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It all started with a casual stroll along a seafront. I ducked into a small, independent bookshop to escape the brisk wind, idly browsing the shelves when a tattered book caught my eye. It was a biography of Mercedes Gleitze, a Brighton-born woman who, in 1927, became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. I’ve never heard of her. A woman achieving such an extraordinary feat, yet her name had somehow been lost in the depths of history. 

This got me thinking—how many other incredible women are out there, quietly shaping the world without recognition? Women have often been at the forefront of change—pioneers, leaders, creators, and revolutionaries. Yet their names too often fade into obscurity. It is time to correct this. It is time to celebrate their brilliance, their courage, and their undeniable impact on our world.

The Cloisters at Wells Cathedral will transform into a vibrant celebration of fierce female empowerment with the Women Change Makers exhibition. This remarkable showcase, created by photo-artist Clare Newton, who shines a spotlight on today’s incredible women leading the charge in traditionally male-dominated industries.

 Clare took it upon herself to change the narrative. After reflecting on her own experiences and the glaring absence of women in the limelight, she launched Women Change Makers—a project that combines stunning portraits with captivating podcast stories. This unique exhibition will feature inspiring women from fields as diverse as tech, engineering, law, and the arts, all of whom have defied the odds to make their mark.

“Let’s face it,” Clare says, “women have been side-lined for too long. It’s time we celebrate the achievements of those who are breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation!” The exhibition is not just a gallery of pretty pictures; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the journeys of women who have reshaped their industries, proving that they belong everywhere.