As a mother and grandmother myself, I know how often we carry the hopes of our families, our communities - and sometimes the whole world - on our shoulders. But how often are we asked what we truly want, for ourselves?
That’s the question first posed thirty years ago in 1995, when What Women Want was launched supported by the late, great Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop - a national campaign that invited women to share their voices, their needs, their dreams. That summer, I hosted a huge gathering at the South Bank in London with the help of some incredible women - Sinead O’Connor, Chrissie Hynde, Germaine Greer, Anita Roddick, and singer Sarah Jane Morris among them. Hundreds of women came - some with their children in tow - to speak their truth about the lives they wanted to lead. From learning how to use the internet to expressing their sexuality, from childcare to climate change, from equality at work to the freedom just to be, women spoke up with honesty and hope.
Now, in 2025, we’re asking that question again. Because despite the progress we’ve made, it’s clear that mothers, daughters, carers, community-builders - we still don’t get asked enough: What do you want?
Last week, I was back in Westminster for the relaunch of What Women Want, this time as a movement for women and girls to express what matters most to them in today’s rapidly changing world. We started with a breakfast event at the House of Commons with an incredible group of women speakers - including politicians, peacebuilders, musicians, businesswomen, broadcasters, and community activists - all ready to share their visions for a better future.
But this relaunch isn’t just for the people in the room. It’s for every woman and girl who’s ever juggled caring for others while forgetting to care for herself. It’s for those raising children in a world that feels increasingly unstable, who want to know: how do we shape a future that’s safe, fair, and full of opportunity?
Over the years, thousands of women have responded to the What Women Want question. Some of the answers have been heart-breaking. Others hilarious. Many deeply familiar to any mum navigating life today:
“Quality childcare should be an automatic right.”
“To help my children grow without gender constraints.”
“A safer environment for women in the street, in the workplace and in the home.”
“To escape the trap of a youth and beauty-oriented society.”
“A safe, unpolluted environment for my children.”
“I want to walk without fear.”
“Equal rights, respect, freedom to be ourselves.”
“Freedom to become the people we have the potential to be.”
I’m sure many Mumsnetters will relate. It’s hard enough to raise children in this world - harder still when we feel invisible ourselves. But the truth is, we’re not invisible. We are powerful. We are the ones holding our communities together. And we have the right not only to support change — but to lead it.
That’s why What Women Want in 2025 is more than a conversation — it’s a movement. After our event in Parliament, we're launching a brand-new survey where every woman and girl can answer that simple, radical question: what do you want?
Do you want flexible working that doesn’t mean sacrificing your career? Safer streets? More mental health support for you and your kids? Better maternal care? Affordable housing? A greener planet? Or maybe just time to rest and breathe?
Whatever it is - your voice matters.
To honour the women who helped shape this campaign in its early years, we’re also launching the What Women Want Changemaker Awards in Bristol later this year. These awards will celebrate today’s female changemakers — and are named in memory of three brilliant women who helped me organise our original festival and who are no longer with us:
- The Sinead O’Connor Changemaker Award for Music and the Arts
- The Anita Roddick Changemaker Award in Business
- The Glenys Kinnock Changemaker Award in Politics and Community
We want to recognise women making a difference - not just on big stages, but in school gates, kitchen tables, and neighbourhood groups. Because change starts where we are.
So, Mumsnetters, here’s my invitation to you: take five minutes for yourself today and ask - what do I want?
Not just for my kids. Not just for my partner. Not just for the school or the PTA or the wider world. What do I really want - for me?
And then tell us.
You can be part of this new wave of women’s voices shaping the future. Share your vision. Be heard. Join the movement.
Visit whatwomenwantnow.co.uk and sign up to join this great movement of change.
Because when women - especially mothers - speak with courage and clarity, we don’t just imagine a better world. We create it.