News from our community - February 2025

Asian Community Concern

Asian Community Concern works with faith groups and leadership training initiatives in the UK who focus on community development as a core expression of the ministry. To accomplish this mission, the organisation trains and supports individuals as well as local communities with the necessary skills, procedures and projects. As part of their efforts, they have organised English learning classes which are free for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. Sign-up for these classes by emailing [email protected].

Kiran Support Services

In celebration of International Women's Day 2025, Kiran Support Services (KSS) invites you to a half-day seminar, “Supporting South Asian Survivors of Domestic Abuse with Immigration Challenges.”

This event focuses on addressing the unique intersection of immigration and domestic abuse challenges faced by South Asian survivors.

Date: 26 February 2025

Time: 10am -1pm followed by a networking lunch (1-2pm)

Location: Wanstead Quaker Meeting House, Bush Road, London, E11 3AU

Sign-up: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse with Immigration Challenges Tickets, Wed 26 Feb 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite 

Deaf Ethnic Women's Association (DEWA)

On 1st February 2025, the Deaf Ethnic Women's Association (DEWA) hosted an empowering International Women's Day event, drawing 80 attendees for a day packed with insight, celebration, and community. This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasized the urgency of advancing gender equality, with DEWA offering a vibrant program across two sessions.

The morning session focused on supporting parents of Deaf children and Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), offering art activities and a thoughtful questionnaire about the experiences of Deaf and hearing parents. This initiative, backed by the National Deaf Children Society, gave valuable insights for DEWA’s research project.

In the afternoon, the event saw an even larger turnout, with guests traveling from across the country despite the cold and wet weather. The atmosphere warmed up quickly with networking opportunities and a hot, South Asian-inspired lunch. Attendees were introduced to DEWA’s newly launched website and logo, crafted with feedback from members. A live demo showcased the website's upcoming BSL translation features and enhanced accessibility.

A lively panel discussion followed, where hearing parents of Deaf children shared their personal stories of navigating communication, public services, and healthcare. The conversation sparked deep engagement, with members eager to share their perspectives.

The event wrapped up with a lively South American Samba dance, bringing everyone to their feet in celebration. Photographed by a Deaf Black photographer and fully accessible with BSL interpreters, the event was a resounding success, leaving attendees excited for DEWA’s future initiatives.

Nottingham Muslim Women's Network (NMWN)

NMWN are pleased to share one of their new initiatives in collaboration with other organisations: Ramadan Recharge 2025!

As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan, NMWN are excited to introduce a special initiative designed to support and uplift women during this spiritually significant time. Ramadan Recharge for Women is a collaborative effort, led by their colleague Asia Asghar, in partnership with other organisations, to create a space where women can connect, reflect, and rejuvenate throughout the month.

This initiative aims to provide practical well-being support, spiritual motivation, and community engagement, helping women make the most of Ramadan. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and self-care activities, participants will have the opportunity to recharge both mentally and spiritually while sharing this journey with others.

We are proud to see Asia Asghar leading this meaningful project and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to our community.

For more details, please check the links below:

Rights of Women (RoW)

DA Act Series: DA Act 2021 – Injunctions and Powers for Dealing with Domestic Abuse

Rights of Women (RoW) invites you to an essential session on Part 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, focusing on the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs). These new measures are currently being piloted in various locations, including the London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, and Sutton. The session will explain how these protections fit into the current legal framework and explore how the pilot programs are functioning.

This course is highly recommended for VAWG professionals working in the pilot boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, and Sutton.

Multiple Dates Available:

Date: 11th March 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Format: Zoom
Cost: Free

Date: 19th March 2025, Wednesday
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Format: Zoom
Cost: Free

For more details, please visit the RoW website.

The Rules on Mediation in Family Cases for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

This interactive webinar is for non-legal professionals who support survivors of domestic abuse in family law disputes. Recent changes in the rules now encourage greater use of mediation and other forms of non-court dispute resolution. This webinar will provide an overview of these rule changes and explore the implications for survivors of domestic abuse.

Date: 12th March 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Format: Zoom
Cost: Free

For further details, please visit the RoW website.

Survivors' Network

• An Introduction to Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence - Fri, 21 March 2025 09:30 – 13:00 -This course is intended to offer an introductory understanding of sexual violence and its impacts and provides a good foundation for further learning. You can sign up HERE.
• Responding to First Disclosures - Fri, 28 March 2025 09:30 – 13:00 - Ideal for people working directly with the public, who may at some point be the person that a survivor of sexual assault first talks to about their assault or abuse. You can sign up HERE.
• Supporting Survivors: Understanding the Criminal Justice Process - Wed, 2 April 2025 09:30 – 13:00 - The course is for anyone wanting to learn more about the way in which the systems in place respond to survivors of rape and sexual assault, and how these crimes may be dealt with. You can sign up HERE.
• Trauma, the Brain and Trauma-Informed Practices - Fri, 4 April 2025 09:30 – 13:00 - The course is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about psychological trauma, understand the physiological mechanisms operating when we experience trauma, how our brain and body process it, as well as the implications in the development of traumatic symptomatology. It is relevant for anyone working with clients who have experienced trauma, intending to use this knowledge to understand the impact this may have had and support these clients. You can sign up HERE.
• Self-care in Trauma Exposed Roles - Fri, 11 April 2025 09:30 – 13:00 - This training is for anyone wanting to learn how those in helping roles might face experiences such as burnout or vicarious trauma and considers ways to mitigate and manage the impact of stress using self-care strategies. You can sign up HERE.
• “Pre-trial” Therapy Conditions - Fri, 2 May 2025 10:00 – 16:00 - Ideal for therapists or practitioners whose clients are likely to be involved in the criminal justice system to upskill in this careful area of work. You can sign up HERE.

