Fabian Women

Please note applications for this second cohort have now closed.

Please keep in touch, attend our events and look out for next year’s advert!

Following the astounding success of the first year of the the Fabian Women’s Network mentoring scheme to develop women’s political skills and increase the impact and influence of women in political and public debate, the second year of the scheme is being launched.

The scheme, launched in 2011 on International Women’s Day, was piloted last year. Over ten months, 22 women took part and received mentoring as well as organised training and networking activities. The scheme included time spent in Parliament in London [http://www.fabianwomen.co.uk/2011/09/fabians-women's-network-mentoring-scheme-in-parliament], a trip to Brussels [http://www.fabianwomen.co.uk/2011/11/fabian-women-mentoring-scheme-in-brussels] and a weekend in Barnsley, where mentees received training in the core skills required to be effective in public or parliamentary life.

During the mentoring period, mentee Suzy Stride was selected as the Parliamentary candidate for Harlow, and Seema Malhotra, Director of the Fabian Women’s Network, was elected as Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston [http://www.fabianwomen.co.uk/2011/12/two-fabian-women-win-parliamentary-selection].

Organisers of the scheme, which is open to any woman member of the Fabian Society, are now inviting applications from women of all ages and levels of experience in politics or public life. The deadline for applications to be a participant or mentor is April 22nd. This next round will run from May 2012 to early March 2013.

Click here to find out more and for details of how to apply. For queries please contact Christine Megson at christine.megson2@ntlworld.com or Seema Malhotra at seema@seemamalhotra.com. See below for quotes from participants of the first year of the scheme.

Quotes from last year’s participants of the mentoring scheme:

“I found it extremely useful. I now know what the next steps must be in my political and professional life. The scheme, and the inspirational people I have met through it, reinforced my confidence that I can help change the world.”
Ivana Bartoletti, Editor of Fabiana magazine, Information professional.

“The programme offers a unique insight into national policy making and support from leading female politicians.”
Rebecca Veazey Acting Head of Policy, Women’s Resource Centre.

“The Fabian Women’s Network mentoring scheme has been an excellent experience which I would thoroughly recommend. I was lucky enough to be appointed two inspiring mentors who provided support and advice throughout the year. In addition, the training opportunities provided by scheme were fantastic, particularly the residential training weekend which provided a great opportunity to chat with and learn from MPs in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.”
Vicki Butler, manager at a national charity

“The FWN mentor scheme is an excellent way for young women at the start of their political careers to receive structured advise, support and encouragement as they seek to develop their skills. The unexpected bonus for me was the strong network and friendships we would all make with the other mentees. Coupled with advice from MPs and more experienced Fabian women, this support network no doubt prove invaluable in the years ahead.”
Claire Leigh, Head of the Budget Strengthening Initiative at the Overseas Development Institute

“The Fabian Women’s Mentoring Scheme has equipped me with the skills and self-belief to actively pursue a political future. It was much more than the (valued) one-to-one with my excellent mentor; the whole programme and the camaraderie of the participants made it a truly unique and special experience.”
Eleanor Shember-Critchley

“The scheme was an amazing experience. The days away in Parliament and the residential were both incredibly helpful and informative and its been a fantastic way to meet lots of amazingly gifted women in the Labour Party – we need to see more women in leadership and in Parliament and the LWN mentoring scheme is a great support to see this happen.”
Suzy Stride, Parliamentary Candidate for Harlow

“The scheme provides all-round support and information for someone thinking of entering or advancing in political life and taking a leading role. Excellently organised, the training sessions and away-days provide grounding in skills and knowledge, and the 1:1s a chance for in-depth personal guidance. Throughout the scheme, peers and experts generously pass on their expertise and wisdom. As with many schemes of this kind, what you put in, you get out.”
Dr Laura Nelson, writer, campaigner, communications strategy professional.