WISH Midlands: One Wish for Women

At WISH (Women in Social Housing), this mission is lived daily, and IWD is a powerful reminder to push even further.

This year, we are inspired by the themes: “Give to Gain” and “Investing in Ourselves”. Real progress comes not from a single act, but from a collective effort. When we support each other, everyone rises.

Give to Gain: What Does it Mean?

To give is to invest in ideas, potential, and futures. Generosity comes in many forms, including:

• Giving respect and visibility at all levels
• Giving knowledge through workshops and training
• Giving opportunities such as stretch assignments, mentoring or sponsorship
• Giving resources and a seat at the table
• Giving justice, protection, truth, and safety
• Giving equal pay and credit where it is due
• Giving real pathways for personal and professional growth
• Giving introductions to networks and role models
• Giving donations and funding for vital causes

When we create a culture of giving, the benefits extend beyond women, strengthening organisations and enriching the communities where all of us live and work.

Investing in Ourselves, Investing in Each Other

Investing in ourselves is the foundation for supporting others. When we develop personal skills, confidence, and wellbeing, we are empowered to lift up those around us. Taking time to reflect, learn, and grow personally means we can contribute more strongly to teams and communities.

Through events and a supportive network, WISH creates space for women at every stage of their housing career, improving not just individual experiences, but also the strength and diversity of the entire sector. The WISH Midlands Board sees every interaction as an opportunity to lift up voices, dismantle barriers, and champion equal opportunity by advocating for lasting change.

One Wish: Voices from the Sector

In celebration of #IWD2026, the board reflected on a simple question: What is your one wish for women in housing?

Here are a few of the wishes:

• Chloe Challinor, Aspire Housing: “My one WISH is for every woman to have the opportunity to achieve her goals, freely and confidently, without judgement from others. Proving that when we support, we all gain.”
• Michelle Haycox, Elm Coaching: “I WISH every woman in the housing sector the opportunity to receive meaningful mentoring, unlocking her full potential and strengthening the future of our communities.”
• Anna Ambrose, Metropolitan Thames Valley: “My one WISH for women is that they feel empowered to be themselves at work, support and inspire one another, drive meaningful change, and help create a future guided by compassion and purpose. ”
• Sarah Mohammed, whg: "I WISH for a future where women can bring their whole selves to work, without fear or prejudice."
• Hannah Lock, Platform Housing Group: "My WISH is to give women what they’ve always deserved—access, safety, visibility, resources, justice, and opportunity—so the barriers fall, not the women who face them. "
• Eleni Kantidaki, BM3: “I look forward to a future where we no longer need IWD, a world where equity and equality are simply realities. I WISH for every woman to have fair and full access to information, mentors, and pay, and for everyone to experience a true sense of belonging, along with the chance to build the confidence to thrive in life, free from fear, through support, skills, and opportunity.”

As we “give to gain”, every step towards equality is an investment in a stronger and more compassionate future. By choosing to invest in ourselves and in one another, we can use voices, positions, resources, and choices to champion a more inclusive and supportive housing sector, at work, at home, and in every part of life. 

We would love to know:

What is your one wish for women in our sector?

Want to join an upcoming Midlands event? Visit our regional page, and make sure you have become a member to get free access to year round events and workshops!