Blackpool hosts new Festival of Women, exploring the critical barriers shaping lives

More than 250 delegates from across Lancashire attended first Festival of Women which was held in Blckpool.

The event at the Winter Gardens Conference and Exhibition Centre provided a pivotal day exploring the critical barriers shaping the lives of women across the region.

The one-day conference powered by regional charity Lancashire Women and sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Lancashire brought decision-makers, community leaders, businesses and advocates together to form a powerful collective passionate about creating positive change.

Lancashire Women, which has supported thousands of women across the county for more than 40 years, organised the event to amplify women's voices, inspire new thinking and encourage collective action on the issues affecting women today.

Keynote speakers included Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity working to end the motherhood penalty, who addressed the motherhood penalty and workplace equity.

Harriet Johnson, human rights barrister and author, highlighted the stark gaps in the criminal justice system during her speech on violence, safety and justice for women, while Siobhan Collingwood, CEO of Lancashire Women and the driving force behind the festival, outlined daily challenges women face with the launch of Hear My Voice, a report created using the collated experiences of women in the county.

Topics featured during the choice of panels and workshops included inequalities in the healthcare system, neurodiversity, hormonal health, violence against women and girls, economic impact and workplace equality, all led by prominent experts in their chosen fields.

Voices leading the way included Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, Dr Helen Wall, resident BBC doctor, Fiona Drouet, founder of EmilyTest, Coral Horn, founder of Pink Link and Lee Chambers, founder of Male Allies UK plus many more with over 25 speakers throughout the event.

A marketplace featuring local community organisations and businesses ran throughout the day alongside musical performances and art displays including the Blue Shoes Exhibition, which represents the lives lost through domestic abuse related suicides in 2025.

The exhibition supports the campaign and petition for Kiena's Law - named after Kiena Dawes, a young Lancashire Mother who died by suicide in 2022 after prolonged abuse.

Siobhan Collingwood said: "The event was an inspirational day of information, shared experiences and hopeful optimism.

"We at Lancashire Women, will work with partners and supporters to ensure that this optimism and enthusiasm will continue to be supported by further forums for discussion, leading to real change, building a Lancashire where the women of Lancashire can be their full, true selves, building a healthier, wealthier and safer Lancashire for all."

Following the event, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "It was fantastic to see so many people and organisations coming together to make a positive difference for women and girls across Lancashire and beyond.

"The Festival of Women provided an excellent opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate on issues affecting women and girls, particularly those impacting their health, wealth and safety.

"Supporting events like this reflects my ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, strengthening partnership working, and ensuring that lived experience helps shape the services we provide.

"I will continue to engage with communities, partners and stakeholders across Lancashire to ensure their voices are heard and help inform our work to make the county a safer place for everyone."