News News from our Community News from our community - March 2025 Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre Ltd CWRC Reopens Vital Centre for Women in Peterborough Cambridge Women's Resource Centre (CWRC) is excited to announce the reopening of its Peterborough Centre on March 4th, after a year of essential repairs. The renovations, which included roof and interior updates, mark a significant step in CWRC's commitment to providing vital support for vulnerable women in the community. CEO Harriet Morgan expressed gratitude to supporters and the dedicated team, stating, “This reopening reflects CWRC’s ongoing dedication to the health and wellbeing of women in Peterborough. We’re excited to reintroduce essential services and announce our new ‘Thrive’ program.” Although the building repairs are complete, full refurbishment is ongoing. CWRC is seeking donations and support from the community to help create a welcoming and safe space for women facing homelessness, poverty, and trauma. For more information on how to contribute, visit CWRC’s campaign page: CWRC Peterborough Centre reopening - JustGiving. Southeast and East Asian Women's Association SEESAW Featured in The Guardian: Barriers to Justice for East Asian Women SEESAW was featured in The Guardian this month, highlighting the barriers East Asian women face when seeking justice in the UK. The article focuses on the case of serial rapist Zhenhao Zou and the cultural, linguistic, and institutional obstacles that prevent many victims from coming forward. Read the full article here: The Guardian - Serial Rape Case: Barriers to Justice for East Asian Women This feature underscores the vital work SEESAW and other organizations are doing to support survivors and advocate for better resources and systemic change. ADHD Babes ADHD Babes Partners with Black Thrive for ADHD Careers Weekend In October, ADHD Babes collaborated with Black Thrive to host a successful ADHD Careers Weekend, tailored to the specific needs of Black women and non-binary people with ADHD. The event received positive feedback and reaffirmed the need for more spaces like this in the future. One participant shared:"Everyone was fantastic. I loved every minute, and I felt safe and accommodated. You have reassured me that I can manage all aspects of my life, including my career, in a way that works for me. I hope this continues!" We look forward to continuing this work and providing more opportunities for growth and connection within the ADHD community. For more updates, check out our latest quarterly newsletter here. Sudanese Women’s Union in the UK and Ireland In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), the Sudanese Women’s Union in the United Kingdom and Ireland organized a march on February 8, 2025. The march started from Parliament Square and proceeded to 10 Downing Street, with resounding chants against the war in Sudan and calls for support for Sudanese women in their struggle against rape and oppression. Participants also chanted slogans for democracy and freedom, rejecting tyranny and injustice. The demonstrators wore orange headbands as a symbol of resistance against violence towards women and placed tape over their mouths to symbolize the silencing and repression of women and freedom-loving people in Sudan. At the final stop in front of 10 Downing Street, a statement was read aloud and later delivered to Parliament. Speeches were also given by representatives of solidarity organizations supporting the cause. Excerpt from the Statement Delivered to Parliament: "On behalf of Sudanese women, we write to you with an urgent plea regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis and deteriorating human rights in Sudan. Women and girls are enduring unspeakable acts of violence, including sexual abuse, abduction, and torture, perpetrated by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)." The letter calls for the UK government to take several actions, including an immediate ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable. Survivors' Network Survivors' Network is hosting the CHANGE THE CULTURE training sessions starting this week! These courses are designed to provide vital support and knowledge for those working with survivors of sexual violence. If you’re looking to enhance your understanding of trauma, the criminal justice system, and how to best support survivors, these sessions are for you. Upcoming sessions include: Responding to First DisclosuresFri, 28 March 2025 | 09:30 – 13:00Sign up HERE Supporting Survivors: Understanding the Criminal Justice ProcessWed, 2 April 2025 | 09:30 – 13:00Sign up HERE Trauma, the Brain, and Trauma-Informed PracticesFri, 4 April 2025 | 09:30 – 13:00Sign up HERE Self-care in Trauma Exposed RolesFri, 11 April 2025 | 09:30 – 13:00Sign up HERE “Pre-trial” Therapy ConditionsFri, 2 May 2025 | 10:00 – 16:00Sign up HERE These training sessions are a great opportunity for anyone working with survivors to improve their skills and knowledge. We encourage you to sign up and share this with others who may benefit. International Women's Day Derby Latest News: IWD Derby Festival & New Campaign Launch The International Women's Day Derby Festival, held on March 7-8, 2025, saw around 1,000 attendees gather to amplify survivor and advocate voices, celebrate in joyful resistance, and push for change. Early Intervention = Safer Relationships Campaign As part of the Derby Speaks Up project, the team launched the Early Intervention = Safer Relationships campaign at the