Women's Pioneer Housing

Women’s Pioneer Housing was established in 1920 by women and men who believed in gender equality and the need to redress the disadvantages women experienced in obtaining and retaining a secure home. Their aim was: "...to cater for the housing requirements of professional and other women of moderate means who require individual homes at moderate rents…." We are London’s largest specialist housing association for women, and our vision today is making a positive difference to women’s lives. Our mission is to provide homes and services which offer a springboard to independent women to achieve their potential. We aim to influence others to do the same. We own almost 1000 properties in eight boroughs in west and north-west London: Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Camden, Ealing, Wandsworth, Hillingdon, Harrow, and Westminster. A map illustrating Women’s Pioneer properties across London, divided in 3 patches, is below. 80% are studio and one-bedroom flats, mostly in converted Victorian buildings, many of which are listed or in conservation areas. There are also 90 leasehold flats, and a small but growing number of higher rental investment properties that fund our future development plans. Our sheltered housing for single women over 60 is located in Kensington & Chelsea, where we are the largest sheltered housing provider. We have 178 flats for women over 60 who wish to live independently in their own home but with added security and back-up support on site and on call. Despite changes in social attitudes and legislation, women are still disadvantaged when it comes to housing.