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COVID-19 has been a blow to everyone, but it’s punching women right in the guts, pushing back the fight for gender equality. The disheartening reality that women are bearing the brunt of the crisis has now been widely reported and is perhaps best summarised by the United Nations Women ‘Explainer’ website (May 2020). There’s a Quiz. Take it. If you’re a woman, there’s a strong chance that you’ve been shouldering the majority of the domestic and childcare burdens of life in lockdown, that you’ve been forced out of or into part-time work, that you’ve been at high risk of contracting the coronavirus working on the frontlines, or that you’ve been on the receiving end of violence from someone you live with. Here at Shakti Women, we’ve been hearing from women who have experienced all of the above and while we have services in place to help and support you all, we are gutted and we are angry. Women, we deserve better! So, how do we keep hope alive for a better future for ourselves and our daughters when we’re just about keeping ourselves alive and our households afloat? How do we keep fighting for our right to a fair and equal world when we just about have time to breathe between the Zoom meetings and the chores and the constant demands for our attention? There’s no easy answer and for the majority of us, well, the answer is simply that we don’t. That we ‘park it’. That we shove it to the back of our minds until some semblance of normality returns. And that’s fair enough. We are in survival mode. The trouble is, what’s happening right now will have a hugely detrimental impact on women and girls even as we begin to escape the clutches of the coronavirus and move into the recovery phase if we all follow the ‘do-nothing’ approach. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted women in such a profound way that the slow progress made towards greater gender equality made over the past five years could be reversed altogether. Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you with this depressing bombshell without sprinkling some Shakti Women love all over it. So here’s the good news: as we speak, the world’s dirty laundry is hanging out to dry for all to see and there’s absolutely no denying it, no escaping it, no running away from the facts anymore. This alone is spurring on business leaders and policy makers to rethink the status quo.[1] Recovery, they know, absolutely must address the deeply entrenched inequalities that COVID-19 has laid bare and the only way to ‘build back better’ is to take action now towards a fairer society for women. That’s why, for example, in 2020 the multinational British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline doubled the number of places available on its female manager empowerment programme[1]. Win. In some countries, such as Canada, the visibility of women in the media has increased during the pandemic, with several more women experts being called upon in the news than ever before[2]. Win. In Pakistan, a high court ruling has outlawed the invasive and degrading ‘two-finger’ virginity tests in rape victim examinations. Win. And finally, we couldn’t finish this blog without mentioning one of our empowered women icons, Jacinder Arden, whose New Zealand government recently passed a bill to ensure that the persistent causes of the gender pay gap would be addressed, including the undervaluing of female dominated industries.[3] Win. Yes, the picture for women is bleak right now, but there is always hope, even when you hardly have the time or energy to feel it. For more information on where women stand in the world, we’ve created The Pink Paper - a document unashamedly pink and unashamedly full of research about women. [1]https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/covid-19-and-gender-equality-countering-the-regressive-effects# [1] file:///Users/danielleparker/Downloads/bitc-report-gender-doingbetterthetimestop50-september20.pdf [2]https://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-pandemic-increased-the-visibility-of-women-in-the-media-but-its-not-all-good-news-146389 [3]https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/8/compilation-good-news-you-might-have-misse

One of the best things I have done this year, is walk to work. Yes I've faced some pretty bracing challenges but with my Bluetooth speakers and my "happy" playlist I set off each morning at stupid o'clock, through the park, joining the canal network in Ladywood, through Brindley Place and onto Newhall Street. It's the perfect start to an awesome day. The canal is just stunning -especially when the sun reflects off the water. There are a myriad of interesting old red brick buildings, quirky water homes, wild flowers and the occasional squirrel. I love it. What to expect? Walk on Water & connect with nature Write about water and its healing properties Enjoy and explore some of Birmingham’s most precious watery spaces Free trips to various UK water filled and adventurous places When? Every Saturday at 11am. Click the links to find out where we will be going. Where? Outside of Subway on Newhall Street Why? Why not, is the better question. It’s a chance to meet a community of beautiful woman to talk and share but the bonus is free hot drinks. See you there. Love Shakti x

