Hidden Women Of Design
Founder & event co-ordinator
I founded Hidden Women of Design (HWOD) during a university research project investigating the visibility of women working as graphic designers within the creative industries.
The research revealed stark inequalities between women and their male counterparts, including pay gaps, limited promotional opportunities, lack of recognition for creative contributions, and experiences of parental discrimination.
These findings became the foundation for a platform dedicated to challenging those disparities and amplifying women’s voices in design.
HWOD was established to raise awareness and visibility for women-identifying creatives through a programme of talks, events, and workshops designed to enable conversation, collaboration, and community.
Running for over seven years, the initiative hosted events in both London and Glasgow, creating inclusive spaces that celebrated the diverse experiences and achievements of women in design.
“How can we encourage the Hidden Women Of Design into the spotlight?”
— It’s Nice that
Throughout the project, I worked closely with designers, venues, and institutions to coordinate and design events that encouraged dialogue around gender equity in creative practice.
The gatherings not only offered visibility to underrepresented voices but also acted as valuable networking opportunities for emerging and established designers alike.
“Design is all- encompassing but is it always all-inclusive? ”
— Design Indaba
One of HWOD’s most recent projects, Brave New Normal, was a collaborative research initiative with WD+RU, exploring the benefits of intergenerational mentorship.
The project culminated in a published report highlighting how cross-generational exchange can strengthen resilience and redefine professional support networks in times of change.
Image: Teal Triggs, Siân Cook & Lorna Allan
