West End Women and Girls centre launch new Women's library in Newcastle
The West End Women and Girls group, have opened the first Women's library in the North East on International Women’s Day.
The West End Women and Girls group, have opened the first Women's library in the North East on International Women’s Day.
Representing a pioneering initiative, the Women's Library is the fifth of its kind across the United Kingdom, and the first in the North East. Its purpose is wholly dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and girls. In collaboration with Newcastle University's Architecture Department, a collective of women and girls from the North East devised the library’s design.
Centre Co-ordinator Huffty McHugh says, “it’s about inspiring local women and girls and giving them a safe space to come and read books written by female authors”.
Located in Elswick, the West End Women and Girls Centre was originally set up in 1981. Forty-three years later, they continue with their ambition to empower women and girls and provide a neighbourhood youth and community centre that is open for all. They offer support groups and counselling services for women dealing with issues such as domestic violence, mental health problems and social isolation. There are specific programs and support services tailored for young girls such as mentoring and confidence-building activities.
The opening of the library is part of International Women's Day; a day of celebration for women's social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments. It is a day to raise awareness about women's gender equality.
British mystery crime writer Ann Cleeves was asked to come and open the library. She says, “having a room full of books written by women will help the people that come here find some recognition and learn a bit more about women’s experience”. The library provides a reflection of how far women have come in their struggle for equality.
Rochelle Artus, the Domestic Abuse Peer Educator, emphasises the importance of young girls having a safe space to go to with no judgement, just support and learning. She mentions how many girls within the group are glued to their phones, and she aims to protect their mental health by offering workshops and programmes that teach them about growing up as a woman.
Huffty says, “I am really proud of this. I am proud of women and girls who work alongside us, and I am proud that this group has become an important source of comfort in many women’s lives”.
The West End Women and Girls Centre is open five days a week.