The day is being commemorated with a focus on the safety of girls and young women in London.
Solace is on a mission to make London a safe place for everyone. Young women and girls are at risk of domestic abuse, sexual violence and harassment on the streets and in their homes. Recently, the visibility of these forms of violence against women and girls has been magnified in the media. As we remember Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa, Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, and the countless other women who have lost their lives to male violence, it is vital that we come together to end violence and make sure every woman and girl is safe in our city.
We are taking part in The Big Give and donations made between midday 8th March to midday 22nd March will be matched by DCMS Tampon Tax fund until we reach our £50,000 target.
Jane Jutsum, Director says
“Domestic abuse has risen drastically since the pandemic. On top of this, the mental health needs of young women have increased with1 in 6 children reporting a mental health disorder in 2020/21 (NHS) and 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed (UN Women).
Young women & girls have faced violence – trapped in abusive homes or attacked in the street and without vital support systems such as advocacy and therapeutic support, many girls will be left behind feeling isolated & vulnerable.
Never has there been a greater need to support girls and young women. With your help we can change their future story.”
*The Big Give opens for donations 12:00 PM, 8 March 2022 and runs to12:00 PM, 22 March 2022 https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002AsGzYAAV
*Donations must be made via a credit/debit card through Solace’s Big Give campaign page during the campaign week to be eligible for match-funding.
Jen Cirone, Interim Director of Services says
“Solace will provide vital therapeutic support for young women & girls experiencing abuse & violence. We empower young girls through a range of youth services, aimed at young women who are the most at risk of harmful relationships. They will use their voice & experiences to raise awareness of VAWG by learning about consent, healthy relationships, domestic abuse and share with their peers through campaigning and a mini youth conference or webinar.”
For more information, contact fundraising@solacewomensaid.org
Powerful Together: International Women’s Day event
The event will take place from 7pm at Rich Mix, 35-37 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA. The evening is made up of an exhibition featuring artwork from survivors supported by Solace and a panel discussion with inspiring change makers on the theme of young women’s safety. Tickets for the event start at £15 and are available here: