Women's organisations work on a wide range of issues. Here is a selection of recent news releases from and about the women's sector.

If you want us to feature your news release here, please send it to webby@wrc.org.uk.

Harman strengthens Women's National Commission

Organisation: Women's National Commission
Date: 11 September 2008

The views of women and women’s organisations were given a significant boost today as Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, announced ten new Commissioners who will join the board of the Women’s National Commission (WNC).

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Refuge launches campaign to save lives

Organisation: Refuge
Date: 5 August 2008

With two women being killed every week in England and Wales by a current of former partner, national domestic violence charity Refuge has launched a hard hitting early warning signs domestic violence campaign to save lives. The early warning signs campaign launches in the press today (05/08/08) and on poster sites later this month.

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Unique women's support centre showcases its work

Organisation: Ashiana Network
Date: 19 June 2008

A unique women's network and refuge, which helps victims of forced marriage and domestic violence, will be visited today by Justice Minister Bridget Prentice who will meet staff and users and raise awareness of the new Forced Marriage Act.

The Ashiana Network, a London-based service that runs refuges and counselling for female victims in Waltham Forest, offers one of the first safe houses for young women at risk specifically from forced marriage - the Ashiana Y Stop.

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Launch of first UK-wide women's fund

Organisation: Rosa
Date: 9 June 2008

The first UK-wide fund devoted exclusively to championing and investing in charities working with women and girls will be launched today (Tuesday June 10) at a reception in central London attended by Barbara Follett MP, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality.

The new organisation – Rosa – has been created to:

• Promote philanthropy by and for women – galvanise more support for organisations working with women and girls
• Raise funds and invest in change – identify new funding sources and fund initiatives that are tackling old problems in fresh ways
• Act as a champion – promote awareness of women’s organisations and spread understanding of the issues

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Jacqui Smith under pressure to take tougher action on rape

Organisation: Fawcett Society
Date: 15 April 2008

Today, leading women’s rights organisation the Fawcett Society (1) met with Jacqui Smith and published an open letter in The Times calling on the government to take tougher action on rape.

Fawcett asked the Home Secretary to address the prevalence of sexual violence by launching a public campaign to challenge myths and stereotypes about rape.

The open letter to Jacqui Smith has been signed by leading MPs, peers and academics, as well as over 2,300 members of the public (2). It demands that the government take immediate steps to ensure that victims of rape have access to practical support and a thorough police investigation of their case.

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