Tackling the Taboo in Cumbria for International Women’s Day

A woman sitting on a bed with her back to the camera. The scene is gloomy

Addictions, suicidal teenagers, domestic abuse, homelessness, HIV, mental health – these are just some of the taboos affecting people every day.

These are the very taboos that insight judgement, embarrassment, devastation and even hate.

A girlie night in, between two good friends, sparked the idea of an event that will empower four inspirational ladies to speak openly about their experiences in an act to tackle the taboos affecting women.

Rachel Holliday, founder of Women Out West said: “Emma-Jayne and I were speaking about International Women’s Day and how it would be important to mark the event to empower women. We spoke about the challenges we had or were currently facing and the positive impact that speaking out about them can have. From that conversation, the idea of Tackling the Taboo was born.”

The ladies quickly reached out to the inspirational women they knew to arrange the event to create a space for real people to tackle real issues that people are too scared to talk about.

Julieanne Kelly and her team, from Together We Can Fundraising Limited quickly began to organise the event, which is to be at The Solway Hall in Whitehaven, expecting it to be fairly straightforward. But the response was huge.

Julieanne said: “Tickets sold so quickly; we have had to fill the room with extra tables!”

But not only did individuals want to support the event but businesses did too. Within days of launching the event, Decommissioning Delivery Partnership (DDP) Social Impact came forward to sponsor the event.

Bridget McDonald DDP Social impact lead said: “The Decommissioning Delivery Partnership (DDP) is honoured to be sponsoring and participating in this event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Women Out West is a fantastic organisation who work tirelessly to support and empower vulnerable women in West Cumbria. We are very grateful for the work that they do to help women reach their full potential.”

One thing that organisers have felt to be “heartwarming” is that some people have bought tickets and donated them back to enable Women Out West Clients and teenagers an opportunity to attend the event for free.

The speakers are hopeful that by speaking so openly and honestly, they will be able to help those attending through the challenges they are facing. The issues being discussed can be uncomfortable, and for some, quite triggering, but there will be support on hand for those who need it.