Today we’re proudly celebrating 25 years of Women Connect First
For a quarter of a century, we’ve had the honour of supporting, empowering, and standing alongside Diverse Women of Wales and our wider community. This milestone belongs to every single person who has been part of our journey — past and present. To our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, sessional workers, partners, trustees, funders and the incredible women and families we serve – Thank You. Your trust, commitment, and belief in our mission have shaped our growth and strengthened our impact over the past 25 years.
Every person who has contributed to Women Connect First over the years has helped shape who we are today. Your trust, commitment, and belief in our mission have strengthened our impact and deepened our roots in the community. Together, we’ve built more than services we’ve built a lasting, supportive community and a second home for so many women.
Here’s to celebrating our journey so far and looking ahead to many more years of connection, empowerment, and positive change
Menaka Kodur, CEO
As Chair of Women Connect First, it is a profound honour to celebrate our 25th anniversary, a milestone that marks a ‘quarter-century’ of empowerment, resilience, and community. Since our founding 2001, WCF have remained steadfast in its mission to support Black, Asian, and minoritised women and girls across Cardiff and South Wales.
From humble beginnings to becoming a vital pillar of support in Riverside, WCF have spent twenty-five years breaking down barriers, fostering integration, and providing a safe, holistic space for thousands of women to realise their full potential. Whether through advocacy work, ESOL and ICT training, or the essential “Golden Years” and wellbeing projects, impact is reflected in the lives of the women who lead and shape our communities every day.
The enduring success of Women Connect First over the last 25 years is a direct testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of our staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts have transformed our vision into a lifeline of support and empowerment for women across our community. As we look back on our history with pride, we also look forward with renewed commitment to ensuring that every woman’s voice in Wales is heard, valued, and empowered for the next 25 years and beyond.
Stephanie Makuvise, Chair of Trustees