Oxford Women’s Safe Space expands awareness for International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day on 8^th March, an Oxford female safe space has launched an awareness drive to highlight its support services, thanks to a kind-hearted local business.

The Gatehouse Women’s Space is a dedicated, safe, and welcoming environment designed exclusively for women experiencing homelessness or vulnerability.

The services offered include one-to-one support from an on-site caseworker, referrals to counselling, access to essential items, a female-only shower facility, light refreshments, and workshops.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, award-winning PR agency Fortitude Communications contacted the charity and offered to help it raise awareness of its support for females, to ensure more people who need help get access to it.

Zoe Wright, Operations Manager at The Gatehouse said:

“Our Women’s Space takes place every Tuesday and is a chance for women to feel safe, away from the pressures of mixed-gender environments. There is no expectation, women can simply sit, have a drink and some food, or take part in activities if they choose. The space is entirely led by their needs.

“Most people using The Gatehouse are men, and we want more women to know that our safe space exists, and to benefit from the support being provided there.

“We are very grateful to Fortitude for contacting us and kindly offering to help us with additional marketing support to help us reach the women who need it most.”

Oxford based Fortitude Communications has created a range of promotional materials, including eye-catching social media graphics and professionally designed printed flyers for distribution across Oxford’s community hubs, such as libraries, shelters, and cafés.

To further amplify awareness, Fortitude is also providing press and media support to boost visibility and reach a wider audience.

Rosie Teal Hunt, Creative Marketing Executive at the agency said:

“This year at Fortitude we wanted to do something meaningful to celebrate International Women’s Day, as a team and as part of our community values.

“We felt that our female team members, supporting a charity that helps other women would be a good way to give back and celebrate all women in our community.

“International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work being done at The Gatehouse and to ensure that more females know that this space exists for them.

“All women deserve a safe space where they can find support, respect, and community and I’m proud to work at an agency where we have been empowered and encouraged to help make a difference.”

The Women’s Space is open to guests aged 18 and over who identify as women, the sessions are run on a drop-in basis, meaning no referrals or advanced bookings are required. All services are led by female staff, ensuring the space remains safe, inclusive, and responsive to the unique challenges women face.

Zoe added:

“Women experiencing homelessness often don’t even relate their circumstances to being homeless.

“If you’re sleeping on a friend’s couch, you might not see yourself that way, but in reality, you are vulnerably housed. Being a woman and homeless presents unique challenges, from safety concerns to domestic violence.

“Many women hide their homelessness, which makes engagement more difficult. Ongoing research into this issue will be invaluable in shaping better support systems.”

The Gatehouse Women’s Space runs every Tuesday at 2pm-4pm and is based at St Giles Parish Rooms, 10 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HT, and is just one of many services provided free of charge to Oxford’s homeless and vulnerably housed community by the Gatehouse.

Based on ARC Oxford in Cowley, Fortitude Communications was founded in 2017 by former Oxford United managing director and Mirror journalist Greig Box Turnbull.

The company specialises in helping businesses communicate effectively via PR, content creation, photography, video, social media and marketing with clients including Six By Nico, Oxford Bus Company and Arena Racing Company.

For more information, please visit: https://oxfordgatehouse.org/services-activities/womens-hub/.