I’ve just about emerged from the mayhem of Brighton — and I’m most definitely ready for a break!

But now I’ve had a chance to catch my breath, it has really struck me just how much Lib Dem Women, the official organisation representing women in the Lib Dems,  achieved over the course of conference.

From motions and amendments to our childcare campaign, new bursaries, fringes, campaigning and celebrating the achievements of women in our party, the voice and representation of women was truly amplified throughout conference.

And I’m incredibly proud of what our LDW team achieved.

Standing up for mothers and babies

We started the weekend with our amendment to F4: Mortality of Children in Temporary Accommodation, highlighting the particular impact of poor and temporary housing on mothers and babies and the importance of ensuring families receive the care and support they need.

LDW Executive member Cllr Hina Bokhari spoke powerfully on the issue, helping to ensure that the experiences of women and children were firmly part of the debate.

Launching our campaign for childcare at conference

Saturday afternoon gave us our first opportunity to hear reactions to our new LDW Campaign for Childcare at Conference.

LDW has pledged £1,000 to get the initiative started, and we asked members to sign our petition so that we can take it to those with the power to make the scheme happen.

It was a huge pleasure to have Jo Swinson kick off the petition by backing the scheme.

We’re determined that parents and carers should not be prevented from participating fully in our party because they have childcare responsibilities.

Investing in women’s progression

We also announced a new LDW bursary and support programme at conference, designed to help women participate, develop and progress at all levels of our party.

The scheme includes:

• Conference Fund: £500 each for two women

• Online Conference Tickets: up to 10 tickets each conference

• Conference Childcare Fund: £1,000

• Future MPs’ Weekend: £500 each for two women

• ALDC Kickstart: £320 each for two women

For me, this is a really important part of what LDW wants to achieve.

It is not enough simply to say we want more women involved. We need to help remove some of the financial and practical barriers that can prevent women from participating and progressing.

Whether that means being able to attend conference, develop campaigning and leadership skills, explore standing for Parliament or take the next step in their political journey, we want to invest in women and give them the opportunity to progress.

We don’t want our money sitting in the bank. We want to use it to support women.

Celebrating the women who built liberalism

Saturday afternoon also saw our long-awaited joint fringe with the History Group: Women for Liberty: Women Who Built Liberalism.

It was a real pleasure to co-chair the event alongside Duncan Brack and hear from three women who have played such an important role in our party: Baroness Lynne Featherstone, Wendy Chamberlain MP and Jo Swinson.

Their experiences, stories and reflections on what shaped their political lives made for a fascinating discussion — and a timely reminder of the women who have helped build the Liberal Democrats to who we are today.

Walking, wheeling and cycling

Sunday started early — and, for me, rather gingerly!

I was on the podium for F16: Getting the Nation Walking, Wheeling and Cycling, where another LDW amendment was passed.

We highlighted the importance of removing barriers around the school run, so that children can have the freedom to walk and cycle safely.

As someone who has spent years working on environmental and active travel issues, this was particularly important to me. Making our streets safer and more accessible is not just about transport — it is about giving children independence and making everyday life easier for families.

Making women’s participation part of our party strategy

There wasn’t much time for a break before I was back up on the podium for F24: Party Strategy – Turning Electoral Breakthrough into Lasting Liberal Strength.

Our contribution focused on ensuring that women’s participation remains part of the equation, with meaningful KPIs and data to help us measure progress and understand where we need to improve.

If we want to build a stronger party, we need to make sure women are able to participate, progress and succeed at every level.

Thanks to Josh Babarinde for all your work on the strategy.

Stopping Violence Against Women and Girls in the Digital Age

Sunday evening brought our LDW fringe on our motion Stopping Violence Against Women and Girls in the Digital Age.

It was a thought-provoking — and at times unsettling — discussion about the ways technology is creating new forms of abuse and how we can respond.

We were joined by Marie Goldman MP, Victoria Collins MP, Ben Maguire MP and Janaya Walker from End Violence Against Women Coalition, and the discussion demonstrated why this issue matters so much.

There are serious challenges ahead, but there is also a huge amount that we can do to improve the online world for women and girls.

And then, finally, Sunday really did come to an end with our famous LDW cocktails, organised by Executive member Lizzie Jewkes. They never fail to make the end of a very long conference day that little bit easier!

Our main event: Stopping Violence Against Women and Girls

Monday was the big one.

Almost five years to the day after LDW first stood at the conference podium with our original VAWG motion, it was a huge pleasure to return with an updated motion addressing the challenges women and girls face in a very different digital age.

We heard some incredibly powerful contributions, including from the most eloquent 13-year-old girl, who spoke about the world we need to create for their generation.

There were also excellent amendments from Young Liberals and, as always, wonderful support from Wera Hobhouse MP, including on the issue of spy glasses.

And last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Marie Goldman MP for collaborating with LDW on the motion and for all the support you continue to give us.

The motion passed!

After that, Monday evening finally gave me a little time to relax, catch up with old friends and, of course, make a visit to the conference bar!

Celebrating an exceptional woman

And finally, on Tuesday afternoon, it was my absolute pleasure to present the Patsy Calton Award for Outstanding Women in the Party to the amazing Ruth Dombey.

Ruth’s credentials are second to none, and she is a more than deserving recipient of the award. It was a real privilege to celebrate everything she has contributed to our party and to public life.

And then… that was a wrap!

Now that I’ve finally caught up on some sleep, I’m off for a much-needed family break — with plenty of puppy cuddles.

But looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of what Lib Dem Women achieved at Brighton.

From the first amendment of the weekend to our final award, women’s voices were heard, women’s issues were championed, and women were at the heart of Conference.

And that is exactly what LDW is here to do.

* Donna Harris is Chair of Lib Dem Women, vice chair of the Campaign for Gender Balance and was Liberal Democrat group leader on Lambeth Council until she stood down in May 2026.