I am not a letter. I am not a word. I am not a line. I am not a phrase, I cannot be defined. A form that has not been discovered. A language that has not been mastered. An encyclopaedia yet to be studied. A dictionary yet to add meaning to your life. A piece of prose enraptured with secrets. A poem of metaphors searching to be solved. A book with unwritten chapters, Blurb untold. A misleading introduction, But then difficult to engage. Not made the main headline, Or the front page. A lost in translation note. A complex edifice of a quote. A kings distorted declaration. A writer’s crazy manifestation. Not yet read, not yet told, I am a story that has not been sold.

I don't know about you, but these past months have taken a toll on my physical and mental health. I started my lockdown in self isolation, being ill and still dealing with the grief, self-doubt and the blow to my self-esteem that are just some of the side effects of the breakdown of a marriage. Someone said in a group I attend – it's like loosing a parent but no body died! But that’s another much longer story. Yet I made up my mind to be disciplined, to write in gratitude, to do my salutations to the sun, to go for my daily walk, to prepare healthy meals, to pace myself with my work, and to limit my exposure to soul destroying news and social media. And all was well for weeks. But as the news got sadder, each day I felt lonelier and more lost. Gradually, I’d notice the once steadfast self-discipline ebbing (some days good, some days bad). I was reading less and consuming Netflix like a drug. Sleeping patterns became irregular and erratic with some days not going to sleep at all. From having a splendid record of eating well, suddenly – was it sudden or gradual? - there were more “couch potato” days with sugary sweets, crisps and an increasing intake of wine. I bounced between feeling anxious, concerned about the world, my health, my family, uncertainty about the business and where I would be living, to days of complexly slovenly abandon which seemed to help to drown out the noise. Thank goodness for friends, support groups and for my hour a week in phone counselling. This is a little of my story. What is yours? We recognise that so many women are particularly vulnerable during lock-down, especially those with learning needs, physical or sensory disabilities or mental health issues, all of which have been exacerbated thought this pandemic and the more recently racially motivated killings. We cannot alone change to world, but together we can make sure we’re in better shape to take care of ourselves and as we grow in strength take on the issues, we are passionate about. If you are in a similar boat and want to: Get back on your fitness regime Write about your experiences Learn how to use Zoom Talk to someone Email hello@shaktiwomen.com and we'll send you the links to our workshops. Remember you are not alone. Sincerely Yours Siobhan

We recognise that so many women are particularly vulnerable during lock-down. We want to hear about your experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly! Send in your article/blog/poem, along with your contact information (100 to 500 words) to; womanlywords@shaktiwomen.com Subject - WriteMind You never know how your word this may positively impact another woman's journey. Your voice matters. *Our favourite pieces will be published in our Whole Woman anthology in March 2021.

The Whole Woman programme recognises that so many women are particularly vulnerable during lock-down, especially those with learning needs, physical or sensory disabilities or mental health issues. Whether you are physically challenged or a beginner, why not check out our exciting menu of bespoke services and activities tailored to your needs and which can be done in the comfort of your own home. Our menu includes: *Beginners fitness programme *Seated exercise programme *Creative writing *HIT training *Strength, balance and coordination exercises *Total body workout programme *Confidence and resilience workshops *Nutrition tips *Basic zoom explainer training Contact us at hello@shaktiwomen.com and find our how you can join our on-line workshops. #WholeWoman #Femaleempowerment #Covid19 #Gifted #MentalHealthMatters #StaySafe #StayHome #SecondWave #StayLifted #Fit #Wellbeing #Thrive #Dyslexia #Confidence #Resillience #SelfCare #Unstoppable #WriteMind #VulnerableAdultsSupport #BCC #Inclusive #AtHome #ShaktiWoman #Success #Happiness #Abundance #Knowledge #Tenacity #Inspiration

