Hope and happiness
This week has been heavy.
From the Government’s white paper on immigration to the disturbing comments made by the Prime Minister, including that the UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers’ as a result of migration, it has felt like a week of hostility and harm. (Read our full statement here.)
Despite the Government’s hostility sending shockwaves through our community and causing anxiety, confusion, and worry, the women in our network came together in collective strength and solidarity.
Whether creating songs at our music class, planning campaigns for change with our Campaigns Champions, or exploring performance techniques at Drama, our community space remained full of hope and joy.
Here are some things that have made us smile this week, because our hope and happiness cannot be taken from us!
Rainbow Sister singing workshop
Earlier this week, Rainbow Sisters – our solidarity group for LGBTQ+ women – enjoyed a lively singing workshop.
Members sang together, shared their favourite lyrics and songs, and created a Rainbow Sisters rap!
It was a wonderful afternoon of creativity and connection. Huge thank you to our volunteers who made the afternoon so fun!
“The rainbow in the sky reflects how we all feel inside!”
Walking with The Ramblers
Five members of our network started their training to become ‘Walk Leaders’ with The Ramblers – a brilliant walking charity.
In the first session we looked at planning routes, barriers people may face to walking, map symbols and map reading.
Mercy shared:
“I have a lot I can take home – I can now tell others about my routes. I have so much appreciation!”
Safety and Survival
Six members of our research team held a lively online event to discuss our report, Safety and Survival, which uncovered the impact of the work ban on women seeking safety in the UK, alongside Carla Denyer – MP for Bristol Central and Co-Leader of The Green Party.
Find out more about our report here, and ways that you can support our campaign to lift the ban here.
The group shared afterwards:
“We feel so motivated and encouraged by the support and solidarity shown by the audience. Together we WILL lift the ban! Thank you so much for coming. Solidarity!!”
Attending Parliament
Anne Marie, a member of our research team, attended a parliamentary event organised by the Lift the Ban coalition, to mark the launch of their new report, Time to Lift the Ban.
Ten people with lived experience of the asylum system and the work ban spoke to MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff about our campaign to Lift the Ban.
It was an uplifting afternoon and we left feeling energised by the support and solidarity shown by those who attended.
Together we can lift the ban! Sign our open letter to the Home Secretary today.
Asylum of Hope, by Jane
Jane, a member of our network, shared a beautiful poem she has written about her asylum journey, titled Asylum of Hope.
We hope you enjoy this snippet! You can read Jane’s full poem here.
Thank you Jane for sharing your powerful words.
“I am a warrior. A survivor. My courage guides me through all that I do. Even in my darkness, I see my worth.”
Solidarity and community
This weekend, one our supporters is running the Hackney Half Marathon to raise funds for our work.
And in a few weeks time, two others are jumping out of a plane in a charity skydive to support us.
During times of such hostility, the compassion of our supporters is so encouraging and reassuring.
Good luck all and thank you SO much. Your support will make a huge difference to the refugee women we support.
Feeling inspired? Head over to our challenge events page to see what takes your fancy!
We will always meet the Government’s hostility and cruelty with joy, resilience and action!
We couldn’t achieve any of this without our compassionate and generous supporters, like you.
Please continue to support refugee women and to make a real difference: donate here.