Together for Women and Girls
Help our women and girls take positive steps towards empowerment and opportunity. Together, we challenge inequality, abuse, exploitation and disadvantage in the home, the workplace and the wider community.
We recognise that while many women and girls are able to live safe and enriched lives in our county, this is not the case for everyone. This year, we are working with communities across Norfolk to build a better picture of what life is like for women and girls in Norfolk. Through the Together for Women and Girls programme, we are supporting community groups to carry out research into the hopes and challenges of the women and girls they work with. We are rebuilding our Together for Women and Girls Fund to make sure all women and girls in our county are able to live fulfilled lives, helping Norfolk to Shine Brighter.
Partnership: hey girls!
When we launched our partnership last year, the goal was clear: to provide barrier-free access to period products through our Nourishing Norfolk programme. From our work with Nourishing Norfolk, we know that smashing stigma and breaking down barriers begins with being welcoming, honest and having open conversations. Over the past year, this has become a reality. By distributing both disposable and reusable products across our food hubs, we’re offering individuals and families the dignity of choice—a crucial aspect of tackling period poverty.
As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud to look back on the impact we’ve achieved together. But we’re not done yet. With hey girls by our side, we’re excited to deepen this collaboration, innovate new ways to reach people in need, and continue advocating for a world where no one has to choose between feeding their family and managing their period.
Insight: Women & Girls Report
On International Women’s Day 2022, we launched a survey that over 300 Norfolk women and girls responded to, telling us about their experiences – both positive and negative.
We also launched a focus group fund, allowing us to work with community organisations to drill down into the experiences of Norfolk women in a safe environment where trust meant that conversations flowed naturally and honestly. Over 100 women participated in this activity. We were delighted by the positive response to our survey and focus group funding and by the richness of the insight that has emerged from this research.
From this information, we produced a 27-page report analysing the survey data and focus group feedback, revealing what is is like for women and girls in Norfolk today. Not only will this report inform our grant funding, but we hope that it also provides a robust base for creating systems change at a countywide level.
“While many women and girls in Norfolk do enjoy freedom of choice and the opportunity for success, that is not true for all. Sadly, there is a shortage of funds for addressing the greatest need.”
Help change lives today
The Norfolk Community Foundation’s Together for Women and Girls programme tackles many challenges. Inspired by the amazing work with our partners at Hey Girls, our focus right now is on ending period poverty.
Nearly two million girls in the UK aged 14-21 have missed part or all of a school day due to their period, with 13% missing an entire day at least once a month. Likewise, a lack of access to essential period products leads to 14% of women avoiding or missing work during their periods.
No one should have to choose between their education, career, or managing their period. By providing access to essential products and education, we can restore dignity, break the stigma, and ensure no one in Norfolk is held back.
Your actions can make a real difference. Together, we can create a future where periods are never a barrier to success.
- Fundraise: Think of us for your next fundraising event.
- Donate: Help us make periods affordable for those most in need.
- Champion women with your workplace: Support Norfolk’s women and girls through Payroll Giving – the easy way to boost your giving at work. Call us to find out more.
- Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media: Stay up-to-date on how we’re helping women and girls in Norfolk.