New West Yorkshire Women’s Group To Shape Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Priorities

03 October 2023

A new group bringing together women and allies has met for the first time to help set the future policy direction of Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Fatima Khan-Shah, appointed by the Mayor to be an Inclusivity Champion for the region, has today (3 October) launched the Women of West Yorkshire Network, which will offer a source of support to women and girls as part of a grassroots movement to bring about change.

The new network follows the launch of the “Just Don’t” campaign, aimed at tackling inappropriate male behaviour and everyday sexual harassment toward women and girls. Mayor Brabin and West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, have both pledged to put women and girls at the heart of their plans for the region.

Gathering at Tileyard North in Wakefield local leaders including Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025, Fatima Patel, Editor in Chief at the Asian Standard, and Rob Webster CBE, CEO of the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, addressed and shared their stories with around 100 women and allies in attendance.

Topics discussed during the event include the importance of allyship from men, fair representation for women, and the need to break down barriers that can stop women and girls from succeeding.

Mayor Brabin has recently spoken publicly about how her own life experiences, including a harrowing experience of attempted sexual violence in her twenties, have politicised her and shaped her drive to bring about positive change for women and girls in West Yorkshire.

Speaking about the new network, Ms Khan-Shah said she aims to bring together women and allies from all walks of life together to connect, share their experiences and build a social movement of change for women across the region.

Fatima Khan-Shah, West Yorkshire’s Inclusivity Champion said:

 “Networks have been instrumental to my success. I have met some amazing people on my journey who have helped me to grow. 

"To drive forward a West Yorkshire that works for all, it’s important to create a space where people can get together and discuss what matters to them, so we can identify problems and drive positive change.

"I look forward to meeting with this incredible group again, and if anyone would like to get involved, please reach out.”

As West Yorkshire’s Inclusivity Champion, Ms Khan-Shah works closely with regional leaders and the communities they serve, providing expert advice on inclusion and how to address regional disparities affecting issues such as pay, health and wellbeing.

Speaking about the event and appointing an Inclusivity Champion, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

 “When I was elected, I pledged to appoint an Inclusivity Champion for West Yorkshire and put women and girls at the heart of my priorities.

“I firmly believe that the diversity of our region is its biggest strength, and Fatima Khan-Shah is laser focused on helping me tackle inequalities of every kind across the region.

“This new Women of West Yorkshire Network will offer a vital source of support, information sharing, mentoring and solidarity to our women and girls, as we build a brighter region that works for all.”

Cathy Elliot, Chair of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said:

“Having a forum like this for West Yorkshire will enable women and allies to create a supportive environment for learning, development, and collaboration for positive change locally. It will be invaluable. 

“This is an opportunity for people to come together to share ideas, help each other to solve problems, voice the things they would like to change, and create opportunities for one another.

“I can’t wait to see the success of this new network.”