Women Empowered Manchester

What would happen if you stopped playing by the rules — age, appearance, expectations — and simply chose to live?

In this powerful episode, we meet Joy France: retired teacher turned poet, performer, and the world’s oldest battle rapper. After leaving the classroom in her 60s, Joy stepped onto a rap stage… and never looked back.

With honesty, humour, and unstoppable energy, she shares how she went from invisible to unmissable — and why it’s never too late to find your voice. We talk confidence, creativity, poetry, and what it really feels like to step into the spotlight for the first time.

Joy's story is the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary Joy Uncensored, and she’s performed across the UK and beyond, inspiring thousands with her message of reinvention and courage.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to try something new — this is your sign.

🎧 Watch Joy Uncensored now on YouTube.
✨ Discover more at https://womenempoweredmcr.org/

#JoyFrance #BattleRap #WomenEmpowered #CreativeReinvention #SecondAct #PoetryAndRap #JoyUncensored #FearlessWomen #FindingYourVoice #NeverTooLate #InspiringStories #BritishPodcast #WomenWhoCreate #UKPoetryScene #AgeIsJustANumber

"‘He’d say: Thank you for not letting me die in vain.’"

Eight years after the Manchester Arena bombing, this is the first time 22 May brings more than grief. This year, it brings change.

In this powerful new episode of Women Empowered Manchester, Rokhsareh Vahid, CEO of Women Empowered Manchester, and Helena Calil, journalist and Production Manager of this podcast, sit down with Figen Murray in her home — just days after a historic milestone: the UK Parliament passing a public safety law sparked by her heartbreak, named after her son, Martyn Hett.

But this is not a story about a law. It’s a story about a mother.
A mother who walked into a concert with a small handbag, expecting to be searched — and wasn’t.
A mother who broke down in tears and knew, in that moment, something had to change.
A mother who forgave the terrorist.
Who studied counter-terrorism to understand, not to hate.
Who makes Peace Bears by hand for those who’ve endured the unthinkable.
Who teaches teenagers that kindness is not weakness — it’s resistance.

This is an intimate, emotional episode about grief, legacy, and love that refuses to harden.

For Martyn. For Figen. For every victim of that night — never forgotten.

🌍 What if your children’s classroom was the world itself? In this inspiring episode of Women Empowered Manchester, we sit down with Emma—a warm and courageous mother of three—who, together with her husband, chose a different rhythm for family life. Based in a quiet village in Devon, they blend home, travel, and learning through a lifestyle known as worldschooling.

With fierce feminine resilience, Emma shares the story of how she and her family reimagined education—shaping a life rooted in curiosity, connection, and freedom. From language learning in Bulgaria to science lessons by the sea, Emma offers a beautifully honest glimpse into the realities of raising children on the road.

This episode is not about judging the traditional—it’s about celebrating choice. It’s for every woman who’s ever asked herself, “What if there’s another way?” Whether you’re drawn to alternative education, dreaming of travel, or simply craving a deeper connection with your values, Emma’s story reminds us that powerful things happen when women start rewriting the rules.

✨ This conversation will leave you inspired to imagine what’s possible—when you say no to convention and yes to your own path.

🎧 Listen now and let your ideas of motherhood, learning, and freedom expand.

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#WomenEmpoweredManchester #FierceFeminine #RewriteTheRules #WorldschoolingLife #FamilyWithoutBorders #EmpoweredParenting #InspiredMothers #AlternativeEducation #ModernMotherhood #WomenWhoWander #CuriousFamilies #LiveYourWay #StrongWomenStories #BritishPodcast

This week, we’re serving up a story as rich as a croissant and just as layered. Meet Deborah Du Vernay, the woman behind Flat Baker — one of Manchester’s most charming and iconic bakeries, known for its flaky pastries, viral queues and global buzz (yes, even in China).

