Council’s Inform Women, Transform Lives mural unveiled in Southside

‘Information Is Liberating’ is the message of a new 40-metre mural in Southside District to illustrate how women can access vital services in Birmingham.

The colourful illustration, wrapped around a former nightclub is part of Birmingham City Council’s Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign – funded by the Carter Center in the US.

Local artist Melita Berg, was chosen following a city-wide call to create artwork to capture the importance of information to women’s lives – and in Birmingham’s case to access services and support for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Her design took two weeks to create, decorating the side of the former Oceana nightclub on the corner of Hurst Street and Smallbrook Queensway.

Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “All over Birmingham, and beyond, information can empower women: it strengthens their voices, enables them to participate fully in society and decision-making, with access to public services, education and employment.

“Whether it’s knowing where to go to online for help, how to access council services or to find support within their local communities – informed women can transform their lives.

“It is also about enabling women and girls in every neighbourhood feel empowered, speak up and take up opportunities as a result of being able to make informed decisions about their lives.”

It is part of the Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign funded by the US-based Carter Center – which provided $10,000 (approx. £7,900) for Melita to bring her design to life. It is also supported by Southside District.

The Birmingham campaign focuses on domestic abuse support services, highlighting the importance of improving women’s access to information.

Melita added: “‘The project means a great deal to me as I know abuse is often done in secret, so it could be your colleague, family member or a friend who is hiding their pain.

“Women should be celebrated, liberated and feel loved. If it is not the case, no matter what background or walk of life they are in, there is always someone who will listen, help and support them. 

“As a woman painting in the street of a busy city centre, I was exposed to daily verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate me. This has made it even clearer that access to information about local services is essential for women’s safety and wellbeing.

“I want for the mural to give the power back to the women - to speak up, to seek help, to open up or to walk away. No matter how big of a step you are ready to take, seeking information can be the first one. I hope local women feel empowered to seek advice.”

Birmingham was chosen as one of 12 international cities to take part in a global campaign led by the Carter Center, which aims to educate and enable women can access information and play an active role in society.