19 May 2026
A letter from our Chief Executive: reflections on developing our new strategy, and the rise of the far-right seen through events of the weekend.
It was a joy to bring together our Board of Trustees on Friday (15 May 2026) to explore what our next strategy should look like.
As we come to the final year of our current strategy, launched when I was new in role, we spent time reflecting on what we've done well, and what we're proud of.
However, such joy can rapidly dissipate when facing how we navigate a different social and political landscape, where women and girls are even more under threat.
Those working in the voluntary sector and the women and girls the sector serves are feeling anxious and fearful of the rise of the far-right, which will make those who are marginalised even more pushed out. We need to acknowledge the disproportionate effect this has on Muslim women, migratised women, Black and Brown women – and those who sit at the intersections of these identities. It felt heavy to think about a strategy that should help our sisters, particularly knowing that the very next day, racists (mainly men) would be marching the streets of London.
But this context is not the only element we want to highlight or address. There's so much to do. So, while we continue working hard to deliver the work we are proud of, we will be also be working hard this year to develop our focus areas for 2027 onwards. Our 130 member-strong Alliance is a huge vehicle for change, so while we take the time to consider the legacy of our work, we are pausing membership until the end of the year. And in the meantime, we will be creating dedicated spaces for women and girls, Alliance members, partners, funders and supporters to share their perspectives in order to design a strategy we can all get behind.
The Board's discussions remained rooted in how to shift the power to the most marginalised women and girls, and, despite everything that is going on in the world, we were still able to feel joy, solidarity and sisterhood. As always, I came away feeling very lucky that Agenda Alliance attracts the best minds, and the most compassionate individuals.
A huge thank you to our supporters, Papier, who gave us the use of their premises, helping us to think creatively. I look forward to telling you all more about our strategic direction.
For now, we are sending solidarity and light.
Indy
Chief Executive of Agenda Alliance