My allotment has been my absolute saviour since recovering from significant health issue’s during the past two and a half years. I had left a 36 year career, I was seeking to focus on something that would include keeping active. I’m a keen gardener. I’d always wanted an allotment. My inspiration came from growing up with my dads large garden allotment and greenhouse. My mother picking all the berries and making jams and puddings with the summer fruits. As kids my sister and I would take the vegetable peelings from the house to the compost heap at the bottom of the garden and, cut mint to make sauce for Sunday roast lamb lunch. I had an idyllic vision of growing my own vegetables for family and friends. So, when the opportunity to rent one came up last October, I snapped it up. It was completely wild and overgrown but, I worked hard digging the entire plot, taking around 4 days a week through the autumn and winter months to clear the site removing weeds and stones. All that digging was the best exercise! The digging days were so satisfying, each day creating a bigger blank canvas. Rewarding myself in a hot soothing bath when I got home. The feeling of accomplishment not only on the plot but, having done a decent workout! I decided on a structure of raised beds with paths and eventually I plan on a greenhouse and shed. I set to designing and measuring the plot. Visited a few timber merchants then found a company that cut the treated timbers to size and delivered to my plot within a couple of days. I had met another plot holder that joined me in buying timber and, between us we drilled the timbers into eight raised beds. I had acquired 3 compost bins from a previous plot holder which we rolled onto my plot. My allotment was beginning to take shape. Fortunate to have a tree surgeon friend who agreed to tip bark chipping’s as often as he could. I loaded probably 50 wheelbarrows onto the plot full of bark to create paths in-between the beds. February 2020 - rain, rain, every day. March was amazing, sunny blue skies, warmth of the sun, endless birdsong, peace and quiet. During pandemic lockdown HM Government permitted attending to our allotments. Never felt so lucky! So grateful allotment gardens were to remain open. In peak sewing season, I’ve planted Leeks, Cabbages, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Beetroot, Spinach, Spring Onions, Radish, Lettuce, Strawberries, Raspberries and Rhubarb. Gradually, the produce has started to peep through the soil. So have the weeds. It’s growing season after all… I’m surrounded by like minded people, wild life, nature and fresh air. I look forward to the continual learning of growing vegetables, rotating the crops, succession planting and improving my skills. Creating and nurturing this much loved enclave provides exercise, mental health and general well being. It gives me utter joy! If you have story about something you're doing that supports you in lock-down, or even the frustration you're feeling, we want to hear from you. Please send your poem, prose or blog to womanlyword@shaktiwomen.com. And please attach a picture. #staywell #stayup #writemind #shaktiwoman #inspiration ![endif]--![endif]--

In our professional life as in our personal life, we value creativity to improve ourselves. The ideas that women have can be brilliant, and need to be developed. But sometimes it doesn’t come easily, so here are a few tips to guide you in your creative process. 1. Pay attention and note every idea that you have during the day: you can write on your smart-phone or in a notebook every word or image that comes to your mind. It can be used and developed later. 2. Do nothing and rest your mind: sometimes over-thinking doesn’t lead anywhere. Alan Cohen once wrote, "There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” Take your time and do other activities to relax your mind. 3. Challenge yourself into doing new things you are not used to: take a different path to go to work, try a new sport or instrument, eat a new kind of food, give yourself challenges to spice up your day. Stepping out of comfort zone helps creativity. 4. Learn new things: broaden your knowledge with unfamiliar topics, new ideas and connections will appear. 5. Talk with your peers: a fresh take on your ideas can make them even better. Share your projects and intuitions with co-workers, friends, family, strangers… and ask for feedback. 6. Search for inspiration in the bests: take a look at your role models. How did they find their brilliant ideas? What are they lacking/have not accomplished that you could possibly come up with? 7. Use creative tools: like lists, mind maps or brainstorming, to help the creative process. 8. Stop criticising yourself: lower your expectations and accept that sometimes creativity can be blocked. Be kind with yourself. #StaySafe #StayWell #StayUp #WriteMind #ShaktiWoman #YouGotThisSis #DailyInspiration #Success #Happiness #Abundance #Knowledge #Tenacity #Inspiration

