It’s International Women’s Day. A date to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
To celebrate we asked to hear about women in Gloucester who have made a difference in our communities since the beginning of March 2020.
Let’s take a look at the messages we received.
Vanessa Worral
“This is Vanessa Worral.
I met Vanessa a few years ago when I needed some advice and she was so helpful.
Then, in the spring of 2020 we met again. Vanessa is the Project Manager for Together in Matson, which is an amazing force for good in Matson and Gloucester.
I was seconded to the communities team to support the growing list of people calling the helpline. Every time I contacted Vanessa the response was immediate. She would call and then visit the person in need straight away. One person had been recently bereaved and Vanessa went to their house with some flowers. Some people were lonely and others needed immediate help with food due to isolating leaving them unable to work or leave the house. Vanessa and the team were, and still are, immediate in their response - happy to help.
Vanessa is so full of energy and empathy for people. It doesn’t matter why they need help or who they are - any age or ability.
She championed the Matson V Covid campaign to help energise the community to take the action needed to limit the spread of Covid and support their friends and neighbours.”
Tash Frootko
“I’m nominating Tash Frootko who has transformed two run down streets by painting them bright colours in Gloucester. She loves the city and her passion and enthusiasm is infectious.”
Viva O'Flynn
“Viva O’Flynn is a very inspiring woman who shares love, joy, and inspiration with the world. I am proud to call her my wife.
With her business Love Viva Cakes and Crafts, she creates love in every bite experience for people in Gloucestershire. She also donates her baked goods to charity from time to time.
Before Covid times, Viva was organising FUNtastic Fairs in various venues in Gloucester, including Gloucester Guildhall, to showcase works of local artists and small businesses. When Covid struck, Viva took her FUNtastic Fairs virtual.
Viva is the secretary of Filipino Association of Gloucestershire, Community Manager of Grow2Gether, Global Media Relations of World Humanitarian Drive (WHD).
She also hosts a weekly online show for WHD entitled “Inspiring Millions” and has an inspiring podcast called “Love Viva”.
Viva is shining her light in these challenging times by sharing her creativity, skills, and talent with the world.”
Carol Francis
“If this lady hasn’t made a difference to the community, well I don’t know who has.”
In 2010 Carol Francis was the first black female councillor to be elected to Gloucester City Council and in October 2020, she was awarded the Mayor's Medal in recognition of the many services she has provided for the community.
Hannah Cooper, Beth Emmett, Zoe Hadland and Beth Powe
“I’d like to give recognition to four amazing young women who have formed the committee of the University of Gloucestershire’s Marketing Society.
Hannah Cooper, Beth Emmett, Zoe Hadland and Beth Powe, had only just begun their journey with helping local businesses with their marketing when the pandemic hit. Ever since, they have tirelessly and selflessly been working to support as many local businesses as they possibly could, all along their own personal struggles and university studies. This without a doubt is a great challenge that they overcome every day.
They did not expect any payment in return and did this to support the Gloucestershire community. While doing so, they engaged other society members to support more businesses, which also allowed these students to gain industry experience in particularly tough times and job market.
It’s incredibly heartwarming to see them work so hard, simply to encourage the growth of small businesses in the county and give something back to a community that welcomed them.”
Rev Juliet Jenson
“I would like to mention Rev Juliet Jenson of St James and Christchurch. She has kept the parish congregation engaged during the pandemic and revolutionised the digital communications of the church in this area.
She delivers homemade cakes to care homes and funeral directors, finds time for hospital visits, as well as volunteering for administering Covid vaccinations as a fully qualified GP.
A wife and devoted mother, she is truly a ‘wonder woman’ and an inspiration for everyone.”
Safiya Hassanjee
Photo credit: cakes4charity_
“I would like to nominate a young lady called Safiya Hassanjee.
I feel she deserves this as she is a very selfless young lady who has turned her love of baking into supporting our community by raising money for different local charities.
Within the past year she built and developed a small business in which all proceeds have gone to Gloucestershire bundles, Pied Piper appeal and SCOO-B-DOO.
More information can be found about her remarkable achievements on her Instagram page: cakes4charity_
She is hardworking and a determined individual and can be very inspirational to her peers.”
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