Feeding Futures of Leeds Manifesto Floor Flag
Sally Sutherland
Design Researcher and
Lecturer in Sustainable Design
Call to Action!
The Manifesto Floor Flag calls for a city centre in which people of Leeds can safely breastfeed and care for their children. Created through collaborative workshops, with Bosom Buddies breastfeeding peer support group, women from the Shine Project and members of the public, it embodies the collective vision of mothers, parents, carers and children for a more inclusive, healthy and caring Leeds City Centre.
Unlike traditional flags flown high on poles, a floor flag lies on the ground, creating an inviting space for gathering, thinking, talking, and connecting. Featuring key phrases from the manifesto and quotes from participants, it provides a space to express emotions, share experiences, and imagine new futures for caring and infant feeding in Leeds. The floor flag aims to build a strong sense
of community and support, breaking down barriers and challenging problematic societal norms of motherhood, parenthood, childhood, feeding and caregiving. The central pinwheel, or windmill, symbolises the multifaceted and ever-changing nature of individuals and their power to change things, demonstrating that cities are constantly evolving.
The flag’s themes and 10 manifesto points emerged from workshops with Leeds Bosom Buddies breastfeeding support group, Shine young women’s group and gallery visitors, all responding to the question “How would Leeds City Centre be different if feeding and caring for our children was prioritised?”
The flag will remain in Leeds Art Gallery, continuously inspiring change towards safer, healthier, and more inclusive urban environments that prioritise care and feeding, including breastfeeding.
The flag is dedicated to the women and people from Leeds who contributed to the project and is only possible thanks to their generosity of time, creativity and intelligence.
We urge policymakers, urban planners and community leaders in Leeds to implement these steps to create a supportive, inclusive and safe environment for all families. These actions recognise the need for broad changes across different aspects of life. By embracing shifts in attitudes, culture, infrastructure, systems, values and education, Leeds can promote sustainable feeding practices, improve public health, support gender equality and enhance the well-being of our communities.
Prioritise Safety: Address violence against women and girls, enhance lighting in darker areas and create alcohol-free zones to ensure public safety.
Provide Shelter and Facilities: Create sheltered areas and facilities including benches, playgrounds and comfortable indoor rooms where parents can feed their children or rest while their children play.
Provide Free Drinking Water: Ensure access to free drinking water for everyone, especially breastfeeding mothers and people.
Create Clean and Green Spaces: Promote healthier urban environments by reducing car dependency, creating green spaces and improving air quality.
Increase Free-to-Access Spaces: Expand non-commercial, free-to-access spaces, allowing people to feed, care or rest without financial barriers.
Improve Knowledge of Breastfeeding: Enhance public knowledge and support for breastfeeding, addressing societal stigma and harmful negative beliefs.
Value Breasts and Bodies as Life-Giving: Reclaim and desexualise breasts and all feeding bodies, normalising breastfeeding as a nurturing feeding practice.
Host Intergenerational Events and Spaces: Create designated areas for food, picnics, and communal dining, celebrating intergenerational experiences and the diverse families, tastes and cultures of Leeds.
Celebrate Normal Child Behaviour: Celebrate normal infant and child behaviour in Leeds, whether climbing, running, spinning, jumping, or getting messy and noisy.
Make Space for Feelings: Acknowledge and address the full spectrum of feelings for parents and children in public spaces, from comfort to discomfort, boredom to feeling upset.