But Deborah’s journey didn’t start in a kitchen. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how she left behind a career in Brazilian TV and set design, arrived in the UK without a plan, and built a bakery business from her tiny flat during lockdown—all while navigating self-doubt, culture shock, and a completely new life chapter.

Recorded inside the bakery itself, this conversation is packed with warmth, wisdom, and the kind of honest moments that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you’re thinking of switching careers, starting a business, or simply need a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again—this one’s for you.

🔗 Tap play and get ready to fall in love with the magic behind the croissants.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow the podcast for more stories of incredible women redefining success.

#WomenEmpowered #FlatBaker #ManchesterBakery #FemaleFounders #CareerChange #SmallBusinessJourney #InspiringWomen #FoodBusiness #WomenInBusiness #PodcastUK #BrazilianInUK #Entrepreneurship #RealStories

In this inspiring episode of Women Empowered Manchester, we celebrate a monumental step forward in our journey to uplift, support, and empower women in our community. Join us as we unveil our brand-new memberships: Radiance and Blossom, designed to meet the diverse needs of women seeking growth, connection, and empowerment.

Our guests this week are two incredible women at the heart of this initiative:
🌟 Saira Tahir, our dynamic COO, who shares the vision and strategy behind these memberships, and how they will foster a more inclusive and supportive community.
🌟 Roxy Vahid, the passionate Founder of Women Empowered Manchester, who reveals the inspiration behind this transformative offering and what it means for our future.

Together, they dive into the benefits of Radiance and Blossom, explore how they cater to the unique needs of modern women, and discuss the exciting opportunities these memberships will bring.

P.S. You might hear some fireworks in the background! Apologies for this, although we think it commemorates the exciting new memberships perfectly!

In this special episode marking the finale of Series One, join our host Simone as she sits down with the visionary Founder of Women Empowered, Manchester, Roxy. Together, they delve into the origins of the Women Empowered podcast, exploring its evolution and impact throughout the inaugural series.

Roxy candidly shares the journey that led to launching the podcast, highlighting the vision behind this empowering platform designed to amplify women's voices and stories. They reflect on the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth and success, echoing the ethos of Women Empowered in fostering resilience and empowerment.

Looking ahead, Simone and Roxy provide an exciting glimpse into the future of the Women Empowered podcast, unveiling upcoming developments and initiatives that will further engage and inspire the community. From new guest formats to interactive segments, listeners can anticipate fresh and dynamic content in the next series.

Don't miss this insightful finale episode as Simone and Roxy celebrate the achievements of Series One while setting the stage for an even more impactful and transformative journey ahead with the Women Empowered podcast. Join the conversation and be part of the movement empowering women to thrive and excel.

Join us for an enlightening episode as we dive into the world of self-development and personal growth with Soraya Lakhaney, the dedicated Self-Development Director at Women Empowered Manchester. Soraya shares her inspiring journey and motivations behind leading the charge in empowering women through transformative self-development initiatives.

Discover how Women Empowered Manchester prioritises self-development within its community, fostering an environment that encourages personal growth. Soraya sheds light on the challenges women often face in their self-development journeys and outlines the organisation's proactive strategies to address these obstacles, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all backgrounds.

Explore the profound impact of self-development on women's empowerment, both personally and professionally, as Soraya highlights success stories and transformations witnessed through the organisation's initiatives. Gain insights into dispelling common misconceptions surrounding self-development and mental well-being, crucial aspects integrated into Women Empowered Manchester's holistic approach.

Soraya shares valuable strategies and techniques for individuals seeking to start their path of self-improvement. Furthermore, learn about the exciting future plans and initiatives Women Empowered Manchester has in store to further empower its members through self-development.

Tune in to this episode for a compelling discussion on the transformative power of self-development in empowering women and nurturing personal and professional success.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Vicki Bolsover, a dedicated member of Women Empowered, Manchester, since September 2023. Vicki shares her inspiring journey as a full-time carer and how this role has profoundly shaped her perspectives on resilience and empowerment.