We hope you’re having the time of your life: working from home, doing minimum hours, drawing down a full-time wage, reflecting on your life, eating well, taking time out for exercise and self-care and loving the sheer peace and quiet of it all… AND THAT’S OUR SINCERE WISH FOR ALL OF OUR SISTERS. BUT... Many of us have been: • Worried sick • Made redundant • Pushed to the verge of bankruptcy • Scared for our lives and that of our families • Isolated and Lonely • Trapped in the house with bored and frustrated kids • Caring for our elder’s & trying to do a full-time workload • Unable to make basic payments • Trapped n a house with a bored and abusive partner How horrific can those worries be? And we won’t lie, Shakti Women is also struggling with the sudden and yet absolute loss of our core staff and income. These are difficult times. But we have a small offering: 1. We’ve designed a FREE and simple weekly planning template so we can keep positive and on track (see website shop). 2. Each day we’ll post something uplifting (a simple recipe, a quote, a home workout channel – anything we can do to help alleviate the pain. 3. Asking you all to tell us about your struggles or joys so we can share and uplift each other. And there’s more…to be revealed later this week. Let us know what you need – we can't promise to offer it all but let’s all try. We’d love to hear your stories of joy or frustration. Please comment below or on: Shakti Women Tribe (facebook) Or send us your blogs/comments to womanlywords@shaktiwomen.com #stayhome #staysafe #stayhealthy #selfcare #writemind #supportourNHS #Success #Happiness #Abundance #Knowledge #Tenacity #Inspiration

Christmas may be over, but we have some amazing gifts for you. We've created an exciting menu of tasters, meet-ups and workshops and it’s not all just for the girls, we also have a new monthly event for young creatives as well as signposting to the last Tech Tuesday a phenomenal body of technology and engineering businesses. WALK TALLER (CONFIDENCE BUILDING FOR WOMEN) - TUE 14TH JANUARY 2020 If confidence can be lost it can be found and it can be grown. Confidence and self-belief are two of the key characteristics of successful women so YES, we want all women to be oozing confidence from every pore. When? Tuesday 14th January - 6.30-8.30pm Where? Shakti Inspire, 3rd Floor Avebury House, 55 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3RB Why? Because we want all women to be invincible! Free event. Must Book J’AI MOI – TLC DAY FOR WOMEN – THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY 2020 Join us for a day of self-love with meditation, Chi Kung, confidence boosters, light lunch and space to think in a warm cosy, supportive environment. This day is focused on women who have gone through some kind of struggle – and that applies to us all. We'd love to meet you. Love and Light When? 9.30am – 2.30pm Thursday 16th January 2020 Where? The Shakti Suite, 3rd Floor Avebury House, 55 Newhall Street, B3 3RB Why? Because domestic abuse affects us all. Free event. Must Book STOP LOOK LISTEN - THURSDAY 30TH JANUARY Have you ever experienced domestic abuse or know someone who has? Whether it be physical or emotional, you will be feeling raw and confused. This workshop was designed to give you the time and space to reflect, to review, to listen to your heart and to start making the changes you deserve. When? Thursday 30th January 2020 9.30am - 2.30pm (lunch provided). Where? Shakti Inspire, 3rd floor, 55 Newhall Street, B3 3RB Why? Because everyone deserves their freedom. Free Event. Must Book LAST TECH TUESDAY - TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY 2020 This is a network of hundreds of local businesses in engineering, technology and construction as well as the industries, accountants, marketing etc, that serve them. We want to see more women and girls in these networking/learning spaces, so put it in your diary. This month’s theme is funding, grants and business growth. When? Tuesday 28th January 2020 4pm-6pm Where? The Studio, 4th Floor Avebury House, 55 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3RB Why? Because these are major growth industries and women need to be leading the way. Free Event. Must Book YOUNG CREATIVES MEET-UP – THURSDAY 30TH JANUARY Are you an artist or aspiring artist? Are you fantastic at your art but business, not so much? We want to hear from you and once a month, to meet and mingle and share business tips that help you to improve your income, visibility, marketing and networks. When? Thursday 30th January 2020 6.30pm – 8.30pm Where? The Studio, 4th Floor Avebury House, 55 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3RB Why? Because you are amazing, and we want you to succeed Free Event. Must Book INTERNATIONAL WOMEN STUDENTS MONTHLY MEET-UP - WED 5TH FEBRUARY 2020 Have you come from far far away to study in Birmingham? We think you’re amazing, leaving so much behind to follow your dream. As an international female student, it can also be daunting, lonely and often confusing. But help is here. Once a month Shakti Women will be hosting a meet-up designed just for you. Let’s share our experiences, tips, difficulties and hopes about this time abroad! When? Wednesday 5th February 2020 6.30pm – 8.30pm Where? The Studio, 4th Floor Avebury House, 55 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3RB Why? Because women of the world you are amazing Free event. Must Book ALSO COMING UP IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH § Be Older Be Bolder: workshop for the over 50s: Must Book § Young Creatives 2 – networking for young creatives: Must Book § International Women Students: meet up for overseas students. Must Book § MBA IN A DAY – Inspirational business workshop for ambitious businesswomen. £50 Full day workshop. only 12 spaces available. LADYBOSS

