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Writer's pictureAnika Roberts

Creating a Women's only co-working space...

I have recently been introduced to the idea of a women’s only co-working space and am very excited about creating this together with Naomi, my business partner, in London. We are hoping to launch in the autumn, so I will keep you posted on how we are getting on, where it will be and what it will entail! In the meantime, though, I wanted to get your thoughts on this. Throughout the world – and throughout the centuries – men’s only clubs, networking spaces or ‘co-working’ spaces have been the norm. For a long time, nobody ever questioned this or thought it odd. Still today there are some clubs where women are not allowed entry or only under very specific circumstances.

An article written by the Guardian two years ago described men’s clubs 'as a place of sanctuary, away from the 21st-century grime of Soho's casinos and bars. Most enjoy the club's maleness, explaining that it is a peaceful environment where men can relax, uninhibited by pressure to turn on the 'peacock behaviour' that comes when there are women to be impressed.' (see full article here) When speaking to women about the women’s only co-working space, we have been hearing very similar messages – the need to have space where they can work together undisturbed by the ‘maleness’ of their colleagues, where they can connect with other like-minded women in business or the arts on issues that are relevant to them - be it from how to manage their teams, to collaboration, keeping fit, culture, ideas and launching new products. It’s a space where women can work side by side, supporting each other rather than working in competition. A number of men we have spoken to see the benefit of such a space and actively support this. Interestingly, there are men from all walks of life that seem to be strongly threatened by a women’s only co-working space. Arguing that even though they may have been in favour of men’s only establishments, two wrongs didn’t make a right. Why is that even in today’s day and age, women claiming a space of their own is seen as threatening, and labelled as a ‘backwards’ step for equality? Is this not just a space that women can use to support each other? Or are we indeed being hypocritical and dividing what is not necessary? Is it ok to have men only spaces, women only spaces and spaces for everyone – and each serve a different but equally important purpose? And how does this fit with Engagement? A women's only space will no doubt engage women - but maybe not all. But surely Engagement is about creating different things for different needs rather than a 'one fits all' approach? I would be fascinated to hear your thoughts! Anika

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