WOMEN WHO DECOLONISE 2026 - A MOVEMENT IN PARLIAMENT

The event Women Who Decolonise held at the Houses of Parliament marked a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about decolonisation, gender, and social justice. Bringing together 12 powerful speakers and featuring surprise award recipients, the gathering sparked a course correction in how we understand and address colonial legacies in modern society. This blog post explores the impact of this event, highlighting key messages, notable moments, and the broader implications for activism and policy.

The Houses of Parliament hosting the Women Who Decolonise event

The Power of Diverse Voices

The event showcased 12 speakers, each bringing unique perspectives rooted in their experiences and expertise. These women challenged dominant narratives by sharing stories that often go unheard in mainstream discussions. Their voices emphasized the importance of recognising how colonial histories continue to shape inequalities today.

Speakers included activists, academics, artists, and community leaders who addressed topics such as:

• The intersections of race, gender, and class in colonial legacies

• The role of education in perpetuating or dismantling colonial mindsets

• Strategies for reclaiming cultural identity and history

• The importance of solidarity across different communities affected by colonialism

  
  

By centering women’s experiences, the event highlighted how decolonisation is not only about history but also about present-day empowerment and justice.

Surprise Award Recipients Highlighting Unsung Contributions

One of the most memorable moments was the announcement of surprise award recipients. These awards recognised individuals whose work in decolonising efforts often goes unnoticed. The recipients came from grassroots organisations, educational institutions, and creative fields, illustrating the wide range of contributions necessary for meaningful change.

The awards served as a reminder that decolonisation requires collective effort and that every role, whether public or behind the scenes, matters. Celebrating these contributions encourages others to engage and supports the growth of a more inclusive movement.

Course Correction in Policy and Public Awareness

The event’s timing at the Houses of Parliament was symbolic and strategic. It called on policymakers to rethink current approaches to history, education, and social policy. Several speakers urged for:

• Curriculum reforms that include diverse histories and perspectives

• Support for community-led initiatives addressing colonial impacts

• Greater representation of women of colour in decision-making roles

• Funding for projects that promote cultural preservation and healing

  
  

This course correction aims to move beyond superficial gestures and towards systemic change. The event made clear that decolonisation is a continuous process requiring commitment at all levels of society.

Practical Steps Inspired by the Event

Attendees and viewers of the event left with actionable ideas to support decolonisation efforts in their own contexts. Some practical steps include:

• Educating oneself and others about colonial histories and their ongoing effects

• Supporting local organisations led by women and marginalised groups

• Advocating for inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and government

• Creating spaces for open dialogue about race, identity, and history

• Amplifying the voices of those often excluded from mainstream conversations

  
  

These steps help translate the event’s powerful messages into everyday actions that contribute to lasting change.

Building Solidarity Across Movements

The event also stressed the importance of building solidarity across different social justice movements. Decolonisation intersects with struggles against racism, sexism, economic inequality, and environmental injustice.

Speakers called for collaboration between activists, policymakers, educators, and artists to create a united front. This approach strengthens efforts by pooling resources, knowledge, and influence.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The impact of Women Who Decolonise extends beyond the day of the event. It sparked conversations and connections that will fuel ongoing work. To sustain momentum, organisers and participants plan to:

• Host follow-up workshops and discussions

• Develop educational materials based on the event’s themes

• Engage with policymakers to track progress on recommended changes

• Expand networks to include more voices and perspectives

  
  

This sustained effort is crucial to ensure that the event’s energy translates into real-world outcomes.

The Women Who Decolonise event at the Houses of Parliament was a powerful reminder of the strength found in diverse voices and collective action. By highlighting the work of 12 inspiring speakers and recognising unsung heroines and trailblazers with surprise awards, it challenged us to rethink history and policy. The call for a course correction in how society addresses colonial legacies is clear: it requires ongoing commitment, practical steps, and solidarity.