Women in Bradford made a pact to steer the running of the city 'in the right direction' because men have made a mess of it, they say.

Around 100 women from all backgrounds went to the newly-formed Bradford Women's Forum conference at the Carlisle Business Centre yesterday.

They pledged to infiltrate decision-making bodies and use their influence to improve the way that Bradford is run.

Many said that the district's problems, including segregation and deprivation, had still not been addressed, despite talk about social cohesion. They decided that it was time that women sorted out the problems that men had created.

The forum was organised by women from Action for Business (Bradford) Limited (ABL) which hosted the women-only conference.

Gurpaul Sandhu, a founder member, told the conference that Bradford's population was 55 per cent female, so it was about time that women had a voice.

She said: "It is up to us to be part of the vision that will improve our lives and our children's lives.''

She added: "If you ask us under what authority we will be operating, we will say we have strength in numbers, we have power and we have expertise."

Members of the group were determined to share knowledge and skills and use their power and influence within their own professional fields.

But the women also wish to work alongside Bradford Vision, the city's strategic partnership and community regeneration groups.

Sharmila Gandhi, pictured, chief executive of Bradford Vision, gave her whole-hearted support to the forum which she hoped would work alongside her.

She said: "I hope today will be the start of something great for Bradford. I believe it is a coming-together of women from across the district from different backgrounds and ages providing support, confidence and encouragement. The opportunities here are phenomenal."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer attended the meeting but Councillor Margaret Eaton, leader of Bradford Council, sent her apologies. Anne Griffin, Bradford police community relations officer, promised that the forum would be a working group, not just a talking shop.

In workshops, the women discussed positive and negative aspects of life in Bradford and what they could actively do to make it better.

They discussed ways to portray a more positive image of Bradford to the world, integrate and educate the communities, elect more women leaders, link together and share their knowledge and experiences.

Organiser and founder member Kulbir Bura, of ABL, said: "Our group felt angry that Bradford was being let down and needed women to do something about it - we have left it to the men for too long."

Many women in the audience shouted out that it was the male leaders who had let them down.

Usha Parmar, chief executive of Sunrise Radio said: "This will most definitely make a difference in Bradford. It is long overdue."

Bradford Women's Forum will meet again on June 12 at 1pm in Carlisle Business Centre. All women who live and work in the city are invited to attend.