What Women Write

6 November 2025

Southampton Forward is proud to support What Women Write — a project led and delivered by ArtfulScribe — celebrating women’s voices across Southampton as part of the city’s Jane Austen 250 programme.

What Women Write offers a series of free creative writing workshops designed to uplift and explore the diverse experiences of women in Southampton today. Led by local women writers, the sessions invite participants to reflect on themes including neurodivergence, motherhood, and the perspectives of marginalised women, alongside wider experiences of living as a woman in the city.

The workshops are open to anyone who identifies as a woman. No prior experience in creative writing is required, and you don’t need to be familiar with Jane Austen’s work — though Austen fans are warmly welcomed too.

Upcoming Workshops

Open Sessions
Led by Susmita Bhattacharya and Cathryn Spiller

• Tuesday 18 November, 7–9pm — Online
• Saturday 29 November, 1–3pm — Portswood Library

Sessions for Asian Women
Led by Lauren Alonso Miller and AJ Hardingson in partnership with Shakti Southampton

• Friday 21 November, 11am–1pm — Freemantle
• Saturday 13 December, 11am–1pm — Shirley Community Centre

Mask Off Sessions
Led by Susan L. Edser and Lorna Digweed in partnership with Neurodivergent Arts C.I.C.

• Wednesday 3 December, 6–8pm — October Books
• Friday 5 December, 10am–12pm — October Books

More workshops will be announced in the New Year.

If you would like to share thoughts on future sessions or get involved but don’t feel represented by the current offer — or if accessing the workshops is challenging for you — ArtfulScribe welcomes your feedback.

To learn more about the project or get in touch, please email
admin@artfulscribe.co.uk