In the heart of Liverpool stands a quiet powerhouse, one that has transformed the lives of over 50,000 women and counting. The Womens Organisation, founded in 1996 by visionary entrepreneur Maggie O'Carroll, isn’t just a business support centre. It’s a movement. A living, breathing testament to what happens when women are given not just a chance, but a choice , to lead, to grow, and to succeed on their own terms.
When Maggie O’Carroll founded The Womens Organisation nearly three decades ago, the playing field for women in business was far from level. Systemic inequality, lack of access to funding, and deep-rooted cultural barriers stood in the way of countless talented women who wanted to start or scale their ventures.
Maggie saw this gap , and refused to let it stand. Her vision was clear: to empower women through enterprise. Not through charity, but through opportunity, training, and development that would give them the tools to build sustainable futures.
Today, that mission has blossomed into one of the UK’s most influential and respected social enterprises, shaping not only businesses but policies, communities, and international dialogue around gender equality.
The Womens Organisation operates on three powerful fronts , personal development, education, and business support.
Before the spreadsheets and business plans come self-belief. Many women who walk through the doors of The Womens Organisation arrive uncertain of their abilities, weighed down by doubt or disadvantage. Through mentoring, mindset training, and peer support, the organisation helps them rediscover their confidence , the first and most essential step toward success.
Knowledge is empowerment. From digital literacy to leadership programs, from marketing to financial management, The Women’s Organisation provides practical, high-quality education designed to meet women where they are and help them get where they want to be.
Whether it’s a kitchen start-up or a tech firm with global ambitions, the organisation offers tailored business support that covers everything from idea development to growth strategy. The result? Thousands of thriving enterprises that now contribute meaningfully to local and national economies.
While its roots are proudly in Liverpool, The Womens Organisation’s influence extends far beyond the city. Working with governments, international bodies, and policy makers, the organisation has become a key voice in shaping the worldwide conversation around women’s economic equality.
Their advocacy work has informed policy changes, influenced funding structures, and championed initiatives that ensure women entrepreneurs are recognised as vital to economic development , not as a side conversation, but as central drivers of innovation and change.
As Maggie O’Carroll puts it,
“When women thrive, economies flourish. Our work is not only about equity , it’s about progress.”
Behind every number lies a story.
There’s the single mother who turned a home baking hobby into a thriving catering business.
The graduate who transformed her creative talent into a digital design studio.
The mid-career woman who rediscovered her confidence and launched a consultancy after years out of the workforce.
Each story reflects the same truth: when women are supported, entire communities rise.
Through its programs, The Womens Organisation has not only created entrepreneurs , it has built networks of leaders, mentors, and changemakers who continue to pay that empowerment forward.
The organisation’s headquarters at 54 St James Street in Liverpool is more than an office. It’s a physical manifestation of their ethos , modern, inclusive, and designed with women in mind.
The space provides co-working facilities, event rooms, and networking areas where women can connect, collaborate, and create.
It’s a hub of energy and optimism , where ideas are born, partnerships are forged, and dreams are quietly transformed into action.
Though much has been achieved, The Women’s Organisation knows the journey toward equality is far from over. Barriers remain , from funding disparities to social bias , and their work continues with unwavering commitment.
They are now expanding their digital resources, developing leadership programs for women in emerging industries, and working with worldwide partners to replicate their success model in other regions.
Empowerment thrives in community. Here’s how individuals and organisations can support The Womens Organisation:
Partner: Collaborate on projects, events, or research initiatives that promote women’s entrepreneurship.
Donate: Financial contributions help sustain training programs and extend outreach to disadvantaged women.
Mentor: Business leaders can share their expertise to guide the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Advocate: Spread awareness of gender equity and support inclusive policies at every level.
From one woman’s vision to a worldwide network of empowerment, The Women’s Organisation stands as proof that progress begins with belief , belief in women, in equality, and in the power of community.
In a world where women’s voices are still too often unheard, this organisation has become a megaphone for change , amplifying dreams, inspiring confidence, and shaping a future where every woman can thrive on her own terms.
