Newport Women’s Forum Celebrates 30 Years of Empowering Women

For three decades, Newport Women’s Forum has been championing women across the city supporting their ambitions, recognising their potential and helping them break down barriers. As the Forum celebrates its 30th anniversary, its long‑standing commitment continues through the Annual Bursary, which offers up to £1,500 to women in Newport who want to pursue a personal goal, develop new skills, or bring a project to life.

The bursary is open to women aged 18 and over, as well as groups of women, who live within the City of Newport. Since the award began in 1996, more than fifty women and women’s groups have benefited, representing a diverse range of interests including the arts, sport, horticulture, entrepreneurship, volunteering, music and more.

A Legacy of Women Supporting Women

The bursary was established when a group of Newport women, led by Dame Rosemary Butler DBE, received a financial windfall and chose to use it to help other women achieve their dreams. Although the Forum’s membership has changed over the years, Dame Rosemary has remained a driving force and continues to lead the organisation as Chair.

Reflecting on the bursary, Dame Rosemary describes supporting women as a privilege and highlights the importance of giving women the opportunity to focus on their own ambitions—often after years of putting others first.

The ethos of the bursary aligns strongly with this year’s International Women’s Day spirit of uplifting and empowering women. Forum members often emphasise how much they gain personally from seeing applicants thrive.

Built on Community, Creativity and Commitment

The bursary is entirely funded by women for women. Over the years, Forum members and supporters have raised funds through a number initiatives such as

• Afternoon teas

• Coffee mornings

• Raffles

• Dinners and social events

• Book sales

• Individual donations

One member, Sylvia Mason, has played a particularly significant role through her published works celebrating women’s history in Newport. Her books — Every Woman Remembered and Mary Frost: Wife, Mother, Chartist — honour local women’s stories, with all profits donated to the bursary fund.

The Forum has also received support from organisations such as the HSBC Community Fund and Principality Building Society, the latter not only offering financial help but also hosting Forum meetings.

Extending Impact Beyond the Bursary

In addition to bursary awards, Newport Women’s Forum has a long history of supporting initiatives that highlight women’s contributions and improve the lives of women locally and internationally. These have included:

• Raising funds for Gutu Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe, helping provide shelter for pregnant women queuing to see a doctor

• Supporting the celebrated campaign for a Statue of Lady Rhondda, a pioneering Welsh suffragette

• Inspiring the creation of the Her Story Theatre Company and its acclaimed production Pianoforte, based on the life of Mary Frost and developed with the support of Forum members

These projects reflect the Forum’s commitment to celebrating women’s achievements and empowering future generations.

Continuing a Proud Tradition

As the Forum looks ahead, its members remain determined that the bursary continues to evolve and meet the needs of women in the city. Past winners often stay in touch, sharing the lasting impact the award has had on their confidence, wellbeing and opportunities.

Deputy Chair Jeanette Hawrot highlights that the demand for support remains strong, and that the inspiring journeys of past recipients reinforce the importance of continuing the bursary for many years to come.

Interested in finding out more about the grant and how to Apply

Women aged 18+ living in Newport , whether individually or as part of a group, are encouraged to apply for bursary support of up to £1,500.

To request an application form or for support in making an application, please complete the form below