The theme of International Women’s Day 2020 is Each for Equality, which is all about challenging stereotypes, broadening perceptions and improving situations. One resident from Burnt Oak set out to do just that in 2017 when she set up a safe space for local people to gather – thus Burnt Oak Women’s Group (BOWG) was born.
Inass said she created BOWG: “To help local people join together, despite cultural differences like language barriers. I created Burnt Oak Women’s Group to help break down barriers and create a space that encourages diversity, cohesion and togetherness.”
Just two years later, Inass Ibrahim was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the achievements of community leaders who promote diversity and cohesion. Burnt Oak Women’s Group was also featured in Barnet Council’s ‘Together We are Barnet ‘ campaign, where their photo appeared on bus stops and billboard all over the borough!
The group has now launched a weekly hub at the International Gospel Church on Watling Avenue which runs every Thursday from 9:30am – 1pm.
Barnet Homes has played a part in supporting the group by making a contribution towards the venue hire for the weekly hub.
Here in 2020, the group hopes to continue supporting local families and attract even more members. Everyone is welcome. Men are not excluded from being a part of the group and they too join in with the events and trips that BOWG offer.
For more information, please email burntoakwg@yahoo.com or search for Burnt Oak Women’s Group on Facebook.
Happy International Women’s Day to Burnt Oak Women’s Group!