Building Your Own Community

My experience in Launching Lancaster University Women’s Network

Have you ever craved a space to connect with your peers? Wanting a safe space to discuss challenges? Share opportunities and be honest and open about how tough it can be?  This was exactly my experience when I returned from maternity leave and landed back in the workplace feeling alone, overwhelmed and needing a village.

A few months later I found myself at an event for International Women’s Day, in a room, surrounded with others just like me who were really benefiting from this space just existing. In that room I felt the buzz, I felt connected, and I found a community, but I also knew that when the event ended, we would all go our separate ways. We may get together again at the next IWD event but for the next 12 months nothing would happen.

Lancaster University offers a wealth of student societies and resources, but I felt there was a gap for staff. It was in that moment that I had the idea for creating Lancaster University Womens Network. A space to discuss the unique experiences we face in academia and beyond. A platform to share advice, celebrate achievements, amplify our voices, build genuine connections and empower one another. I took a quick straw poll in the room to see if people would be interested in getting together again (they were!) and then I started.

Within a few weeks we had 70 interested members, now the network has over 500 staff and research students involved. We helped develop an institutional wide menopause policy, have run workshops on imposter syndrome, created writing retreats, raided money for charity and have provided a safe space for women to discuss the both the challenges and the wonders of working in Higher Education.

Lessons Learned

Job titles didn’t matter- from the very beginning, it became clear that nobody cared about my age, job title or salary what mattered most was the initiative itself, not who I was on paper. All these perceived barriers I had anticipated were in my head, it was actions that people cared about, nothing else.

The importance of community – reaching out to other passionate individuals was instrumental in getting the network off the ground. I could never have done what I did on my own, it was essential to get other enthusiastic and passionate individuals onboard to help push activities forward. I may have planted the seed for this network, but it wouldn't have blossomed without everyone nurturing it with their time and support.

Your Network is Your Net Worth

The power of a strong network is undeniable. It can open doors to new opportunities, provide invaluable mentorship, and foster lifelong friendships. So, if you find yourself longing for a specific network, don't be discouraged. Take charge and create it! You might be surprised at how many others were waiting for the same thing.