Harborough women’s walking community secures £8,000 to launch safer walking programme
“This community is what it is because of the women in it. This funding is for them"
Women Only Walks (WOW) CIC has secured £8,000 in funding to launch a new safety-focused programme designed to help more women feel confident walking together outdoors.
The fast-growing community of more than 2,000 women has been awarded a combined £6,000 from Harborough District Council’s Ward Improvement Grant and £2,000 from Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity.
The funding will support the launch of the WOW Safer Walking Programme, which will introduce practical measures to improve confidence, accessibility and safety for women taking part in local walks with a focus on activities in Little Bowden.
The programme will include outdoor first aid training for volunteer walk leaders and members, safety equipment such as first aid kits and visibility lights, and structured walking guidance to ensure no woman is left behind.
Founder Jemma Redden said: “WOW has always been about creating a space where women feel safe, welcome and connected. This funding allows us to take that one step further. It’s not just about walking. It’s about confidence, community and knowing you’re not on your own.
The Safer Walking Programme will help remove barriers for women who might otherwise feel unsure about joining a walk, while giving our community the tools to look out for each other."
Councillor David Page and Councillor Stuart Finan said: “We combined our Ward Grants to support this worthwhile programme because women should be able to walk locally with confidence and without fear. WOW delivers practical measures, from training to safety equipment, for a growing community of over 2,000 women. This is the right investment for our wives, daughters, mothers, aunts and friends across Market Harborough.”
Since launching, WOW has brought together women from across Harborough and beyond, offering regular walks, social events and a strong sense of belonging.
The new programme builds on that foundation, creating a model that can be shared and developed as the community continues to grow.
Jemma added: “This community is what it is because of the women in it. This funding is for them. It’s about supporting each other, building confidence and making sure every woman feels she has a place here.”
Further details about the Safer Walking Programme will be shared with the WOW community in the coming weeks.
Find out more about WOW at www.womenonlywalks.co.uk