Southall Black Sisters (SBS)

Southall Black Sisters Events

Voices of Resistance: Celebrating Black Feminist Trailblazers
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) invites you to an evening with writer and activist Rahila Gupta, in conversation with journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. They will explore Gupta’s work and discuss key political challenges. This event is part of SBS’ Community Engagement Programme, fostering dialogue on feminist activism and social justice.

Confronting Identity Politics: A Breeding Ground for Division and Dehumanisation
SBS and the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University present a lecture by anti-racist activist Maryam Namazie on confronting identity politics and its impact on division and dehumanisation.

Campaigns and Submissions

Community Cohesion Submission
SBS submitted a response to the Women and Equalities Committee on community cohesion, urging the government to address structural discrimination, racism, and socio-economic inequalities. SBS recommended ending hostile environment policies and refocusing efforts on supporting Black, minoritised, and migrant communities. Read here.

Gendered Islamophobia Submission
SBS, in partnership with One Law For All and the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, submitted evidence on gendered Islamophobia, advocating for a shift from “Islamophobia” to “anti-Muslim racism” and a broader focus on the intersectional experiences of Black, minoritised, and migrant women. Read here.

Inquest into Michelle Sparman’s Death
An inquest into the death of Michelle Sparman opened on 27th January 2025. Michelle died by suicide in 2021, after experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour from her ex-partner. SBS is supporting her family in their pursuit of justice, with legal representation provided by Hogan Lovells LLP.

Read coverage on the inquest in MyLondon for days 1, 2, and 3. 

Vigil to Honour Harshita Brella
On 24th January 2025, SBS held a vigil for Harshita Brella, a migrant victim of domestic abuse believed to have been killed by her husband. The vigil raised awareness of the systemic failures faced by migrant victims and called for justice for Harshita and reform of immigration laws that impact vulnerable women.

Watch coverage of the vigil on Channel 4 News. 

For more updates and details, visit the SBS website.

Nordic Model Now!

Easy Money or Excuse for Abuse: How OnlyFans broke down the boundaries of a generation

Free webinar | 2–3:30pm, Sunday, 23 February

The transformation of OnlyFans (OF) from a ‘safe’ platform for ‘content creators’ to interact with their audience, to a synonym for pornography was fuelled by the COVID lockdowns and the OF policy of taking only 20% of creators’ revenue compared to the 40-65% cut typical on webcamming sites.

The caveat is that unlike most webcamming sites, OF does not promote creators or send traffic to their content, meaning they are on their own. If they want ‘fans’, they must go looking for them, typically by promoting themselves on social media.

This has led to women, like Lily Phillips and Bonnie Blue, doing ever more desperate stunts to attract ‘fans’ and the money they bring. Women are caught up in a gladiatorial-style race not only against each other, but also with films of atrocities. This begs the question of where it will end and what is the real cost.

According to Josephine Martinez, “every generation Z girl knows a girl who has been or is a camgirl”. This is hardly surprising since young women are told that ‘sex work’ is a job like any other and that stripping and pandering to men’s sexual demands on camera is both empowering and financially enriching.

In fact data shows that the vast majority of OF creators do not make much money – unlike OF itself, which saw its 2024 net revenue increase by 20% to $1.31 billion, with pre-tax profit jumping 25% to $658 million.

In this webinar, OnlyFans survivor, Roxie Roots, and feminist activist, Elly Arrow, will discuss how OnlyFans works and ask what all of this means for women, for men, for children, and for wider society.

This webinar is free but you need to register in advance:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/easy-money-or-excuse-for-abuse-tickets-1206833053149

Jewels of Faith

Organisational Updates:

• New Partnership: Jewels of Faith is an independent Christian-based community dedicated to empowering women in areas such as career development, health, finances, family life, and spiritual growth. We have recently joined the Women's Resource Centre to expand our reach and impact.
• Upcoming Events: We are planning retreats, seminars, lunches, dinners, and other programmes, with dates to be confirmed (TBC). These events aim to foster community and personal growth.

Campaigns:

• Faith Beyond Words: This initiative offers a safe space for women to share their experiences and receive support, prayers, and guidance. Support can be anonymous  allowing women to express their thoughts and receive scripture-based encouragement during life’s seasons. For inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]

Events:

• Weekly Check-Ins: Join us every week for our interactive check-ins on Telegram at t.me/jewelsoffaith, where we engage, pray, and uplift one another.
• Podcast Episodes: The Jewels Unfiltered podcast is released weekly and explores topics around personal growth, faith, and empowerment. Anyone can listen on Spotify: Podcast.

Social Media Presence:

• Follow us on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram at @JewelsOfFaith1 for daily inspiration and updates.: Instagram 

The View Magazine CiC

Issue 12 of The View Magazine Focuses on Women’s Global Challenges

The View Magazine CiC is proud to announce the release of Issue 12 of The View Magazine, titled Women vs. The State. This issue delves into the systemic challenges women face worldwide, highlighting stories of resilience and advocacy for justice. The latest issue can be accessed here: Issue 12 - Autumn and Winter 2024.

Change.org Petition on Women’s Safety and Judicial Accountability

In response to concerning judicial rulings that impact women’s safety, The View Magazine CiC has launched a Change.org petition. The petition raises critical issues surrounding judicial accountability and the need for better protection of vulnerable groups. It calls for action to address these alarming concerns.

Women’s Day Fundraiser: A Call for Support and Involvement

Looking ahead, The View Magazine CiC is organizing a Women’s Day Fundraiser this March to raise awareness and funds for ongoing advocacy efforts. The event presents an opportunity for individuals and organizations to join in supporting initiatives that promote justice and equality for women.