Who Are We?
We are a women-led community project in Swindon committed to empowering women from all walks of life. Through monthly workshops, skills-building sessions, and supportive spaces, we equip women with the tools they need to thrive – from financial literacy and career support to self-defence, postnatal care, and women’s health.
We believe in breaking barriers, bridging communities, and building sisterhood across cultures, faiths, and backgrounds. Rooted in Swindon and powered by solidarity, our mission is to uplift women with knowledge, confidence, and connection – so every woman can rise.
Our Philosophy
Empowerment
We create spaces where women feel seen, heard, and valued. Empowerment is at the heart of Roots and Rungs—we believe that confidence grows when people are trusted to lead, share, and step into their own voice.
Access
Knowledge, tools, and spaces should be available to everyone. We break down barriers—be they financial, cultural, or systemic—to ensure our workshops and events are truly inclusive.
Belonging
Roots and Rungs is a home for those who have been made to feel “other.” We honour difference and build solidarity. Everyone who joins us should feel they don’t have to leave part of themselves at the door.
Growth
We nurture long-term development. Whether it’s gaining a new skill, growing a business idea, or developing the courage to speak publicly, we support journeys with patience, structure, and care.
Voice
We believe in speaking truth, especially when it's hard. From Trunk Talks to open-mic sessions, we provide the platforms for women to shape conversations, challenge systems, and tell their stories.
Collaboration
Our strength lies in community. We’re not building a one-woman show—we’re growing a forest. Through partnerships, co-creation, and shared goals, Roots and Rungs becomes more than the sum of its parts.
A local councillor in Swindon and a practising corporate lawyer specialising in banking. A proud British Bangladeshi woman, she is passionate about community empowerment and meaningful representation. With a professional background in corporate law and a commitment to public service, Repi brings a unique perspective to local politics—bridging the worlds of finance, policy, and grassroots change.
As a visible Muslim woman in politics, she is committed to breaking down barriers and amplifying voices too often left unheard. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that women have the power to shape communities, influence policy, and support one another to thrive.
Local women. Lasting change.
A project manager in STEM with a strong background in life sciences, Tess has led complex scientific programmes in pharmaceutical research and lab automation. A Welsh convert to Islam, she combines professional excellence with passionate advocacy for social justice, women’s safety, equal pay, and inclusion in the workplace. Tess brings a clear, compassionate voice to her work, championing diverse representation and mentoring women in STEM and beyond. Her leadership is grounded in a deep belief in the power of community, shared knowledge, and sisterhood to create lasting change.
REPI
TESS
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.