festival. The campaign, supported by Rosa's Voices From the Frontline Fund, calls on policymakers to invest in early intervention. This includes combining victim support with behaviour change programmes for those causing harm, aiming to tackle root causes of abuse. Watch the campaign video here: Watch the Video. Learn more about the campaign and survey results, which show over 80% support, here: Campaign Details. Animated Videos on Misogyny The campaign also led to the creation of animated videos, informed by local women’s experiences with misogyny. The videos call for system-wide change, countering harmful influencers and shifting focus from women to those who perpetuate misogynistic behaviour. Watch the animated series here: Watch the Animated Series. Nordic Model Now! ‘Grooming Gangs’: Where Did the Idea Come From? Join Nordic Model Now! for a thought-provoking webinar examining the so-called grooming gang scandals in the UK. The discussion will explore whether these cases are a foreign concept brought to the UK or if they reflect deeper, pre-existing issues within British society. The session will also tackle the role of authorities, the impact of racism fears, and how we can work towards real change. Date: Sunday, 27 April 2025Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM BSTEntrance: FreeRegister here: Eventbrite Registration New Report - The Social & Economic Costs of Prostitution & Other Forms of Sexual Exploitation: The Case for Investing in Equality Nordic Model Now! has released a new report advocating for the introduction of the Nordic Model approach to prostitution policy in the UK. The report outlines the social and economic costs of prostitution and sexual exploitation and calls for stronger interventions to end the impunity of those profiting from the exploitation of women, children, and marginalized individuals. Download the PDF for free or purchase a printed copy here: The Social & Economic Costs of Prostitution Rights of Women Stay informed on upcoming free courses from Rights of Women, happening from April to June 2025. Course details will be shared on their website and via their training and events mailout in the coming weeks. Upcoming Courses: Immigration Law for Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Series: 23/04/25 – Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession 09/05/25 – Indefinite Leave for Victims of Domestic Abuse 20/05/25 – Victims of Domestic Abuse with Pre-settled Status as Family Members under the EUSS Expert Led Training: Immigration and VAWG Training: Migrant Women and Immigration Controls June (Date TBC) Domestic Abuse Act Series: DA Act 2021: An Overview Date: TBC Supporting Survivors with Fact-Finding Hearings 14/05/25 To stay updated on these courses, sign up for the Rights of Women training and events mailing list by emailing [email protected] with the following details: Email address Job title Organisation Postcode of where your organisation is based 4Wings 4Wings IWD Event: A Celebration of Women's Voices and Art In honor of International Women’s Day, 4Wings teamed up with BlackFest for a vibrant celebration of women’s artistic expression. The event was alive with poetry, performances, powerful panel discussions, and music that had everyone dancing. One of the evening's highlights was the Black Women Founders Panel, where Ciiku Sondergaard, Titilayo Odunaiya, and Sylvia Kalungi shared their inspiring journeys, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities they face in the arts and third sector. The event radiated energy, solidarity, and the power of uplifting women’s voices and talents, leaving attendees inspired and connected. Ciiku Sondergaard on BBC Sounds: Sharing the 4Wings Vision Our founder, Ciiku Sondergaard, had the honor of speaking on BBC Sounds, diving deep into the incredible work 4Wings is doing within the community. She shared the story of our journey, the impact of our IWD event with BlackFest, and how 4Wings is supporting women and marginalized communities in transformative ways. The interview was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the heart of our work and the change we’re striving to create. 4Wings in the Community Foundation Article4Wings was highlighted in an article by the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, recognizing the impact of our work on women’s lives. Read the article: Community Foundation Article Jewels of Faith Organisational Updates: 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. Recently, the organisation joined the Women's Resource Centre to expand its reach and impact. Upcoming Events:Jewels of Faith is 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 provides a safe space for women to share their experiences and receive support, prayers, and guidance. Women can participate anonymously, allowing them to express their thoughts and receive scripture-based encouragement during life’s seasons. For inquiries, contact [email protected]. Events: Weekly Check-Ins:Join Jewels of Faith every week for interactive check-ins on Telegram at t.me/jewelsoffaith, where the community engages, prays, and uplifts one another. Podcast Episodes:The Jewels Unfiltered podcast is released weekly, exploring topics around personal growth, faith, and empowerment. Tune in on Spotify. Social Media Presence:Follow Jewels of Faith on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram at @JewelsOfFaith1 for daily inspiration and updates. YouTube:Watch the latest video on YouTube. Manage Cookie Preferences