Portsmouth City Council: Championing Gender Equality and Celebrating Inspirational Women
We are honoured to introduce Councillor Suzy Horton, representing Portsmouth City Council as a distinguished award sponsor for the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2024. As the Liberal Democrat representative for the Central Southsea Ward, Cllr Horton holds pivotal roles, including Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, and serving as the Deputy Leader of Portsmouth City Council. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, particularly in the realms of education and family services, highlights the Council’s dedication to promoting equality and celebrating the achievements of inspirational women across Portsmouth.
A Pillar of Community and Progress: Portsmouth City Council’s Legacy
Portsmouth City Council, with its rich history dating back to the establishment of local government in medieval times, has evolved significantly since the Local Government Act of 1888. Transitioning to a unitary authority on April 1, 1997, the Council has dedicated itself to providing a comprehensive range of over 800 services. These services span various aspects of daily life, from education and social care to infrastructure and public health, all aimed at enhancing the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Portsmouth’s communities.
Values at the Heart of Local Governance
Guided by core values of equality, respect, integrity, collaboration, and a people-focused approach, Portsmouth City Council’s ethos is deeply interwoven with the City’s vision for 2040 and the Nolan Principles for public life. These values, cultivated through consultation with staff and councillors, underscore the council’s commitment to positively impacting every resident’s life, every day.
Supporting Inspirational Women in Portsmouth
Portsmouth City Council’s sponsorship of The Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2024 reflects its steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality within the community and its workforce. Aligned with the Council’s updated Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, this initiative showcases the Council’s dedication to uplifting women and girls in Portsmouth through the celebration of strong, inspiring role models.
Empowering Women Through Action and Awareness
Beyond sponsorship, Portsmouth City Council actively engages in initiatives aimed at supporting women and girls in the area. As a White Ribbon Day accredited organisation, the Council spearheads efforts to end violence against women and girls, both within its workplace and the wider community. The development of a comprehensive Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy further exemplifies the Council’s proactive stance on domestic violence, street safety, support services awareness, and the improvement of agency responses.
A Message of Gratitude and Empowerment
Portsmouth City Council extends heartfelt thanks to all nominees and attendees of the awards for their vital roles in fostering a supportive and empowering environment for women in Portsmouth. Emphasising the importance of individual contributions, the Council encourages everyone to find their unique place in the collective effort towards a more inclusive city. “Sometimes you have to find what your bit of the jigsaw looks like and know that your contribution really matters. Thank you,” reflects the Council’s appreciation and recognition of each individual’s impact on creating a nurturing community for women to thrive.
Striving for Greater Female Representation
With a workforce that is 70% female and the recent appointment of a female Chief Executive, women’s representation within the Council’s staff is robust. However, the council acknowledges the need for increased female participation in local democracy, as only 10 of the 42 councillors are women. This gap highlights an ongoing commitment to encouraging more women to engage in local governance and decision-making processes.
Join Us in Celebrating Portsmouth’s Inspirational Women
As we look forward to the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, Portsmouth City Council invites you to join in recognising the outstanding contributions of women who are shaping our City for the better. While the event may have reached its capacity, the spirit of celebration and recognition lives on. Stay connected with us on social media @pamodzi_creatives for updates, highlights, and stories of inspiration that celebrate the strength and achievements of women across Portsmouth and beyond. Together, we continue to build a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive community for all women to thrive.