During the discussion, Vicki reflects on her experiences as a full-time carer. Vicki discusses the strategies she has implemented to prioritise her mental and physical health while fulfilling her caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the importance of self-care and community support. As a member of Women Empowered, Manchester, Vicki explores how she has found solidarity and strength through shared experiences and collective support in facing challenges.

Listeners will benefit from Vicki's advice for other full-time carers who may be grappling with stress, anxiety, or isolation, emphasising the significance of seeking support and carving out time for self-care.

Vicki also shares empowering moments she has experienced within Women Empowered, Manchester, underscoring the vital role of initiatives and resources in supporting caregivers' mental health and well-being.

This episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into Vicki's journey as a caregiver and a member of an empowering community, providing encouragement and practical wisdom for caregivers and advocates alike.

*Please note: Simone was having some WIFI issues during this week's episode, so the audio on her side is muffled at some points. This issue has been rectified and will not impact future episodes. Enjoy!

In this episode, join us for an exclusive conversation with Christine Barnett, the dynamic Head of Marketing at Women Empowered, Manchester. Discover the insights and strategies that drive the success of this empowering organisation dedicated to advancing women's careers and leadership roles.

Christine shares her journey into the world of marketing and her passion for championing women's rights and opportunities in the professional sphere. She delves into the innovative approaches Women Empowered employs to reach and engage with their audience, leveraging digital platforms and community building initiatives.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of marketing in the realm of women's empowerment, as Christine discusses the importance of authenticity, inclusivity, and storytelling in their campaigns. From navigating societal stereotypes to fostering meaningful connections, Christine offers practical advice and inspiration for marketers and advocates alike.

Tune in to uncover the strategies driving Women Empowered's mission to empower and uplift women in Manchester and beyond, and gain actionable takeaways for your own marketing endeavours.

In our second episode of "Women Empowered," we are thrilled to welcome Rayanne Ali, the dynamic Event Host and Head of Human Resources at Women Empowered Manchester. Join us as we delve into Rayanne's journey, motivations, and impactful contributions to the women's empowerment movement.

Rayanne shares her personal path to involvement with Women Empowered and its initiatives, revealing the pivotal moments and experiences that ignited her passion for advocating gender equality and uplifting women. From a desire to create meaningful change to a commitment to volunteerism, Rayanne's journey exemplifies dedication and resilience in pursuit of empowerment.

Drawing from her own experiences, Rayanne shares inspiring stories that have left a profound impact on her, underscoring the transformative power of community, solidarity, and collective action. She also reflects on the importance of ensuring that volunteer efforts are inclusive and intersectional, catering to the diverse needs and experiences of people from all walks of life.

For those seeking to join initiatives like Women Empowered Manchester, Rayanne offers invaluable advice on getting started and making a meaningful difference. Looking ahead, she shares her hopes and goals for the future of the group and herself, envisioning a world where women's voices are heard, valued, and empowered.

Don't miss this enlightening episode as we continue to amplify voices, inspire change, and champion women's empowerment. Tune in and join the conversation!

In our inaugural episode of "Women Empowered", we delve into the inspiring journey of Rokhsareh Vahid, the visionary Founder and Chairperson of Women Empowered Manchester. Join us as we unravel the story behind the movement that has been transforming lives and communities.

Roxy Vahid, a trailblazer in her own right, shares her personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs in carving a path towards empowerment for women in Manchester and beyond. We discuss the organisation's humble beginnings, to becoming a driving force for change, and Roxy's unwavering dedication to gender equality and women's rights serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.

Tune in as Roxy reflects on the inception of Women Empowered Manchester, its mission, and the impactful initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, education, and leadership among women from diverse backgrounds. Through candid discussions and heartfelt anecdotes, Roxy offers invaluable insights into the power of community, resilience, and collective action in effecting positive change.

Join us for an enriching conversation that celebrates the strength, courage, and boundless potential of women everywhere. Don't miss our first episode as we embark on a journey to uplift, empower, and inspire.