It’s not just a New Year, it’s a New Decade and we are buzzing with excitement for women and girls everywhere. Yes, it’s time to reflect on the past, all the wonderful things you achieved as well as those you didn’t quite nail, then we move forward into horizons new. Here at Shakti Women we have an exciting menu of tasters, meet-ups, activities and workshops. And, it’s not all just for the girls, as we are introducing a monthly meet-up for young creatives as well as signposting our followers to the last Tech Tuesday, a phenomenal body of technology and engineering businesses who meet, learn and do business each month. Here is just a selection of what’s on our horizon: TLC Day for women: a day of self-love and exploration MBA in a Day: an intensive business workshop for ambitious businesswomen Walk Taller: confidence building for women Girls Aloud: a week of learning and fun for girls aged 9 – 16 Saturday Dance: a weekly dance club for the little ones Bad Girls: A chance to dance, laugh and reminisce for older women Young Creatives: an opportunity to meet, share, learn and grow Last Tech Tuesday: an opportunity to see what’s on the regional business horizon International Women Students: a monthly meet up for students from overseas #Be Older #Be Bolder: a monthly meet up for older women designed to explore and embrace aging. Sunday School – an opportunity for girls to explore life, dreams, challenges and to express themselves These are just a few of the activities we have planned for season one. If you’d like to know more or to book on any of the above, sign up to our newsletter today and never miss another Shakti event: SHAKTINEWS #happynewyear #shaktiwoman #shaktigalz #shaktidarlings #success #happiness #abundance #knowledge #tenacity #inspiration

Do you play football outside in the playground and wait to be the last one chosen because the boys pick the boys? It's not fair is it? You watch football on the TV and the men get so much more money and press. Imagine if it were equal and men and women got payed the same, if more girls played football in school and it wasn't 2:20 girls to boys in the playground. If TV was more equal and more girls watched women playing football, then women and men would be payed the same. And girls would know that they can do anything a boy can do. Over the August break we asked 12 Shakti Galz to join us to write next year’s Girls programme. One of the exercises we set for them was to imagine a world where we had achieved true gender equality, and their stories were fabulous. So much so the Shakti is launching a competition. The best entry will receive a prize of £100 and the top 20 will be published. So, if you have a daughter under the age of 18, ask her if she’d like to send us something. DEADLINE IS 31ST OCTOBER. Send to Siobhan@shaktiwomen.com Subject: Imagine a World. Please add your name and age.