16 Days of Activism: what can you do?
Refugee women arrive in the UK seeking refuge from persecution, war, rape, gender-based violence and other forms of torture.
But instead of finding safety here after surviving so much, they experience even more harm, mistreatment, harassment and abuse.
Today, 25th of November 2024 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and the start of the #16DaysOfActivism.
It is vital that we include refugee women in our activism, this year and always.
We can’t end violence against women unless we’re fighting for all women, including women seeking safety.
Here are 5 ways you can show solidarity with refugee women this 16 Days:
1. WRITE TO YOUR MP TO END DETENTION!
There is no time limit on immigration detention in the UK.
Women seeking safety in the UK can be locked up for weeks and months on end, with no idea of when they will be released.
Locking up women who have already survived so much inflicts immense harm and retraumatises them.
We believe this can be changed.
The new Government has committed to tackle the national emergency of violence against women. This must include survivors who are seeking safety in the UK.
There are currently fewer than 100 women in immigration detention, so the Government could end the use of detention for women NOW.
Join us and write to your MP asking them to sign our letter to the Home Secretary.
Use our quick and easy tool and make a real difference!
2. READ AND SHARE OUR REPORT ‘COERCION AND CONTROL’
Our report shows that women who have fled gender-based violence are subjected to coercion and control in hotel accommodation, akin to patterns they have experienced in previous abusive relationships and situations.
Hotel accommodation:
- Further harms women seeking safety
- Perpetuates patterns of control and domination
- Subjects women to a range of coercive and controlling practices
Read and share our report to raise awareness about the harms of hotel accommodation on women seeking safety in the UK.
3. VISIT ES DEVLIN’S EXHIBITION AT SOMERSET HOUSE:
‘Face to Face: 50 encounters with strangers.’
Our Director, Alphonsine Kabagabo, and a refugee woman from our network, Thilini, are part of this beautiful exhibition at Somerset House.
The exhibition is free and running from 23rd of November to 12th January.
4. SIGN OUR PLEDGE TO WELCOME EVERY WOMAN:
Refugee women arrive in the UK seeking refuge from persecution, war, rape, gender-based violence and other forms of torture.
But instead of finding safety here after surviving so much, they only discover even more injustices and experience even more maltreatment.
History has proven time and time again that women are stronger together. So, right now, let’s keep making history.
Become part of a strong, compassionate and caring community standing in solidarity with refugee women.
5. BRING JOY TO REFUGEE WOMEN THIS WINTER
For many of the refugee women we support, the festive period can be particularly difficult. Whilst for many of us, it is a time of togetherness, joy and celebration, for the women we support:
- It is a painful reminder that they are separated from their children and loved ones,
- and as the days get colder and darker, the hostility of the asylum-system is felt even more starkly.
Together, we can spread some joy to refugee women this festive season, to let them know that they are not alone and that they are thought of.
With your support, we can ensure each woman:
- Enjoys a nourishing hot meal at our annual winter party
- and goes home with a gift bag, including a £25 shopping voucher.
Thank you for making a real difference this 16 days of activism ❤️
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support and solidarity of people like you.
We really appreciate all your support.