EmpowHER quilt, patch 26
Maker and role
Wendy Solesbury: Artist
Production date
2021
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Details
Description
Wendy adorned her patch with the quote, 'EmpowHER, giving a voice to wonderful, inspirational young women who never fail to inspire and amaze.' "[The phrase] came to me straightaway because EmpowHER gives young women a voice, and they were typically from backgrounds that I feel are under-represented and don't always have those opportunities."
Wendy hopes that the EmpowHER quilt will inspire and empower people to know that they, too, can make a difference. "[I hope they feel] that they have a voice. I'd like people to see the whole story and that this is based on the original Changi quilt from 80 years ago... It was made by oppressed women, and we still have oppressed women. I think the fact it is also made by women is important, and I want people to understand that they are willing to speak out and have their say."
Wendy hopes that the EmpowHER quilt will inspire and empower people to know that they, too, can make a difference. "[I hope they feel] that they have a voice. I'd like people to see the whole story and that this is based on the original Changi quilt from 80 years ago... It was made by oppressed women, and we still have oppressed women. I think the fact it is also made by women is important, and I want people to understand that they are willing to speak out and have their say."
Collection Type
Objects
Production Place
History
Wendy was one of the key people who helped create the EmpowHER programme. "I was part of the initial setting-up and naming of EmpowHER. I have been in the British Red Cross for a very long time, about 47 years, 20 of that as a member of staff."
To shape the programme, Wendy focused on listening to what young women said were their challenges. She explained that she "found it really inspirational to hear from groups of young women at different events, and actually, some of the challenges I faced as a teenager, which is a long time ago, are still the same."
"We did lots of focus groups with young women, and we went to the most amazing youth centre I have ever seen in Kent with UK Youth. Before we start any project, we do a lot of work behind the scenes. We then brought a wonderful team on board, and I supported with whatever I could."
To shape the programme, Wendy focused on listening to what young women said were their challenges. She explained that she "found it really inspirational to hear from groups of young women at different events, and actually, some of the challenges I faced as a teenager, which is a long time ago, are still the same."
"We did lots of focus groups with young women, and we went to the most amazing youth centre I have ever seen in Kent with UK Youth. Before we start any project, we do a lot of work behind the scenes. We then brought a wonderful team on board, and I supported with whatever I could."
Catalogue Number
3327.26
Associated Person and Role
Youth Development Manager: Wendy Solesbury
Maker
Associated Person
Object Types
Place Made
Part of 1 highlight set
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