Empowering Women at the Margins: Groundbreaking Event Celebrates Female Entrepreneurship and Community Innovation

Press Release

Glasgow, 11th June 2024

In a ground-breaking effort to highlight the transformative power of female entrepreneurship, a Scottish Charity, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, is hosting an event titled “Female Entrepreneurship at the Periphery: Where Imperfections are Gifts.” This event, set to take place at the Civic House, Glasgow, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, promises to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked potential of women from marginalised communities.

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Pre-Start Up Pathways funding, WEvolution partnered with the University of Strathclyde to successfully pilot a programme that empowers women transitioning from the criminal justice system to reintegrate into society through entrepreneurship. The funding was used to train and support 26 women, including 13 participants from the Lilias Centre in Glasgow.

For over a decade, WEvolution’s Small, Powerful Groups (SPGs) have been at the forefront of working on empowering often-overlooked women in their pursuit of economic independence. This programme, an extension of WEvolution’s valuable work, has demonstrated how community-driven entrepreneurship can lead to significant societal benefits.

Sarah Davidson, Chair of WEvolution, stated, “Our work over the past decade has shown that when we invest in women at the periphery, we ignite a powerful ripple effect that transforms families, communities, and the broader economy. This event is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the limitless potential of women who have often been overlooked.”

Prof. Norin Arshed from the University of Strathclyde added, “The Pathways programme is a testament to the incredible impact of community-driven entrepreneurship. By supporting women transitioning from the criminal justice system, we not only help them reintegrate into society and the economy but also harness their unique strengths and perspectives to drive meaningful change.”

Access the full report to the Scottish Government created in collaboration by Professor Norin Arshed –
University of Strathclyde, Dr Stephen Knox – University of Stirling and Professor Graeme Martin
– University of Dundee here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Heather Tosh
Communications Manager, WEvolution
E: heather@wevolution.org.uk
M: 07958680342

Websites: www.wevolution.org.uk; www.smallpowerfulgroups.com