We were privileged to be part of an amazing event co-created by a team of talented women at MASH.
For the past year, the sMASH project group has been working on an impactful project called sMASHing Down the Barriers.
To coincide with International Women’s Day, The Manchester Arndale kindly hosted the official launch to present all their amazing work to an audience of businesses and hiring managers.
Funded by Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline, this project was created to influence employers to think differently and take action to be more inclusive to women who have experience working in the sex industry.
As the sMASH video premiered, attendees heard powerful stories from women with experience of sex work, homelessness and trauma which highlighted their strengths and their dreams for the future.
They also heard an inspiring talk from MASH trustee and Arndale success story, Colette, who has been working for the organisation for nearly a year.
MASH volunteer and illustrator, Hasia Curtis, also partnered with the group to create bespoke artwork for the project which was paired with audio clips of women sharing their ideas and recommendations.
Attendees came up with tangible ideas and made pledges for what they plan to do to create more inclusive, welcoming and supportive work environments for women from all walks of life. The Group also officially unveiled the sMASH Charter which they have been developing together for the past year.
The creators said; “The sMASH Charter is not a tick box blueprint, it is a set of principles we have shared to influence better understanding and positive change from employers.
We are skilled, hardworking, resilient, worthy individuals who have loads to offer. We deserve chances and opportunities to thrive just like everyone else.
“As a diverse community, we have so many skills and ideas, yet we are often overlooked or locked out of career opportunities. Whether it’s through a very valid fear of being exposed or barriers like exclusionary application processes or being overlooked by recruiters for CV gaps and a lack of references. We are passionate about creating a world where women no longer experience judgement, shaming and being trapped in systemic cycles.
“So, we have taken the courageous step to shine a light on the barriers, some of which businesses have the power to resolve. Our dream is a society where women feel supported and excited to embark on a new chapter of their lives, whether that’s training or applying for a job in a new career.”
In the coming months MASH and The Arndale will be following up with businesses on their pledges.
Here is our sMASH Employment Charter!
