Comic Relief have funded the Women's Lives Leeds VOICES project which aims to set the foundations for Leeds to be the first Women Friendly City in the UK. This is based on the United Nations concept of a city where local government takes into account women’s issues and perspectives in their planning and decision-making processes, and women are supported and encouraged to participate in all areas of urban life on an equal basis with men. A women friendly city is one which has high standards of accommodation, security and transport and where women can access health, education, social services and employment opportunities. It is a city that supports them in achieving safety, justice and recovery if they are subject to gender-based abuse, violence or discrimination.
The VOICES project is building support for a Women Friendly Leeds via the development of Women’s Hub and Vocal Girls for younger women, an ambassadors' programme and campaigns to highlight women’s safety and equalities.
DMSS are the learning and evaluation partner to the initiative.