Be.Inspired: Women in the Creative Industry

LiC?is no stranger to delivering women-only programmes, especially as our CEO is an inspiring leader, passionate about increasing life chances and opportunities for girls and young women. Women initiatives are always at the core of our work.

Since our humble beginnings back in 2006, we saw the disadvantages that women in our local estates faced, with all the drawbacks of coming from an ethnic group. The obstacles are enough to negatively sway any woman's aspiration to lead a career in an industry that refuses to accept or represent them on equal footing.

Our own experience has seen alarming inequalities in the creative industries, showing this sector lacking in diversity. Extensive work is needed to address widespread issues around social mobility. People from working-class backgrounds, women and those from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds are significantly under-represented across this sector that contributes ￡42bn a year to the UK economy.

"Only 13% of creative jobs are filled by?BAME?(Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) groups. In addition, only 8% of senior positions have BAME representation." (Source: LBBOnline, BAME Representation Within the Creative Industries)

Black Lives Matter?demonstrations reveal long-standing discontent at how society has systematically ignored the voices and representations from minority groups.

It is paramount that we all do more to support and create accessible opportunities for women. Being a small charity has its limitations, as does a larger organisation with its own set of challenges. What we lack in size, we make up for with heart. We have the perfect platform to co-design and tailor-make a programme for young women by leaders in the creative sector. Ergo, the launch of our?Be.Inspired, first of its kind for?LiC,?where women in creative industries make way for girls from East London to break through and make some noise.

Some of our women recount their learning experience at LiC

“LiC?has been a comprehensive character development for me, helping me to grow creatively. Here at?LiC, I have experienced fantastic support from all participants and staff. It was a great privilege to be surrounded by such a diverse group of creatives. The course helped expand my vision for the future, who I want to become and how I can progress in my creativity.?LiC?helped me develop my writing skills.?

LiC?has taught me to keep an open mind, be confident and proud of my work! They proved this to us by creating workshops and bringing in creatives from different fields to show us their amazing talents, yes plural, because we all have more than one!

Due to the pandemic, we learnt through online sessions, but participation from all members was very encouraging and well-organised.

I am extremely grateful for attending?LiC?and achieving things I never thought I could, like, make a podcast! By far, this is one of my most memorable achievements.?”

— Awele, 16

“This course has taught me so much about myself. It gave me a broader outlook and a deeper understanding of the world around me. It also equipped me with the skills that I need to take my ambition in the creative industry further.?

During this course, we had masterclasses with fabulous creatives. It was truly inspirational to hear their amazing stories and journeys.

Together with my amazing associates, I achieved things that were once unimaginable to me. The podcast stands out as an absolute highlight. I hd the best time helping to develop and produce it. It allowed us to learn new skills during the course and gave us the chance to put them into action by working on the project.?

I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to be on the?Be.Inspired?course and gained an exceptional experience. It has moulded me into who I am now, by teaching many beneficial skills that I can continue to apply throughout my life.”

— Salem B Habtom, 18

Listen to their brilliant podcasts here, on?LiC?Podcasts?by young people.

Be.Inspired is currently running its third round supported by the Violence Reduction Unit. To register your interest, visit our Instagram page (link in bio).