Talk: Fighting for Women’s Rights in Cambridge

Cambridge has been home to a vibrant women’s movement from Suffragette times, through the 70s onwards, and continuing today. Yet many women in the city continue to be in a precarious position, affected disproportionately by any crises such as the rise in the cost of living.

On the 14 March 2023, representatives from Cambridge Women’s Aid, Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre and Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre, all based in the Mill Road area, will talk about the early years of their organisations, the issues they were set up to tackle, what they do now and the current services they provide. Come to this talk if you would like to hear more about the fight to secure women’s rights in Cambridge and what this means.

The talk will examine whether women’s equality and rights have progressed since the 1960s, whether responses to violence against women and girls have changed over this time and why safe, women-only spaces remain relevant today. It will also look at public policy and decision making, reviewing whether the Government and agencies such as local authorities deliver according to their strategies for women, particularly when commissioning services. It will ask if public discussions, e.g. in the media, cover issues in a gendered way or if women continue to be invisible.

Finally, we hope the talk and discussion will demonstrate the tangible benefits to society of ensuring women’s equality and rights and of investment in social infrastructure.

Our speakers are:

Angie Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Women’s Aid. Since 1977, CWA provides dedicated and specialist services for women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Norah Al-Ani, Director, Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre. CRCC is a specialist sexual violence organisation, since 1982, delivering a range of support services each year to thousands in Cambridgeshire who are survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence.

Stef Martinsen-Barker, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre. Since 1982, CWRC has provided a welcoming and accessible women’s community space and has a rich history of supporting, training and encouraging women seeking positive change for themselves and their families.

This event takes place at Ross Street Community Centre on 14 March 2023 at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm, all are welcome.

Please reserve your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fighting-for-womens-rights-in-cambridge-tickets-534796700327. Tickets will be available on the door if available.