We are excited to be joined by 3 award-winning actresses in support of our campaign.
Lisa Dwan
Lisa Dwan is an award-winning actress, writer and academic who has lived in London for the last 20 years. Dwan writes, presents, lectures regularly on theatre, culture, gender and the playwright Samuel Beckett. She has toured the world with her critically acclaimed one-woman interpretations of Samuel Beckett. She is currently staring as Lizzie in Netflix’s ‘Top Boy’ and the soon to be aired ‘Bloodlands’ for the BBC. In her role as visiting professor in Women and Gender studies at Columbia University, Dwan worked closely to expand women’s role in narratives beginning by challenging the archetypes of Greek tragedies where she collaborated closely with Colm Toibin to reimagine a one woman Antigone and with Margaret Atwood on Medea. She is currently artist-in-residence at MIT and is long-term visiting professor at Princeton University.
Of her involvement in this campaign
“It is a privilege to get involved with Solace. Over the last few years I have dedicated a lot of thought and work on the subject of misogyny and I am horrified that 1 in 3 women between 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. I believe it is a critical time for us to get honest and think of women who are stuck in their homes in the most treacherous of situations. Please give generously to Solace so they can provide for women and children in need of support. For women at home, contemplating a call, we want you to know we are here and that there is no shame, and there is light at the end of the tunnel”
Karen Bryson
I’m Karen Bryson MBE , my career has spanned 25 years across various media platforms. Theatre, TV, Film and Voice Overs.
Of her involvement in this campaign
“It is my greatest pleasure to support Solace Women’s Aid. The work they do is incredible. Over the years they have helped change the lives of women and children trying to escape domestic abuse. Now more than ever in lockdown and these scary, uncertain times is their amazing, vital work more important than ever. We are seeing an alarming increase in fatalities. They offer hope. I thank them and you. Please help them support those women and children to escape the violence they are living in.”
Zara Janjua
Zara Janjua is an award-winning broadcaster, actor and comedian. She has worked for BBC and ITV shows in NTA, BAFTA and RTS winning production teams.
Zara is currently presenting a series of podcasts for Royal Bank of Scotland about Entrepreneurial Women called ‘Women In Business: Ask For More’. Last year she was shortlisted as a New Voice Talent on BBC Radio London and she hosted the BBC’s Comedy Underground.
Zara has appeared in global adverts including a worldwide campaign for Liz Earle Skincare. She also hosts global fashion shows, awards ceremonies, sporting events and corporate dinners. An advocate for equality, women’s rights and mental health – Zara works closely with charities on fundraising campaigns and events.
Of her involvement in this campaign
“I have seen first-hand how abusive and controlling relationships can destroy a women’s self-worth and have devastating consequences for the people impacted by it. Lockdown has intensified an already desperate situation for many women who live in fear of their partners and we cannot simply standby. I feel passionately about taking action to prevent the continued abuse of women and families. We must support and encourage women to leave dangerous environments and help them look forward to safe and happy futures.”