International Women’s Day 2025

This International Women’s Day read about some of the amazing women in social housing and the incredible work they have done to shape the sector!

Octavia Hill
One of the most celebrated social reformers in social housing, Octavia Hill brought decent housing to 3,000 of London’s poorest communities. In 1866, Octavia bought several homes to rent to those in need at affordable rates. Most notably, she was influential in the forming of the Housing of the Working Classes Act of 1890, which set standards for housing quality and sanitation. Money from rents of her initial investment would pave the way for 15 housing schemes by 1974. This initiative is now known as Octavia Housing, which continues to provide housing in London.

Elizabeth Denby
A social reformer and urban planner, Elizabeth Denby’s legacy is influential to modern day views on social housing design and construction. She was a social science graduate, specialising in low-cost housing in Europe. Her experience as an active member of the 1930s voluntary housing movement led to her championing better affordable housing for workers.

Olive Morris
Critical of the living conditions of Black women, Olive Morris worked to increase their access to decent and safe housing. She was a founding member of the Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent, a junior member of the British Black Panthers and worked alongside Black women’s cooperatives in Manchester and London. By the 1970s, it had become extremely difficult for Black and Asian communities to access housing in Britain. Olive was the first to squat a privately owned home in Brixton and fight off illegal evictions. The squat would later become amongst the longest running squats in Britain and be used as a space for many marginalised groups.

Focus E15
Focus E15 is a formidable group of single mothers, which was brought about in 2013, after the closure of homeless hostel the Foyer. The hostel was subject to budget cuts by Newham Council. The Focus E15 mothers petitioned for adequate and affordable social housing. Occupying homes on the nearby empty Carpenters Estate until the council agreed to let out the flats again, these women were able to demonstrate the issues facing poorer families in a burgeoning city.

Justice4Grenfell
After the tragic events of Grenfell Tower, Yvette Williamson and Judy Bolton co-founded the group Justice for Grenfell (J4G) and have campaigned tirelessly for the victims and their families. J4G have maintained that the authorities failed to adequately address the urgent needs of those affected, J4G stepped in. They strive to hold accountable the authorities and individuals responsible, and aim to prevent a repeat of the tragedy, by eradicating the systemic issues facing those in social housing.