There’s still a shocking absence of women from the top in politics and leadership roles across society. We can all see that for ourselves.

Progressive Women set out to bring women together to discuss issues of inequality, and to network. In the two years since we were established it’s become blatant to us that we need to do more than just talk.

That’s why Progressive Women are taking practical action to help and support potential future women leaders. That’s why we are launching our leadership development series of workshops, tailored specifically to enable women to develop the requisite tools and techniques that will help them on their journey to successful leadership. A New Kind of Leadership (ANKLe) have joined Progressive Women to offer professional coaching at a non-profit price.

In this time of economic recession there is a growing appetite for a new kind of leadership, a recognition that women have a strong and valuable role to play in the future of our country politically, socially and in business.

However, the recession also means that budgets are tight and employers are reluctant to spend money on expensive training for staff. So at a time when women are most in need of professional development then the opportunities for taking skills-based courses are limited.

It was for these reasons that ANKLe and Progressive Women decided to come together to offer a series of leadership development workshops. The series of workshops, which will be led by some fabulous, experienced and inspiring women — leaders in their own profession — will cover a range of topics, such as making your voice heard, career planning, harnessing yor strengths, and recognising your value.

The first in the series of workshops will be ‘Creative Thinking and Problem Solving’ and will be hosted by Suzy Phillips, Managing Director of Creative Connexions.

It will be held on Wednesday, 19 October, 6.30 – 8.30 pm, Austin Room, YWCA Central Club, 44 Portland Place, London W1B 1NE (5 mins from Oxford Circus). Cost £20. Buy your ticket here. More information on the full series is available here.

* Caroline Watson is Co-founder of Progressive Women, a non-partisan organisation working for equality in politics and society.