We co-developed and co-facilitated a series of five virtual listening sessions with 39 girls and women in Banglatown in order to center their perspectives and experiences, identify what resources and programs they need and want, and understand how they want to interact with and support people of all ages. Each listening session included individual reflection exercises where participants could sketch or write their responses, as well as small group and large group discussions. Learnings from each listening session informed the next, and key learnings emerged including a set of foundational principles that define what it means to be a nurturing space.

To build on themes identified in the listening sessions, we developed a set of interactive activities that could be adapted for small or large groups. Participants wanted to have programs and spaces that connect them to the natural environment, specifically gardens and flowers, so we were inspired to incorporate floral shapes that align with WOB’s existing logo and brand into the activity book. The activity book includes English, Bangla, and Arabic in order to be accessible to everyone in WOB’s community. The engagement concluded with a field trip to some inspiring, women-led spaces around Detroit.

Finally, we co-wrote and designed a report that captures WOB’s engagement process. The report puts forth a big picture vision as well as tangible next steps. Its audience includes existing and potential funders, WOB members, and the broader Banglatown community.