The violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector came together in force to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 27 emerging Black & Racialised leaders who completed the transformative H.O.P.E Leadership Programme. The showcase event, held on February 12th, 2025, marked the culmination of an intensive three-month journey that began on November 6th, 2024.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs opened the celebration, addressing an audience of 80 sector representatives who gathered to witness this milestone. Her presence underscored the programme’s significance in strengthening leadership within the VAWG sector.
The atmosphere was electric as graduates shared their experiences and insights gained during the programme. What made the event particularly special was the presence of alumni from cohorts 1 and 2, who returned to inspire their successors with stories of how the programme had transformed their approach to leadership and advocacy work.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the celebration, dancers performed throughout the morning, their movements symbolising the journey of growth and empowerment that each participant had undergone. Their performances provided powerful interludes between graduate presentations and speeches.
This third cohort of H.O.P.E leaders represents a diverse cross-section of the VAWG sector, bringing together professionals from various organisations and backgrounds. Their completion of the programme marks not just personal achievement but strengthens the sector’s collective capacity to address violence against women and girls through enhanced leadership skills and collaborative approaches. By and For spaces were funded by City bridge and a impact report completed by Dr Roxanne Khan and Paul Morris from onEvidence.
As these 27 leaders return to their organisations, they carry with them not just new skills and knowledge, but a powerful network of peers and mentors ready to support their continued growth and impact in the sector.
