@theleapbd
At The Leap, we believe in the power of arts and culture to unite, inspire, and uplift communities. As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, we are proud to reflect on the vital role women play in shaping the cultural landscape of Bradford and Keighley. As an organisation we are committed to funding and supporting a diverse range of arts and cultural initiatives and providing opportunities to underrepresented communities. We are particularly proud that nearly 60% of our Awards have been made to women. This reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and share their creative visions.
This year, to mark International Women’s Day, we have asked seven women from our community a series of thought-provoking questions about their work, their involvement in arts and culture, and their perspectives on key issues such as women in leadership, mental health, and the legacy of the Year of the City of Culture. These women represent a range of voices within our communities and have collaborated, worked with or are supported and funded by The Leap. Their responses highlight the everyday contributions they are making to Bradford and Keighley’s vibrant cultural sector.
We began by asking them what qualities they most admire in other women and resilience, kindness and compassion stood out in their responses. In the face of challenges, it is these qualities that help women persevere and support one another, creating a network of strength and solidarity. We invite you to join the conversation by taking part in our poll. What qualities do you most admire in women? Your answers will help us celebrate the incredible strength and spirit of women in our community.
Please look at the responses we have had from each of these 7 women as we highlight their contributions to arts and culture in Bradford District.
which of these qualities do you most respect in women?
Results:
Compassion & Kindness: 0 votes
Resilience: 0 votes
Drive to make a difference: 0 votes
Confidence: 0 votes
Strong morals: 0 votes
Authenticity: 0 votes
jade ibegbuna
Head of Cultural Partnerships at Bradford Council
“A Bradford full of unapologetically brilliant women is a Bradford for the world to take notice of – we are here, we are ready and we know our worth. That’s the ‘City of Culture’ legacy that I want to see.”
katherine ellis
Museums Project Officer at Bradford District Museums and Galleries
”There are many cultural and heritage organisations that are women-led – Bloomin’ Buds, Bradford Producing Hub, Brontë Parsonage, Common Wealth, and the National Science and Media Museum, to name just a few. This is a real strength for the district, and it provides a solid foundation for us to look towards these organisations as examples.”
kenzie caines-mckie
Musician/Theatre Performer
”Show girls that it is possible to achieve independence and that they do not have to rely on others to create a career in the creative industry.”
masira hans
Programme Director at Bradford District and Craven Mind
”Change starts with small actions, whether it’s hosting a creative wellbeing workshop, sharing personal insights, or supporting grassroots initiatives. Most importantly, trust your voice—your perspective is valuable, and advocacy happens when passion meets persistence. Take that first step, and keep going!”
naseem kausar
Founder - Yorkshire Wellbeing Skills Group
“Many women face barriers such as social isolation, mental health challenges, or lack of resources, and I strive to break those down by offering a platform for them to grow and thrive. My goal is to empower women to tell their stories, celebrate their talents, and build a strong, supportive community together.”
rachel cambell
Community Connector
“These days I like the brash and bold women - who tell it like it is. Those that are so used to spinning the plates and wearing all the hats that chaos becomes a thing of beauty around them.”
zareena bano
Visual Artist
”Creativity has a way of reaching people beyond words. I try to create work that sparks conversations, challenges perceptions, and makes people stop and think. If my art can help someone feel recognised or valued, then it’s doing its job.”
