WISH North East: Trusting the Process

Rewilding invites us to embrace the unknown, to trust the process and to recognise that meaningful change often grows organically when we create the right conditions. Along the way, we have an opportunity to plant flowers for those who follow.

That spirit was at the heart of the Women in Social Housing (WISH) North East event held on 26 June at Jesmond Dene House. Bringing together 50 women and allies under the theme 'See Her', the day explored what becomes possible when we stop accepting invisibility and start intentionally creating spaces where every woman's experience is recognised, valued and acted upon.

Crystal Hicks, President of WISH, opened the event by launching the national 'See Her' campaign. Her message was a powerful reminder that women are too often invisible in the data that shapes our everyday lives. When women are missing from research and decision-making, the consequences are real. From the height of kitchen units to the design of homes, workplaces and services, decisions have historically been based on male norms. The result is environments that can unintentionally disadvantage women, including increasing risks such as falls in the home.

Crystal challenged us to ensure women are not just present in conversations but visible in the evidence that drives them.

Caroline Collinson from Unison shared the work underway to develop a Women's Charter, highlighting the importance of collective action in creating workplaces where women can thrive. Her session reinforced that meaningful progress comes when organisations commit not only to listening but to embedding fairness and equality into their culture.

Anna Rzepczynski, founder of We Build Too, brought the conversation into the construction sector. She spoke passionately about the lack of representation and inclusivity experienced by women working in construction and the importance of capturing authentic experiences. By turning those experiences into meaningful data and compelling stories, organisations are better equipped to understand barriers and take practical action to become more inclusive employers. 

Across all three speakers, a common thread emerged. Data tells us what is happening, but stories tell us why it matters. Together, they become the seeds of lasting change.

The afternoon concluded with networking over a wonderful afternoon tea, giving attendees the opportunity to reflect, connect and continue conversations sparked throughout the day. These moments matter. Change rarely happens through a single speech or campaign; it grows through relationships, shared experiences and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the destination is not yet clear.

Rewilding reminds us that we do not always need to know exactly where the path leads. Sometimes our role is simply to keep planting flowers: creating opportunities, amplifying unheard voices and leaving the landscape more inclusive than we found it. If we continue to see her, hear her and learn from her, we can trust that together we are cultivating something far greater than certainty—we are creating a future where everyone belongs.

To join a future North East event or to find out more about our regional group, please visit our regional page.