Hello you! I’m so glad you found us.

Women Who Contract is all about community, learning, and real opportunity,
built for women who are contracting or seriously considering it. Whether you’re
testing the waters or already owning your lane, this space is here to back you.

We know that contracting isn’t just a career choice.

• It’s confidence.

• It’s freedom.

• It’s knowing your value and charging for it.

Here, you’ll find support, straight-talking insights, shared experiences, and
opportunities that help you step up, stand out, and succeed.

Founder

Hi, I’m Lucy Hornsby. I started Women Who Contract mainly because I was tired of the massive wealth and opportunity gap in tech. But then I started to see this across multiple different industries. I knew it was a IT and digital industry problem, but the more women I spoke to - I found that the gap was much larger than that tech sphere.

As a seasoned contractor in Change Communications, I have seen firsthand how the “contracting game” really works - how opportunities are accessed, how rates are negotiated, and how some people build serious wealth while others are never shown how.

My mission? To see more women take control of their careers as a contractor (freelancer, consultant and even business owner).

When women step into the contracting market, they don’t just break
gender stereotypes - they shatter them. They build high-earning careers.
They reclaim their time. They create financial freedom and flexibility that
permanent roles rarely offer.

I live it. I love it.

And I am here to help you own it.

Who is this for?

The traditional corporate ladder wasn’t built with us in mind. If you’re tired of
waiting for a 3% annual raise or fighting for a seat at the table, it’s time to build
your own.

Contracting isn’t just a job change; it’s a business move.

• Command Your Worth: Stop asking for raises and start setting your day rate.

• Total Flexibility: Work on your terms, choose your projects, and design a life
  that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

• The Ultimate Fast Track: Close your own gender pay gap in months, not
  decades.

The business world needs your expertise and experience.

It’s time you got paid what that expertise is actually worth.

We are industry agnostic. Although we started out as Women in IT Contracting, We found that we had a put a barrier up to those who contract but didn’t really work tech. E.g. Project Managers working on facility programmes, BAs working in Pharma and Branding Directors who, well, didn’t even really have a Tech-related-title, but they are freelancer (contractors) in with different clients.

We felt that we didn’t want other women to feel that are not included in this movement so we open up out doors wider in September 2026, 09 months after we officially launched.

So if you identify as a woman. You contract or are considering the move into taking on a contract role. This space is for you.

What’s in it for me?

Join the only dedicated community built by women who contract, for women who contract.

As a woman who contracts, you wear every hat. You are the consultant, the accountant, the project manager, and the salesperson.

• Are you tired of navigating shifting IR35 regulations (or equivalent local tax laws) on your own?

• Do you wish you had a sounding board for negotiating your day rate without feeling like you’re asking for too much?

• Are you looking for a trusted circle of peers who truly get the unique challenges of being a female independent professional in a male-dominated industry?

You don’t have to do it all by yourself anymore.

So, welcome to your new home.

Women who Contract is a thriving, supportive ecosystem designed to help you land better contracts, increase your day rate, and build a sustainable, long-term business.

When you sign up today, you gain instant access to a powerhouse network of like-minded women who are sharing insights, celebrating wins, and lifting each other up.

We cannot wait to meet you! 🪩

From the community:

On Monday 1st February 2027 Women Who Contract will become a paid subscription based service.

You will have three tiers to select from. As a free subscriber you will have access to the 📧 Weekly Wednesday Digest (WWD). Which is hosted via Substack.

As paid subscriber you will benefit from:

• 💌 Subscriber-only content, in addition to the WWD + full archive

• 🧠 Quarterly coaching calls (with some guest experts)

• ⭕ Monthly Roundtables

Investment: £15 per month or £100 for the year.

As a founding member you will benefit from:

• 💥 Paid subscribers access PLUS....

• 📲 Access to a private WhatsApp group.

• ❤️50% off or free attendance to IRL Events.

• 💸Money off courses to help with your learning and development.

• 👌Access to me, my network + FM Network

Investment: £250 per year.

HOLD UP 😘 THERE’S MORE: Every *yearly* paid subscriber and founding member who signs up gets an interview slot on the YouTube channel, and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok) to get your personal brand and business in front of new clients and audiences. As well as access to a dedicated job board where members and trusted recruiters (!!) post opportunities. Often some are shared before the general public even get a whiff of it.