women who have moved into the area, lost their sense of self or are alone.
“It’s of paramount importance for our community to have something like this.”
'It's changed everything for me'
Khansa Aslam has been attending the charity since it opened a decade ago: “It’s changed everything for me.
“I can see how much we have changed over the years and how many women we do support now.
“We’re so comfortable being here and we’ve become a really close-knit group.”
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.