Girls just wanna have fun-damental rights

Once the home of powerful women, like author Angela Carter and UoB alumna and suffragette Annie Kenney, it comes as no surprise that many groups provide opportunities for women to come together and meet like-minded individuals across the city.

Here are just some of the many places where you can build your female and non-binary community of friends in Bristol.

iFemSoc

iFemSoc, UoB’s dedicated Intersectional Feminist Society, has a strong presence on campus, often hosting open discussions and debates. The society’s regular book club and collaborations with other non-gender-specific societies help women and other marginalised groups get involved in activities they may not have considered before.

That’s What She Said

Another key feminist group at UoB is centred around the That’s What She Said (TWSS) magazine, an award-winning student publication that platforms women’s voices.

TWSS previously worked with Bristol SU on a sexual violence awareness week event. Getting involved with TWSS is a great way for budding campaigners and journalists alike to meet like-minded individuals and promote feminism.

In January, hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Bristol to speak out against violence against women and girls

Women at UWE
At UWE, the women’s sporting community is as successful as ever.

The women’s rugby team supports players of all levels, holding weekly matches while regularly raising money for meaningful charities along the way. The team recently raised more than £1300 for Maddy’s Mark, in memory of their much-loved teammate Maddy Lawrence.

UWE also has a dedicated women’s welfare officer to represent the interests of female students.

Freshers’ week can be incredibly busy. Among settling into your new flat, meeting many new people and (likely) missing home, taster events can feel overwhelming.

Most universities hold a ‘refreshers’ event in January, so if there’s too much choice, take a breath and know you can join a society at any point in the year.

However, there’s more to university life than just what is going on on campus.

Tucked away in the city’s corners is a strong community of activists, welcoming to all.

Steppin Sistas

Steppin Sistas is a group specifically for Black women and women of colour. Members go outside and walk in support of their mental and physical health all while seeing parts of Bristol outside the typical student bubble.

Bristol Women’s Voice

Bristol Women’s Voice is one of the city’s most notable women’s charities. The group, which now has more than 4,000 members, is dedicated to promoting equity for women in all areas.

Through connecting, campaigning and celebrating, Bristol Women’s Voice aims to champion inclusion. Their monthly Young Women’s Forum encourages women to become changemakers. If you want to make a difference, but aren’t quite sure where to start, their meetings offer a supportive sounding board to take those first steps.

Bristol Girl

For shyer fresher, there is the Bristol Girl Facebook group, which has helped women find housemates-turned-best mates, network with employers and meet friendly faces over an iced oat latte (in true Bristol style).

Sometimes, the best way to make friends is to grit your teeth and throw yourself into a social situation you would typically shy away from.

Bristol Girl also hosts board game nights and a craft club.

Women in Bristol are kind, powerful and ready to help at a moment’s notice.

You may not find your crowd immediately but, be kind to yourself and keep trying – you may find a friend for life where you least expect it.

This article first appeared in the Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2025

All photos: Rob Browne

Read next:

• In photos: Windrush Walk
• Hundreds march for women’s rights
• Tributes paid to UWE rugby player Maddy Lawrence who has died following injury